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Located south of Guilin, Yangshuo is famous for its stunning landscape—a dramatic scenery filled with thousands of limestone karst formations, beautiful and meandering rivers, and a lush countryside full of pastoral scenes of rice paddies, farmers, cormorant fishermen, stone bridges, and rural villages. Beyond the vistas, Yangshuo is also a standout destination for rock climbing and many other things to do, including active pursuits like hiking and biking. There are also caves and ancient villages to explore, as well as a vibrant West Street in town that attracts international and Chinese visitors.
Although Yangshuo can be visited year-round, spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer the best weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It can be cold and rainy most days from December to February. Avoid Yangshuo during major public holidays in China, especially Chinese New Year and the May and October golden week holidays, as the area will be incredibly crowded.
The town of Yangshuo itself is small and easily walkable. You can rent a bike or scooter to get around the countryside. Taxis, electric carts, golf carts, motorbikes, mini-buses, and pedicabs are also available. The closest airport is in Guilin, and an airport shuttle is available. The Yangshuo Train Station is near Xingping Town, around an hour from Yangshuo Station by bus. You can travel between Guilin and Yangshuo by train, bus, taxi, and cruising down the Li River.
A cruise down the Li River from Guiling to Yangshuo may be one of the most popular activities in the region, but it’s not a very relaxing one. Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a more serene alternative, which also passes by famous bridges such as Yulong Bridge and Fuli Bridge. Try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a water mat to stay active while enjoying the Yulong River.
Attractions 17 | Tours 108 | Reviews 59 |
Yes. Yangshuo is noted for having some of the best scenery in Guangxi and indeed, all of China. A Li River cruise is one of the top activities in Guilin and ends in Yangshuo. Adventurous travelers and outdoor lovers can also take advantage of activities like rock climbing, hiking, and biking.
...MoreYangshuo is famous for its scenic natural beauty, with a surreal landscape of limestone karst hills and caves and a lush countryside with rustic farms and picturesque ancient towns. It’s a popular endpoint of a Li River cruise and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including world-class rock climbing.
...MoreIn Yangshuo, top attractions include West Street and Green Lotus Peak. Nearby attractions include Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree, along the scenic “Ten Mile Gallery” Road, and Xingping ancient village. There are also many peaks to climb and caves to explore. Cruising down the Li River or rafting the Yulong River are also popular.
...MoreYangshuo is relatively small, and you can see attractions like West Street and Green Lotus Peak and visit the scenic countryside in one day. More active visitors will want to spend a few more days climbing, biking, or hiking. Add another day or two to visit nearby attractions like Xingping ancient village, Guilin, or the Longji Rice Terraces.
...MoreDon’t miss walking around West Street. Although always busy, it’s the heart of Yangshuo and dates back 1,400 years. Visiting the countryside is another must-do activity, whether on a bike ride, hike, or leisurely bamboo cruise on the Yulong River. Set on the Li River, Impressions Sanjie Liu is a must-see show created by famed director Zhang Yimou.
...MoreGuilin is a large city with better hotels, transport, and food options. Though scenic, it doesn’t compare to Yangshuo. The town of Yangshuo itself is small, but the surrounding countryside is sprawling. For more active visitors, Yangshuo would make a better base. It may make sense for other visitors to stay in Guilin and visit Yangshuo.
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