After spending a few days in Hong Kong, I crossed the border into mainland China with the goal of reaching Yangshuo, a place I had seen many times in photos for its karst mountain landscapes and which I had long wanted to visit.
And although I had high expectations of visiting this place, I must admit that I was even more surprised by how beautiful it is when you are there in person.
Yangshuo is surrounded by hundreds of vegetation-covered rock formations, tranquil rivers, rural areas with rice paddies, and small villages. It has a fairly touristy center, but the best part is the surrounding countryside, where you can explore by bicycle, walk along the Yulong River, or simply enjoy some of China's most distinctive scenery.
In this post I'll tell you what to see and do in Yangshuo, how to explore its surroundings, which places are most worth visiting, and some practical tips for organizing your visit.
Table of Contents
Where is Yangshuo located?
Yangshuo is located in southern China, within the Guangxi Autonomous Region, about 65 km from the city of Guilin. The area is famous for its karst landscape, a type of geography formed by hundreds of limestone mountains that create one of the most iconic natural scenerys in the country.
The town of Yangshuo is located on the banks of the Li River, the same river that features in the famous boat trip between Guilin and Yangshuo, considered one of the most spectacular landscapes in China.
In addition, the Yulong River also passes very close to the village, a quieter and more rural area where many outdoor activities are concentrated.
How to get to Yangshuo
The most common way to get to Yangshuo is to first travel to Guilin, the nearest large city and the main entry point to this region of southern China.
Guilin has an international airport and is also well connected to the rest of the country by high-speed trains, with frequent connections from cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing.
Once in Guilin, the quickest option is to take a direct bus from Guilin Station or Guilin North Bus Terminal, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. It is also possible to take a high-speed train to Yangshuo Station (see location), located about 30 km from the village, and from there continue by taxi or shuttle bus.
Another very popular alternative is to take the Li River cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo, a scenic 4-hour tour that passes through the famous karst mountain landscape. It's more expensive than land transport, but many travelers consider it one of the most memorable experiences in the area.
Getting to Yangshuo from Hong Kong
In my case, I arrived from Hong Kong by train. First I crossed the border into Shenzhen, from where I took a direct high-speed train to Yangshuo Station. There are fewer trains than to Guilin, but it's still an option.
However, Yangshuo train station is about 30 km from the town, so upon arrival you still have to take one of the buses that leave from the station terminal and which in approximately 40-50 minutes will drop you off in the center of Yangshuo.
How to get around in Yangshuo
Getting around Yangshuo is quite easy, especially since many of the attractions are in the surrounding area and can be reached via quiet country lanes.
Bicycle:
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around the area. Many hotels, guesthouses, and tour agencies rent them directly. Prices typically range from 20 to 40 RMB per day (approximately 3–6 USD), depending on the type of bicycle.
It's a good option if you want to cover short distances or spend the day cycling through rice paddies and small villages. The Yulong River area, for example, is perfect for exploring this way.
Electric motorcycle
Another very common option in Yangshuo is renting an electric motorbike. They are very popular with travelers because they allow you to cover longer distances effortlessly. The price is usually between 60 and 100 RMB per day (approximately 8–15 USD).
One important advantage is that you don't need a driver's license to use them, which is quite common in many tourist destinations in China. They are also easy to handle and very quiet.
The battery life is usually several hours, enough to cover a good part of the area around Yangshuo. This allows you to venture away from the tourist center and explore rural areas, viewpoints, and quieter paths without worrying too much about distance.
Things to do in Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a destination where most activities are related to the natural landscape surrounding the town. Karst mountains, rice paddies, and rural paths make it an ideal place to explore without too much planning, simply moving around and enjoying the surroundings.
Explore the surrounding area by bicycle
One of the best ways to explore Yangshuo is to rent a bicycle and head out for a ride through the countryside. There are many rural roads that wind through rice paddies, small villages, and agricultural areas, always with the karst mountains as a backdrop.
It's a very popular and easy-to-organize activity. Many guesthouses and agencies rent bicycles for the day, and it's also common to rent electric scooters if you want to cover more distance.
Some of the best areas to explore are:
Moon Hill
Moon Hill is one of the most curious karst formations in the area, a mountain with a large circular hole in the center, reminiscent of a full moon (see on the map).
You can walk to the top. In my case I didn't, but the natural arch can be seen very well from several viewpoints and nearby paths, even from a distance while cycling through the area, such as from this point.
Bordering the Yulong River
This is probably the best area for cycling (see location). The path follows the Yulong River and passes through a peaceful rural landscape, with karst mountains, rice paddies, and small villages.
Along the route, there are many trails and side paths where you can stop to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. The stretch to the old bridge (see location) is particularly beautiful.
Darongshu Area
This area is known for the Big Banyan Tree, which is said to be over a thousand years old. Beyond the tree itself, the area is interesting because it is surrounded by fields and mountains, and it is often included in many cycling routes around Yangshuo.
Take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River
On the Yulong River you can take a bamboo raft ride, which slowly descends the river through the karst landscape.
The route passes small stone bridges, cultivated fields, and rural areas. It's a very peaceful experience, with many locals around, as it's one of the most typical tours in Yangshuo and a great way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Climb to natural viewpoints
The area around Yangshuo has several natural viewpoints offering stunning views of the karst mountain landscape that characterizes the region. Many involve short but somewhat steep hikes, though the views from the top are usually well worth the effort.
These high points allow for a better understanding of the geography of the place and show how the mountains are distributed throughout the valley.
Xianggongshan Viewpoint
One of the most famous viewpoints in the entire region is Xianggongshan. From its summit, you get a spectacular view of the Li River winding through the karst mountains, one of the most iconic landscapes in southern China.
The viewpoint is quite far from Yangshuo (see on map), so it's not so easy to get there by bicycle or motorbike. The most practical option is usually to go by taxi or with an organized transfer, especially if you want to arrive early to see the sunrise, which is when the scenery is usually at its best.
Walking down West Street
Yangshuo town centre also has its own atmosphere, especially around West Street, the liveliest street in town. It's lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops catering to tourists.
It's a fairly busy area, but it's a good place to go out for dinner, have a drink, or simply take a stroll at night after spending the day exploring the surrounding area.
Impression Sanjie Liu
A unique nighttime spectacle on the Li River, with the illuminated karst mountains as a backdrop. Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, it blends music, lights, and dance with hundreds of local performers.
Li River Cruise
The classic route between Guilin and Yangshuo (or shorter versions starting from Yangshuo itself). You sail through landscapes of karst mountains that look like they've been lifted from a Chinese painting. It's one of China's most iconic sights.
Hot air balloon flight
An incredible way to see the landscape from above. I didn't do it, and it's not always available throughout the year, but if it coincides with your trip, it might be worthwhile.
Where to sleep in Yangshuo
Yangshuo has many accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique hotels and more exclusive resorts amidst the karst landscape. Most travelers stay near the center, which puts restaurants, agencies, and transportation within easy reach.
In my case, I stayed at Yangshuo Sudder Street Guesthouse (you can see it on Booking.com or Trip.com), a modern, clean, and very well-maintained hostel. It has very pleasant common areas, making it a good place to meet both international travelers and Chinese tourists.
The only downside is that it's not exactly in the center, so you have to walk a bit to reach the livelier part of town. Even so, the area is peaceful, and the hostel's atmosphere more than makes up for that short walk. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a comfortable place to stay in Yangshuo with a great atmosphere.
Best time to visit Yangshuo
Yangshuo can be visited year-round, but the best time is usually between March and November, when temperatures are more pleasant and the scenery is greener.
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit. The weather is mild and the rice paddies begin to turn green, making the karst landscape especially beautiful. However, it's also a time when there can be quite a bit of fog and some rain, which adds a unique touch to the scenery.
The summer (June to August) is warm and humid, with high temperatures and frequent rainfall. However, it's also when vegetation is at its peak and rivers are at their fullest. It's a very popular time for Chinese tourists.
Autumn (September to November) is probably the most balanced season, with pleasant temperatures, less rain than in summer and still very green landscapes.
The winter (December to February) is quieter in terms of tourism. Temperatures are cooler, but rarely extremely cold.
Final thoughts on my visit to Yangshuo
Yangshuo was one of those places that truly surprised me during my trip to China. I ended up staying five days, a bit longer than I had initially planned, but the surroundings invite you to explore the area at your leisure.
During my stay, it rained intermittently and then stopped, which is quite common in this region. Even so, it wasn't a problem for exploring the area; there was always some time during the day to go cycling, walking, or simply enjoying the scenery. In fact, the fog and low clouds often make the karst mountains look even more impressive.
The landscapes of Yangshuo seem straight out of a fairytale, with tranquil rivers, rice paddies, and those distinctive mountains that appear everywhere. Without a doubt, it was one of my favorite places on my entire trip through China, and a destination I recommend including in any journey through the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yangshuo
How many days is it advisable to stay in Yangshuo?
Ideally, you should stay at least two or three days. This allows you to explore the surrounding area by bicycle or electric motorbike, visit the Yulong River, climb to a viewpoint, and take some excursions. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore the countryside further, you could even stay a few extra days.
Is Yangshuo very touristy?
The town center, especially around West Street, is quite touristy and usually full of Chinese visitors. However, just a few kilometers away you'll find much quieter rural areas, where the landscape and pace of life change completely.
Is the Li River cruise from Guilin worth it?
I didn't do it, but they say it's one of the most famous excursions in the region and allows you to see some of the most iconic karst landscapes in southern China. The tour lasts about four hours and ends in Yangshuo.
Is it easy to get around Yangshuo without speaking Chinese?
Generally, yes, especially in the tourist center where many hotels, restaurants, and agencies are used to receiving foreign travelers. However, outside of that area, communication can be more difficult, so it can be helpful to have addresses saved on your phone or use translation apps.
Is Yangshuo a good place for cycling?
Yes, it's actually one of the best places in China to do it. The rural roads are peaceful, the scenery is spectacular, and there are many routes that wind through rice paddies, rivers, and small villages.
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