Yangshuo will forever, be in our hearts. It’s a city nestled in the limestone hills also known as karst mountains. It offers amazing things to see and experience and a definite must for any first timer in China.

In this article we will show our experience in Yangshuo and showcase the things you should consider when visiting.

Overview

Yangshuo is a gem tucked away in Guangxi Province, known for its dramatic karst landscapes and relaxing riverside vibe. Historically, Yangshuo was an important trading post, leveraging its location along the Li River for commerce.

The area’s karst landscapes, formed over millions of years, have also shaped the culture and lifestyle of the locals, influencing everything from agriculture to tourism. Economically, Yangshuo has transitioned from a traditional agrarian society to a thriving tourism hub, attracting visitors from around the world.

We were eager to explore the town’s blend of nature and culture, especially the charming limestone hills (karst mountains), winding rivers, and lively streets. This guide will take you through our journey and highlight what to see in Yangshuo and how to make the most of your time here.

Travel to and Around Yangshuo

How to Get to Yangshuo

Getting here can be an adventure in itself. If you’re coming from Beijing, there are multiple ways to reach Yangshuo. We flew to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (IATA: KWL). It’s a comfortable and convenient option for those travelling from Beijing to Yangshuo, with the flight taking around 3 hours.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

From the airport, you can either take a coach, which goes to Yangshuo’s West Street, or go by taxi. We found Didi to be very cheap in this region, and had we done our research, we would have chosen Didi.

A one-way trip is around $13, which would drop you straight at your hotel. By contrast, the coach is around $9 per person.

If travelling from Guilin city, you have several options such as coach or High Speed train. If travelling by coach from Guilin, the driver will stop at the Guilin coach station.

If considering to travel by high speed train, it’s important to note that although the destination station is called Yangshuo, it’s closer to Xingping, 45 minutes away from Yangshuo County. From there you can either get a but or take a taxi. We would suggest a Didi as the cost would be less than $6.

Travelling Around Yangshuo

Once in Yangshuo, there are a few options for getting around. Unlike the other major cities, here you won’t find bike rentals under the Alipay or similar networks.

Most bikes can simply be rented from your hotel or other dedicated locations. We think this is to encourage local businesses. For longer distances, electric scooters or taxis are also widely available and easy to hire.

If anything, we suggest you use Didi as it was very cheap to get around and convenient given the built-in English interface of the app.

Where to Stay in Yangshuo?

Finding accommodation is easy, with a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and boutique lodges. We stood at Orange Hotel (Guilin Yangshuo West Street Branch) not far from the Li River, but right in the middle of three karst mountains, which gave us easy access to the town and stunning views.

We also saw a five-star hotel at some very good rates, just at the entrance of West Street. However, as many reviews suggested, the noise levels coming from the street were intolerable. Once we got to West Street, we were glad we didn’t opt for that hotel.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Yanghsuo for your specific dates.

If you’re still deciding on where to stay in Yangshuo, consider what kind of experience you want—whether it’s something in the bustling centre or a quieter riverside retreat.

Best Time to Visit Yangshuo

Timing is everything, and for Yangshuo, the best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. This is when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are lush and green.

We went in October, and it was perfect for outdoor activities without the summer crowds, with a very warm 25 degrees Celsius throughout.

Things to do in Yangshuo

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on Trip.com and Klook and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions at reasonable prices.

Card payments aren’t widely accepted, and we found that China is a cashless society, using Alipay or WeChat Pay is therefore paramount. We linked our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

1. Watch the Impression Liusanjie Show by the Li River

This open-air performance was a highlight of our visit. With the natural karst formations as the backdrop, the 70-minute show combines music, lights, and dance to tell a story rooted in local culture, performed by 600 actors.

It’s an unforgettable way to experience the artistry of Yangshuo and should be on anyone’s list of the top things to do in Yangshuo.

Tickets can be bought online from various providers such as Klook or Getyoutguide or at the ticket desk. Most places also sell them, such as bars, hotels, and even various street vendors.

The show runs every day and twice a day during high season (summer). The ticket price is based on the seat you choose. Overall, we think the show is worth it.

While the acting isn’t quite at its best, we found that the large set montage with the karst mountains in the background and the vivid colours make for an amazing and unique experience.

2. Stroll Along West Street and Soak in the Atmosphere

West Street, or “Foreigner Street,” is a bustling area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. We enjoyed wandering around, trying local snacks, and doing a bit of souvenir shopping.

There’s a mix of Chinese and Western influences, making it a vibrant place to explore in the evenings.

The street itself makes up most of the central area in Yangshuo and spans across multiple streets. We found it very animated and full of life, similar to the experience of Huimin Street in Xi’an.

Here you can buy all sorts of exotic foods, from sugar cane juice to durian fruits, for less than $2. The best time to come here is during the evening when everything comes to life.

3. Go Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River

This was our chance to relax and truly take in the scenery. The bamboo rafting in Yangshuo starts at Shuiedi Wharf, where you will find the ticket office. You can simply take a taxi till there, which will be less than $2 from most locations in town. We don’t suggest you get a rental as the drop off location is different than where you will board.

It’s good to know that there is a 160kg limit per raft, which will be considered if two people are going on the same raft. In 2024, one raft costs just under $25. Needless to say, we had to buy two rafts (as most Westerners do). Worry not, as they will try to keep both rafts together (as much as they can) so you can take some photos.

Floating down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft is a tranquil experience, with karst mountains and green fields lining the riverbanks. It’s one of those activities that let you appreciate Yangshuo’s natural beauty without any rush.

We would suggest you bring some waterproof shoes or at least some boots, as there are some portions where the raft somewhat submerges. The guide will tell you to lift your legs but getting some water on your shoes will be inevitable.

At the end of your journey they will leave you at the Gongnong Bridge Dock from where you can continue with your day.

4. Take a Day Trip to Xingping for More Stunning Views

We also made a day trip to the charming ancient town of Xingping, which is known for its beautiful views of the Li River—some of which you might recognise from the back of a 20 yuan note! Xingping is home to the scenery depicted on the back of the 20-yuan Chinese banknote.

The Li River, especially between Guilin and Yangshuo, is celebrated for its dramatic karst mountains, clear waters, and traditional fishing scenes. Xingping is a highlight of this route which we explored on a river cruise.

We also wandered around Xingping Old Town. The town dates back over 1,300 years, originating in the Tang Dynasty. It served as an important trading port on the Li River in ancient times.

If you’re considering how many days in Xingping, do try to fit in a day (or even an afternoon) here if possible.

Top Restaurants in Yangshuo

Yangshuo’s local cuisine is a delightful blend of traditional Chinese flavours with regional twists that make it unique.

One of the most iconic dishes to try is Beer Fish, a specialty of Yangshuo made with fresh river fish, vegetables, and local beer, resulting in a rich and slightly sweet flavour. The local bamboo rice cooked in bamboo over an open flame fire is also something worth trying although not very impressive.

Street food in Yangshuo is also worth exploring. From spicy grilled skewers to freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, there’s something for every palate. We particularly enjoyed trying the stuffed snails, a local delicacy that’s surprisingly flavourful.

When dining out, it’s good to know that some restaurants cater specifically to tourists, so menus may vary in authenticity. Below are our top restaurants we would recommend to anyone looking for a good dining experience in Yangshuo.

1. Try some Local Beer Fish at Pushi Guibei Fusion Cuisine

Pushi Guibei Fusion Cuisine restaurant offered us a great fusion of local and Western dishes. The restaurant is a bit further out, off the beaten path so it’s good to consider getting a taxi till there.

It’s a good spot for those wanting to try something new while also keeping a taste of the familiar and local cuisine. The customer service, was also exemplary and found the staff very polite.

We found the menu very varied and full of local dishes executed well. We tried the beer fish along with some rice, and some sticky sweet pork ribs. We also tried a local delicacy made out of fried soy bean (we assume) however, it’s an acquired taste to say the least.

Overall, we though this was the best beer fish we had in Yangshuo with the sauce simply complementing the carp with it’s rich tomatoe acidity and a nice beer flavour to follow.

2. Have Lunch with a View at Mi Tang Shengmingyue River View Restaurant (West Street Branch)

Mi Tang Shengmingyue Restaurant is also another great option for those looking for local cuisine. The best thing about this place is the fact that it sits right above the river offering an amazing dining experience.

As we went right after sunset, whilst still pleasent, we would suggest you consider going here for lunch to get the full viewing experience.

Overall, the food wasn’t bad either, we had the local beer fish and the bamboo rice. Here the beer fish is charged by the grammage, so make sure you understand the cost before committing to buying it.

The sauce was less rich but still offered a good flavour and the fish cookery was again, exceptional. The bamboo rice, didn’t disappoint, however, not something to write home about.

Final Thoughts

Yangshuo is one of those places where it’s easy to lose track of time, whether you’re floating down rivers or getting lost in the streets. There’s a mix of experiences that cater to everyone, from those wondering what to see in Yangshuo to those just seeking some quiet time by the riverside.

We spent three days there, and it felt just right. But if you’re deciding on how many days in Yangshuo, it really depends on how much exploring you want to do—just make sure you have enough time to experience the laid-back charm that makes this place so special.

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