Yangshou China
Guangxi is one of those places in China that almost doesn’t look real. Limestone karst mountains rise straight out of the landscape, rivers weave between tiny villages, and even after living and travelling in China, the scenery around Guilin and Yangshuo still managed to surprise me. For me, the highlight was getting from Guilin to Yangshuo by boat instead of simply taking a train or car. It takes around four hours, but this is one journey where you really don’t want it to go any faster.
Guilin to Yangshuo: Take the Li River Cruise
If you're travelling between Guilin and Yangshuo, take the scenic cruise at least once. I booked mine through Trip.com for around US$23, and the cruise took roughly four hours. Prices vary depending on the boat and package you choose, but they al take a similar route along the river and when I say four hours of scenery, I mean it.
There isn't one short "scenic section" where everyone suddenly gets their cameras out. It is basically view after view after view. You cruise down the Li River surrounded by the dramatic karst mountains that Guangxi is famous for, passing small villages, greenery and some of the most recognizable landscapes in southern China. One of the sections even includes the landscape featured on China's ¥20 banknote.
I spent most of the journey outside watching the scenery because every time I thought we'd passed the best part, another incredible view appeared around the corner. If you have the choice between taking regular transport straight to Yangshuo or making the river journey part of the experience, I'd absolutely make time for the cruise.
Where to Stay in Yangshuo
I stayed at LS Hotel, and this ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. It is definitely on the pricier side, but the views, service and overall experience were incredible. I visited during what was considered the off-season and paid around US$152 per night. The service in particular stood out. It was genuinely some of the best service I've experienced at a hotel, and it's somewhere I would happily go back to. That said, you absolutely don't need a luxury hotel to enjoy Yangshuo. There are hotels, guesthouses and smaller boutique properties at pretty much every price point, so choose based on your budget and where you want to spend most of your time. Personally, I think this is one destination where paying a little extra for a room with a mountain or river view can be worth it. Waking up surrounded by Yangshuo's karst landscape is part of the experience.
Book LS Hotel Here
Things to do
Wake Up Early for Sunrise at 相公山 — Xianggong Mountain
If you're willing to sacrifice a few hours of sleep, Xianggong Mountain (相公山) is one of the most spectacular places to watch the sunrise. I arrived at around 5:00 a.m, even though the gates didn't open until 6:00 a.m when I visited. I thought I was being ridiculously early. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea. It was already packed. Once the gates opened, people literally started running up the mountain to claim the best positions on the viewing platforms. Thankfully, the climb itself isn't particularly long, but if you want an unobstructed spot for photos, getting there early matters. Once you're at the top, though, you understand why everyone bothered. Below you, the Li River curves through layers of karst mountains, and as the sun rises, the mist sitting between the peaks slowly changes colour. Xianggong is widely known for this panoramic view over the Li River and surrounding karst landscape. Just be prepared for the fact that this is not a peaceful, secret sunrise location. It's beautiful. It's also chaotic.
Want a Calmer Sunrise? Try Richuchu Coffee
If sprinting up a mountain at 6 a.m. with a crowd of photographers isn't quite how you imagine starting your day, there is another option. Richuchu Coffee offers mountain views where you can sit with a coffee and, if the weather cooperates, watch the sunrise and mist over the mountains.It was fairly quiet in the mornings, with drinks generally around 28–58 RMB. And then there's another attraction... Apparently, it has "the most beautiful bathroom in Yangshuo." Yes, really. The outdoor sink and bathroom area looks directly toward the mountains and has become a photo spot of its own. So, if you want the sunrise without quite as much elbowing for position, this is a much more relaxed alternative.
Do a Bamboo Raft on the Yulong River
One thing I would consider a genuine must-do in Yangshuo is bamboo rafting. There are plenty of activities that look great online but aren't quite as exciting when you actually do them. This wasn't one of them. The bamboo raft is worth it. The Yulong River is quieter than the main Li River, and instead of looking down from a big cruise boat, you're sitting close to the water with limestone mountains surrounding you. It feels completely different from the Guilin–Yangshuo cruise, so I wouldn't choose between the two. Do both. The cruise gives you the scale of Guangxi's landscape and the bamboo raft gives you a much slower, closer experience of it.
Rent a Scooter and Explore Yangshuo
Yangshuo is also a perfect place to rent a scooter. I paid around 30 RMB for mine for the day and used it to explore the area and head into town. It's one of the easiest ways to get around, and outside the main centre, some of the best parts of Yangshuo are simply driving along small roads surrounded by mountains and countryside. The roads are well maintained and very easy to navigate.
When renting the shop I rented from didn't ask for anything. In China you don't need to have a license to rent an electric scooter. Just make sure to keep an eye on your battery to ensure you can get back without having to push your scooter back.
Despite that I would highly recommend renting a scooter and just exploring. I found some of my favourite places by just scooting around and taking in the views.
Spend an Evening on West Street
Later in the day, ride or head into West Street. This is the busy, touristy side of Yangshuo and that's exactly why it's fun for an evening. Come when the lights start turning on, walk around, try some street food and enjoy the nightlife. After spending the day surrounded by mountains and rivers, it is a complete change of atmosphere. I wouldn't necessarily choose to spend my entire Yangshuo trip around West Street, but it's definitely worth experiencing one night.
Watch Impression Sanjie Liu show
Another thing I wasn't sure whether I needed to fit into my trip was Impression Sanjie Liu. I'm glad I did. I loved it. The show takes place outdoors with Yangshuo's natural landscape forming part of the backdrop, rather than inside a conventional theatre. It's big, theatrical and very touristy, but in the best possible way. I found it genuinely fun to watch and would absolutely recommend fitting it into your itinerary if you have the time.
How Long Should You Spend in Yangshuo?
I wouldn't rush Yangshuo. You could technically arrive, see the main sights and leave fairly quickly, but this is one of those destinations where part of the appeal is simply being surrounded by the landscape. For a first visit, I'd give yourself around 3–4 full days.That gives you enough time for the Guilin–Yangshuo Li River cruise, Xianggong Mountain or Richuchu Coffee for sunrisea Yulong, River bamboo raft, exploring by scooter, West Street at night and the Impression Sanjie Liuand. Importantly, a little time where you aren't racing between attractions
Is Yangshuo Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. There are places in China where the attraction is one specific landmark. Yangshuo isn't really like that. The attraction is the entire landscape. It's the four-hour boat journey where you keep thinking you've already seen the best view. It's getting up ridiculously early and watching the first light appear over the Li River. It's floating down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft. It's driving a scooter between giant limestone mountains and then ending the day eating street food under the neon lights of West Street. If you're travelling through Guangxi, I wouldn't just use Guilin/ Yangshou as a quick stop. Make the journey to Yangshuo part of the trip itself. And whatever you do, don't skip the boat.
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