Yangshuo Travel Guide: Biking, Bamboo Rafting & More

There's a famous saying in China: "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven, but Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin." If you're traveling to Guilin, a visit to Yangshuo is a must.

Yangshuo offers breathtaking views, like its unique karst mountains and the Li River that flows through the entire county. Read on to discover how to make the most of your time in Yangshuo!

Aerial view of Yangshuo

Basic Facts of Yangshuo

Endless karst mountains in Yangshuo

• Location: Located in the southeast of Guilin, it is about 65 kilometers from the city center, roughly a 1.5-hour drive away
• Keywords: Natural landscapes; ethnic culture
• Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 days

How to Get to Yangshuo

The best way to get to Yangshuo is by taking a Li River cruise, which brings you directly to West Street, the liveliest part of the county.

Firstly, our exclusive car will drive you to the pier to take a Li River cruise. This will take about one hour to get there from Elephant Trunk Hill, which is located near the center of Guilin. Then, you will spend 4-4.5 hours on a Li River cruise. If your cruise departs at 9:00 AM, it will arrive around 1:00 PM. If you get hungry, there's a Chinese and Western buffet available onboard. The cruise is air-conditioned, and the seats are spacious, so you'll stay comfortable even during the hottest summer days. After arriving in Yangshuo, we'll arrange a private car to take you to your hotel so you can settle in before starting your Yangshuo adventure.

Or you may take an express bus to the center of Yangshuo County, which will take about 1.5 hours. Taking a bullet train to Yangshuo from Guilin only takes 20 minutes, but you still need to take a taxi to your hotel.

Best Time to Visit Yangshuo

Picturesque section of Li River in Yangshuo

The best time to visit Yangshuo is from April to October, especially in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are not high, and the weather is relatively mild. The water of the Li River also appears greener. Of course, summer is also a good time to visit, but June tends to be rainy, which may cause the river level to rise, making it less suitable for a Li River cruise. July and August are busy times for traveling. If you're planning to visit Guilin at that time, it's wise to book in advance, and our local guides will help you avoid peak crowds as much as possible.

Top 5 Things to Do in Yangshuo

Cycling or Hiking in the countryside of Yangshuo

Our customers biking in Yangshuo

Yangshuo has many well-maintained bike paths away from traffic, especially along the Yulong River or through the fields near the Li River. It's easy and cheap to rent a bike in Yangshuo. There are bikes and electric bikes for you to choose from. You can let our local guide know your preferences, and we'll do our best to find the right option for you. Of course, our guide will also assist you with returning the bike.

Along the way, you'll pass through large open fields where you can stop anytime to take photos or rest. If you're not a fan of cycling, you can also choose to explore on foot - either taking a leisurely walk through the fields or strolling along the Yulong River.

Taking Bamboo rafting on Yulong River

Bamboo rafting on Yulong River

Taking a bamboo raft on the Yulong River offers a quieter and more intimate alternative to the Li River cruise. Unlike motorized boats or cruises, bamboo rafts are poled manually by local boatmen, offering a quiet and slow-paced journey.

It's perfect for soaking in natural beauty without any noise or rush. As you float down the river, you'll pass by lush rice fields, karst mountains, ancient stone bridges, and sometimes even water buffalo grazing by the shore. It's like drifting through a traditional Chinese painting.

Exploring Xingping Ancient Town

Xingping Ancient Town in Yangshuo

Xingping Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved old towns in Yangshuo. It features well-maintained flagstone streets and traditional houses with grey bricks and tiles. The historic buildings lining the ancient street reflect the rich cultural heritage of the town.

As you walk toward the river, you'll arrive at the viewing platform for the 20 Yuan banknote scenery. This is the exact spot where the background image on the 20 RMB note was taken. If you take out a note and compare it to the landscape, you'll find they match almost perfectly.

Enjoying Sunrise at Xianggong Mountain

Beautiful sunrise view at Xianggong Mountain

Xiangong Mountain is one of the best viewpoints in Yangshuo for watching the sunrise. Although your Li River cruise will pass by it, it won't show you its most stunning side. To truly appreciate the beauty, you need to climb up to the 50-meter-high viewing platform and enjoy the scenery from a higher perspective.

Watching Impression of Liu Sanjie Show

Impression of Sanjie Liu

Watching Impression of Liu Sanjie by the Li River in Yangshuo is a fantastic thing. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this show is a combination of dramatic lighting effects and traditional culture with real karst mountains as the stage backdrop.

This show is only available at night and lasts about 70 minutes, making it a great option after dinner. Since it's very popular, there are only two performances each night, and the exact showtimes may vary depending on the season. The tickets are often sold out quickly. We're glad to help you book your tickets if needed.

Where to Stay in Yangshuo

A clean room in a hotel in Yangshuo

We recommend staying by the Li River in Yangshuo. There are several 4- and 5-star hotels to choose from. These hotels often feature riverside viewing platforms where you can enjoy the scenery, take photos, and relax in a more private setting. Or you may consider staying near the Yulong River, where you can enjoy views of nearby fields and a peaceful atmosphere.

If you prefer a lively atmosphere, hotels in West Street would also be good choices. As West Street is the tourism center of Yangshuo and is quite popular among tourists.

Plan Your Guilin Tour With Us

Yangshuo is a place where breathtaking landscapes and relaxing vibes come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're cruising down the Li River, cycling through the countryside, or enjoying the local cuisine, every moment here is a delight. If you're planning a trip to China, don't miss the chance to explore Guilin and Yangshuo with us - we'll help you uncover the very best this beautiful region has to offer. Just click here or email trip@odyovotours.com for an exclusive query.