Name: Xian de Yangshuo

Chinese name: 阳朔县

Province: Guangxi

Status: Xian

Population: 308,296 inhabitants

Yangshuo is a small town in Guangxi located 65 km south of Guilin. With its karst landscape bordering the Li River, Yangshuo has quickly become a preferred destination for a stay in Chine.

Its still-rural landscapes, caves and riverside settings are testament to a poetic Chine of preserved natural beauty.

History

Yangshuo was once a small village that lived off its harvests. Its history remains woven into local traditions like Drum Dancing and certain costumes still found today.

As a small town on the Li River crossing, foreign tourism developed significantly after its appearance in the Lonely Planet guide in 1980.

Yangshuo is now considered to have the most beautiful natural landscapes in Chine, alongside Guilin.

Today

Built on one bank of the Li River, Yangshuo has developed between the mountains and karst peaks of the region, revealing an almost supernatural charm.

A small paradise for all travelers, many stop here after a Li River cruise from Guilin.

The town itself is formed of small alleyways lined with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. While the charm of authentic architecture remains, commercial spaces have been adapted to attract tourists. The main pedestrian street, Weststreet, which runs through the small town down to the Li River, offers the perfect opportunity to stroll and plan your next day's excursion. As night falls, the streets come alive with a warm atmosphere ideal for meeting fellow travelers.

To fully enjoy the landscapes and surroundings, you'll find numerous bike and scooter rentals. Set off on an adventure along roads through rice paddies bordered by limestone peaks and make a leisurely stop by streams, in a small village, or near a cave.

The surroundings of Yangshuo are perfect for immersing yourself in local life. Nestled among karst mountains and hills, the fields and rice paddies offer a scene worthy of a painting. You'll spot the distinctive conical hats of farmers or water buffalo herders with their animals, plunging you into the heart of rural Chine life.

After a day of exploration, unwind watching the magnificent evening spectacle "The Impressions of Liu Sanjie" on the Li River. The next day, prepare yourself for a bamboo raft ride or visit to a cave. Take a cooking class and prepare delicious traditional dishes with fresh produce bought that morning at the covered market. Participate in cormorant fishing on the Li River, a typical and cultural practice unique to Yangshuo. Your stay in Yangshuo will surely be rich in discoveries, encounters, and memories.

Climate

Like Guilin, seasons in Yangshuo are distinctly marked. Springtime is very pleasant, sunny and perfect for visiting the region. In summer, heat and humidity are oppressive with high rainfall. Autumn is cool and ideal for outings. In winter, rain returns with wind, bringing temperatures below 10°C.

Air

The nearest airport is Guilin International Airport.

Train

The nearest train station is located in Guilin.

Long-distance Bus

Buses depart from Guilin to Yangshuo approximately every 20 minutes.

Many connections exist between Yangshuo and Guangzhou, Wuzhou and Shenzhen. Sleeper buses or comfortable seating coaches are available daily.

Boat

From Guilin, you can reach Yangshuo via a Li River cruise.

The town can easily be explored on foot, but for the surrounding areas it's best to rent a bike or scooter locally.

Small tuk-tuks can also offer you rides at lower prices to major attractions.

What to Do in Yangshuo?

• Rent a bike and lose yourself through nature and karst landscapes.
• Attend the Impressions of Liu Sanjie spectacle on the Li River.
• Try cormorant fishing on the Li River.
• Learn to cook traditional dishes during a cooking class.
• Visit one of the splendid caves near the town.
• Climb to the summit of Moon Hill to enjoy panoramic views.