Eight kilometers east of Yangshuo and 70 km south of Guilin, Fuli Old Village sits at a strategic junction between Yangshuo and Xingping, along the banks of the Li River. This cobbled settlement preserves late Qing dynasty architecture and carries forward an ancient craft: the painted paper fan.

Why visit Fuli

Fuli offers a rare contrast in Guilin's karst landscape: a well-preserved historic core, where the main cobbled street stretches for roughly a hundred meters, lined with blue-brick houses whose overhanging eaves are carved with flowers and birds. The village blends heritage interest, authentic local life (market every three days, fan workshops) and views of karst peaks from Kuixing Tower. Its proximity to Yangshuo makes it an easy half-day stop, reachable by bicycle or bus.

Village history

Fuli's history stretches back over 1,200 years. Under the Tang dynasty, the site was covered in a lychee forest—from this tree the village takes its name, Fuli literally meaning "lychee forest."

An ancient craft: the painted paper fan

For more than a thousand years, Fuli has specialized in making painted paper fans, a craft that has become the village's artisanal signature. In 1998, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, visiting Fuli, called these objects a "natural air conditioner"—a phrase that has remained tied to the village and its craft ever since.

What to see in Fuli

The old street and Qing architecture

The historic heart concentrates on roughly a hundred meters of cobbled street. Traditional houses in blue brick line their eaves with ornamental floral and animal carvings. You'll find a few ancient pagodas and temples, as well as artisan workshops still in operation.

Kuixing Tower

The main architectural attraction in the village, Kuixing Tower offers panoramic views from its summit over the Li River and the karst hills surrounding Fuli on three sides. It's the best vantage point to take in the entire site.

The "Three Rocks" and the legend

North of Kuixing Tower, near the river, three massive rocks punctuate the riverbank. According to local legend, they represent three young village women who became immortal.

Local life and the cult of Mazu

Fuli residents still largely live from fishing boats on the Li River, rice wine production, rice balls, and fan-making. The village also houses a temple dedicated to Mazu, goddess protector of sailors from southeast China's coasts—a cult present in several coastal provinces (Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan) and testament here to Fuli's historic ties to river routes.

When to visit

Fuli can be visited year-round, but two moments stand out:

• Market days: a local market runs every three days, drawing villagers and travelers from surrounding areas. It's a chance to observe daily life and taste regional products.
• The traditional May 8th festival of the lunar calendar: celebrated for over 200 years, it brings families together around specific dishes such as stuffed eggplant, stuffed chili pepper, and stuffed bitter melon.

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather to explore the karst region by bicycle.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 1.5 to 3 hours to walk the old street, climb Kuixing Tower, and observe the artisans.
• Entry fee: village entrance is free; small access fee for Kuixing Tower.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes for cobblestones, water, and camera equipment for the karst landscape.

How to get there

From Yangshuo, two practical options:

• By bus: daily buses connect Yangshuo's bus station to Fuli in about twenty minutes.
• By bicycle: the 8 km from Yangshuo is a pleasant bike ride on flat roads running alongside the countryside and the Li River. It's the transportation method favored by many travelers.

From Guilin (70 km to the north), it's simpler to reach Yangshuo first, then continue on to Fuli.

Nearby combinations

• Yangshuo and its karst landscapes, the natural starting point for Fuli.
• A bamboo raft descent on the Li River between Yangshuo and Xingping.
• Cormorant fishing villages and rice paddies in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Fuli fits naturally into an itinerary around Yangshuo and Guilin. To build a custom itinerary incorporating ancient villages, karst landscapes, and other regions of China, explore our travel ideas in China.