Yangshuo: Magical City that Inspired Kung Fu Panda

1. Li River Cruise

This is the one you’ve probably seen everywhere — and yes, it’s 100% worth it.

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most iconic landscape in China. When I was on the boat, I couldn’t stop staring. The mountains rise dramatically from the water, fishermen still use traditional methods, and sometimes there’s mist floating between the peaks. It doesn’t feel real.

If you don’t have time for the full Guilin → Yangshuo cruise, you can also take a shorter local cruise. Either way, this is the classic Yangshuo experience.

Option: Guilin → Yangshuo cruise or short local cruise from town.

2. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

If the Li River feels grand and cinematic, Yulong River feels intimate and peaceful.

Instead of a large cruise boat, you sit on a small bamboo raft that gently floats downstream. It’s quiet. No loud engines. Just water, mountains, and the sound of nature. I honestly preferred this for the calm atmosphere.

Tip: Go in the morning or close to sunset — the light is softer and the crowds are smaller. That golden glow on the mountains? Unreal.

3. Xianggong Hill Sunrise

Waking up before sunrise is painful… but this is one of those times it’s absolutely worth it.

Xianggong Hill is known as the best sunrise viewpoint in Yangshuo. When the sun rises and the light slowly hits the karst peaks while clouds float between them, the entire landscape looks surreal.

The stairs are a bit steep, but the climb is short. Just take it slow — the view at the top will make you forget the effort.

4. Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside

This might have been my favorite part of the trip.

Rent a bicycle or an electric scooter and just explore without a strict plan. Ride along the Yulong River trails, pass by rice fields, small villages, and random “secret” viewpoints you didn’t even plan to find.

At some moments, I genuinely felt like I was inside a painting. No rush, no schedule — just pure scenery and fresh air. This is when Yangshuo feels most authentic.

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you want something extra special — this is your bucket-list moment.

Floating above the karst mountains and seeing the landscape from above is something you won’t forget. Just keep in mind that it’s weather-dependent, so try to keep your schedule flexible in case it needs to be rescheduled.

6. Yangshuo Romance Park

If you’re curious about local culture but want something immersive and entertaining, this is a fun option.

Yangshuo Romance Park is a large cultural theme park with immersive attractions, but the highlight is the famous “Romance Show.” The performance showcases Guangxi’s history, legends, and ethnic culture through dramatic stage effects, music, and storytelling. It’s theatrical and grand — very different from the quiet countryside vibe.

7. Xianggong Mountain

Yes, this is the same area famous for sunrise — but even outside sunrise hours, it’s still one of the most iconic viewpoints in Yangshuo.

Located around 40–50 minutes by car from Yangshuo town, the panoramic view over the Li River and dramatic karst mountains is simply breathtaking. If you miss sunrise, don’t worry — it’s still worth visiting.

8. West Street

After a full day of nature, this is where the energy shifts.

West Street is the liveliest area in downtown Yangshuo. You’ll find everything here — restaurants, dessert shops, massage places, pharmacies, supermarkets, souvenirs. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also convenient and fun to walk around at night when the lights turn on.

It’s the perfect place to end your day with dinner and just soak in the atmosphere.