If you want to experience China’s most breathtaking landscapes, slow countryside life, bamboo rafting, and karst mountains rising above emerald rivers — Yangshuo Guilin is the place.
Often overshadowed by Guilin, Yangshuo offers a more immersive experience with cycling paths through rice fields, sunrise mountains, and peaceful riverside stays. This guide covers everything you need — where to stay, must-do activities, detailed itinerary, and insider travel tips.
Where is Yangshuo?
Yangshuo is located in Guangxi Province, about 1 hour south of Guilin.
It’s famous for dramatic limestone mountains, the Li River, and picturesque villages.
Recommended stay: 2–4 days
How to Get to Yangshuo from Guilin
Best Way:
High-speed train to Yangshuo Railway Station (30 min from Guilin)
Then take Didi / local bus to your hotel
Other Options:
Guilin Liangjiang Airport → 1.5-hour car ride
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (beautiful but slower)
Tip: Book Didi or your hotel transfer — easier with luggage.
Best Time to Visit Yangshuo Guilin
| Season | Notes |
|---|---|
| March–May (Spring) | Best weather, green landscapes |
| September–November (Autumn) | Clear skies, great for cycling & sunrise hikes |
| June–August | Beautiful but hot + rainy |
| December–February | Quiet, colder, still scenic |
Avoid: Chinese Golden Week (first week of October) & Chinese New Year if you dislike crowds.
Best Things To Do in Yangshuo
1. Li River Cruise
A must-do — the most iconic landscape in China.
Option: Guilin → Yangshuo cruise or short local cruise from town.
2. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Peaceful, intimate, and more natural than Li River cruises.
Tip: Morning & sunset have best light (and fewer crowds!)
3. Xianggong Hill Sunrise
The best sunrise viewpoint in Yangshuo — clouds floating over mountains.
Go early — stairs are steep but short.
4. Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside
Rent a bicycle or electric scooter and explore:
Yulong River trails
Rice fields & small villages
Secret viewpoints
Feels like a real-life painting.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Bucket-list experience — weather dependent, so plan flexibly.
6. Yangshuo Romance Park
a large cultural theme park featuring immersive attractions and the famous Songcheng “Romance Show” showcasing Guangxi’s history, legends, and ethnic culture with dramatic performances.
7. Xianggong Mountain
one of the most iconic viewpoints in Yangshuo, famous for its breathtaking sunrise panoramas over the Li River and the dramatic karst mountains. Roughly 40–50 minutes from Yangshuo town by car
8. West Street
The liveliest street and night market in the downtown of Yangshuo, you can find everything from restaurant, massage area, pharmacy to the supermarket
Explore more of Yangshuo Guilin and China in our E-Book
Where to Stay in Yangshuo Guilin
✅ Yulong River Area — Nature Retreat
Perfect for couples & travelers seeking peace.
Why stay here:
Rice fields & mountain views
Quiet boutique hotels
Best for cycling & bamboo rafting
Hotel recommendation:
✅ West Street / Yangshuo Town — Vibrant & Convenient
Ideal for food, nightlife, and first-timers without scooters.
Why stay here:
Near bars, food, shops
Easy to join tours & transport
Hotel recommendation:
Suggested Yangshuo Guilin Itineraries
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Bamboo rafting on Yulong River
Countryside cycling
- Check-in to your hotel
West Street dinner + river stroll
Day 2
Sunrise at Xianggong Hill
Li River cruise (or short boat trip)
Watch show at Yangshou Romance Park
4-Day Relax + Adventure Plan
Day 1
- Check-in to your hotel
West Street dinner + stroll around west street
Day 2
Sunrise at Xianggong Hill
Li River cruise (or short boat trip)
Countryside cycling
Day 3
Bamboo rafting on Yulong River
- Watch show at Yangshou Romance Park
Day 4
Hot air baloon ride
Recommended Tours & Experiences in Yangshuo Guilin
- Lijiang River Four-star Cruise
Sail through Guilin to Yangshuo on the beautiful Li River in this luxurious four-star cruise! - “Impression of Liu Sanjie” Landscape Live Performance
a spectacular open-air night performance in Yangshuo staged on the Li River, using real mountains and water as the backdrop with hundreds of performers showcasing local Zhuang culture, music, and folklore. - Guilin to Yangshuo Private Transfer
Check out our Yangshuo Guilin vlog here
FAQ
✅ Yangshuo or Guilin — which is better to stay?
Yangshuo — more scenic and atmospheric.
✅ Is Yangshuo safe?
Yes — very safe for solo travelers & couples.
✅ Can I get around without speaking Chinese?
Yes, but translate apps help a lot.
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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