Overview:
The karst mountain scenery in southern China is famous here and abroad. Mountain scenery from the Li River even graces the twenty Renminbi (Chinese yuan) note. The limestone peaks poke out of the Li valley as if a child had drawn them. Taking in the views of verdant mountains while meandering down the Li River in a tour boat is a wonderful way to kick back and see a part of China that is very different from sprawling metropolis life in Beijing or Shanghai.
The karst mountain scenery in southern China is famous here and abroad. Mountain scenery from the Li River even graces the twenty Renminbi (Chinese yuan) note. The limestone peaks poke out of the Li valley as if a child had drawn them. Taking in the views of verdant mountains while meandering down the Li River in a tour boat is a wonderful way to kick back and see a part of China that is very different from sprawling metropolis life in Beijing or Shanghai.
Location:
Yangshuo is about 40 miles (65km) south of Guilin, a major city in Guangxi province in southern China. Yangshuo is situated right at the Li River (Li Jiang, prounounced "Lee Jee-ahng") so it is easy to stroll along the river from the town and catch glimpses of traditional fishermen with cormorants.
Yangshuo is about 40 miles (65km) south of Guilin, a major city in Guangxi province in southern China. Yangshuo is situated right at the Li River (Li Jiang, prounounced "Lee Jee-ahng") so it is easy to stroll along the river from the town and catch glimpses of traditional fishermen with cormorants.
History:
Yangshuo is ancient, over 1,000 years old. It was populated during the Jin Dynasty (265-420AD).
Yangshuo is ancient, over 1,000 years old. It was populated during the Jin Dynasty (265-420AD).
In recent times, it has been traditionally a backpackers' haven, but Yangshuo now sees its fair share of domestic tourists as well as foreign package tourists. No longer the site of only sandals and long hair, it is still a relatively laidback town and is a wonderful change from big-city-China. This small town, by Chinese standards, only has about 300,000 people so feels like a village.
Features:
- West Street: Xi Jie (pronounced "shee jee-ay") is the backpacker/tourist street, full of cafes, souvenir stalls, tourist touts, hostels and hotels.
- Night Food Market: When you get tired of sub-par pancakes and fried rice, head to the night market at the junction of West Street (Xi Jie) and Pantao Road ("pan-tah-oh loo"). Watch noodles being stetched by hand and soak up some local flavors.
- Li River
- Green Lotus peak
- Visiting the countryside and ancient smaller villages
- Boat tours
Getting there:
- Air: Most travelers arrive via Guilin, the largest city in Guangxi province with an airport connecting many larger cities. It takes about one hour to drive from Guilin to Yangshuo. Many Yangshuo hotels can organize a pick up at the airport.
- Boat: It is also possible to book a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Most are package tours but you could negotiate being left off in Yangshuo. The trip is about 5 hours.
- Yangers.com has comprehensive information on numerous routes to Guilin/Yangshuo.
Essentials:
- Weather: Yangshuo's climate is subtropical. Prepare for warm and wet weather in the summer, cold and wet weather in the evening. See rain and temperature charts for Guilin (Yangshuo).
- Recommended time for visit: three full days is plenty, if you have the time, allow 4 to 5 days to visit Guilin and the surrounding area.
- Best time of year to visit: As stated above, it's wet all year round. Go late spring, or early fall to avoid the heat and humidity of summer and the cold damp of winter.
Tips:
- Bring rain gear, you will probably see at least one day of rain.
- Book a bike tour, the best way to see the surrounding area is a slow meandering bike ride through the valley.
- Be careful: there are many pickpockets and cheats since Yangshuo is such a big tourist destination. Keep your wallet safe and bargain hard, and you'll have a great time.
