Complete Yangshuo Travel Guide: Attractions, Transport, Hotels and Itineraries

How Many Days Should You Spend in Yangshuo?

For a first trip to Yangshuo, I recommend staying for two nights and three days.

One day is enough for the Yulong River and countryside, while another day can cover the Ten-Mile Gallery, West Street and nearby attractions. Photographers and cyclists may prefer three nights.

A simple guide:

• 1 day: Main highlights only
• 2 days: Classic itinerary
• 3 days: A slower countryside experience
• 4 or more days: Add Xingping, Silver Cave, rural villages or other attractions

The atmosphere here is very different from central Guilin. The city is more convenient for transportation and history, while this area is better for cycling, rafting, walking, and staying in the mountains.

Main Areas to Know

1. Yulong River: The Best Place to Slow Down

The Yulong River is an important tributary of the Li River. Many Chinese travellers call it a smaller, quieter version of the main river.

Compared with a large sightseeing boat, a bamboo raft here takes you closer to the water, farmland, stone bridges, villages and karst peaks.

What can you do?

Popular activities include:

• Bamboo rafting
• Cycling along the river
• Staying at a riverside guesthouse
• Photographing mountains and reflections
• Visiting Jiuxian, Yulong Bridge and Fuli Bridge

Raft routes vary by pier and section. Before booking, confirm:

• Departure pier
• Arrival point
• Whether shuttle transport is included
• How to return to your hotel
• Whether foreign passports are accepted
• Passenger and safety rules

Public information indicates that the scenic area may use reservations or capacity controls during busy periods. International visitors should not assume that every Chinese booking mini-program accepts passport details. Contact the scenic area, hotel or ticket office in advance.

When should you go?

Morning is usually the most comfortable time. Temperatures are lower, light is softer, and crowds may be smaller.

For summer rafting and cycling, bring:

• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Drinking water
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Quick-drying clothing
• Non-slip shoes

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and changing water levels can delay or suspend rafting.

2. Ten-Mile Gallery: Best for Cycling

The Ten-Mile Gallery is a scenic corridor south of the town. It includes mountain peaks, fields, village roads and riverside views.

It is better understood as a landscape route than as one enclosed attraction.

What can you see?

Common stops include:

• Gongnong Bridge
• Big Banyan Tree
• Moon Hill
• Butterfly Spring
• Totem Ancient Trail
• Views around the Yulong and Li rivers

The road itself may be free to explore, but some caves, parks and performances require separate tickets.

Best ways to explore

Bicycle

Good for comfortable weather and travellers who want to stop for photographs.

Electric scooter

Useful when you want to cover more ground. Confirm:

• Deposit
• Battery condition
• Brakes and lights
• Damage policy
• Helmet availability
• Return time and location

Take photographs or a short video of the vehicle before leaving the rental shop.

Shuttle or ride-hailing car

Better for families, older travellers,s and visitors who do not want to cycle. Traffic controls may restrict ordinary cars from entering some scenic roads, especially during holidays.

3. West Street: Best in the Evening

West Street is the main commercial and nightlife area in the town centre. You will find:

• Regional restaurants
• Beer fish restaurants
• Cafés
• Bars
• Desserts
• Souvenir shops
• Chinese and Western food

It is convenient for an evening walk, but it is not necessarily the best place for a quiet hotel stay.

Advantages

• Many restaurants
• Easy evening entertainment
• Convenient for first-time visitors
• Close to urban transport

Disadvantages

• Can be noisy
• Very crowded during holidays
• Often more expensive
• Car and luggage access may be inconvenient

For a quieter atmosphere, stay near the Yulong River and take a car to West Street for dinner.

4. Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree

Moon Hill is one of the most recognisable peaks near the Ten-Mile Gallery. A natural arch cuts through the mountain, creating its distinctive shape.

The Big Banyan Tree area offers old trees, rivers and countryside scenery. These attractions can be combined with cycling, but avoid filling one day with too many paid sites.

A comfortable plan is:

• Morning cycling
• Lunch at a countryside restaurant
• Afternoon visit to Moon Hill or the Big Banyan Tree
• Return to the town or a riverside guesthouse before evening

5. The Countryside

Many international visitors see West Street and take a raft but never really enter the countryside. As a Chinese traveller, I recommend leaving at least half a day for village roads and fields.

Look for:

• Rice fields and orchards
• Riverside paths
• Stone bridges
• Local markets
• Village restaurants
• Guesthouses surrounded by farmland

You do not need a long list of attractions. A safe cycling route, a simple lunch and time beside the fields can be more memorable than rushing between ticketed sites.

Where Should You Stay?

Near West Street

Best for first-time visitors who want restaurants and nightlife.

Near the Yulong River

Best for couples, photographers, and travellers who prefer quiet, natural surroundings.

Near the Ten-Mile Gallery

Best for cycling and easy access to scenic areas. Check whether the hotel offers transport and whether restaurants are available nearby at night.

In the town centre

Best for budget travellers and visitors who prioritise practical transport and daily services.

A Classic Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Yulong River and the Countryside

• Morning: Travel to a rafting pier
• Morning to midday: Bamboo rafting
• Lunch: Countryside or riverside restaurant
• Afternoon: Cycling along the river or the Ten-Mile Gallery
• Evening: Dinner and a walk around West Street

Day 2: Ten-Mile Gallery and West Street

• Morning: Cycling
• Lunch: Beer fish or local dishes
• Afternoon: Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree or a village path
• Evening: Return to town or attend a local performance

Do not schedule a distant attraction on the same day as an early departure.

A Comfortable Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and West Street

Check into your hotel, explore the town centre, and have a relaxed dinner.

Day 2: Yulong River and Rural Scenery

Combine bamboo rafting, cycling and time beside the river.

Day 3: Ten-Mile Gallery and Villages

Choose Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, a village market or a quiet guesthouse area. If you have enough time, add another nearby attraction.

How Do You Get There?

From central Guilin

Options include:

• Li River cruise
• Train to Yangshuo Railway Station, followed by a local transfer
• Coach or tourist shuttle
• Ride-hailing car or private transfer

Yangshuo Railway Station is near Xingping, not in central Yangshuo or near West Street. You need another vehicle after arrival.

From the airport

The official Li River Scenic Area transport page currently lists a customised passenger service between Liangjiang International Airport and Yangshuo. Published departure windows may change, so confirm the latest timetable and fare.

Local transport

Options include:

• Buses
• Taxis
• Ride-hailing cars
• Bicycles
• Electric scooters
• Hotel transfers
• Scenic-area shuttles

Traffic controls may be in effect during public holidays and peak periods.

Local Food to Try

Beer fish

A signature local dish usually cooked with tomatoes, chilli, beer and regional seasoning.

Ask about:

• Fish weight
• Price per kilogram
• Cooking fee
• Extra charges for side dishes

Rice noodles

A practical choice for breakfast or a simple lunch. You can order dry noodles, soup noodles, meat, peanuts and pickled vegetables.

Stuffed river snails

A distinctive local dish. Ask about ingredients if you have seafood, shellfish or peanut allergies.

Bamboo rice and countryside dishes

Rural restaurants may serve bamboo rice, chicken, river fish and seasonal vegetables. Prices near scenic sites may be higher than in ordinary villages.

Practical Tips for International Visitors

Hotel registration

Foreign visitors need to register with a passport. Confirm that a guesthouse can accept foreign passports before booking.

Mobile payment

Prepare Alipay, WeChat Pay or a usable international bank card. Payment is easier in the town centre than in remote villages.

Maps and translation

Save these Chinese names:

• 阳朔西街 — Yangshuo West Street
• 遇龙河 — Yulong River
• 十里画廊 — Ten-Mile Gallery
• 工农桥 — Gongnong Bridge
• 月亮山 — Moon Hill
• 阳朔站 — Yangshuo Railway Station
• 阳朔汽车站 — Yangshuo Bus Station

Cycling safety

Do not cycle quickly on unfamiliar roads. Curves, wet surfaces, poor lighting and mountain roads require extra caution.

Use official booking channels.

For rafting, private car rentals, scooter rentals, and performances, use official scenic-area channels, your hotel, or a reputable provider with a clear order and price breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nights should I stay?

Two nights are suitable for a first visit. Three nights are better for cycling, photography and countryside guesthouses.

Should I stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?

Stay in Guilin for city attractions and transport. Stay in Yangshuo for mountains, rivers, cycling and village life.

How is the Yulong River different from the Li River cruise?

The Li River cruise offers a longer, more comprehensive scenic route. Yulong River rafting is a shorter, closer-to-the-water countryside experience.

Can I travel independently without speaking Chinese?

Yes. Save Chinese hotel addresses, use translation apps and confirm in advance whether hotels, rafting operators and transport providers accept foreign passports.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The town and many countryside routes are family-friendly, but rafting, cycling, and hot weather should be adjusted to the child’s age and fitness level.

Is it worth visiting on a rainy day?

Yes, but outdoor activities may change. Mist and rain can make the landscape atmospheric, while caves, food and cafés provide useful backup options.

Final Thoughts

The best Yangshuo travel experience is not about visiting the most attractions in one day. It is about giving yourself time to be close to the river, the fields, and the mountains.

For a first visit, I recommend:

Two nights in the area, one day for the Yulong River and countryside, and one day for the Ten-Mile Gallery and West Street.

As a China traveller, I think the most memorable moments are often outside the busy commercial streets: cycling beside rice fields, watching mountains from a riverside café, and eating a simple meal in a village.