Top 10 Things to Do in Yangshuo

Li River cruise is one of the top things to do in Yangshuo whoever comes here. The Li River is the world’s largest and most beautiful karst scenic area. The section from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most beautiful section of the Li River. Cruising along it, people seems entering into the fairyland consisting of clear water, green mountains resembling various animals and figures, secluded villages and naughty shepherd boys. And you won’t be bored at all, even if the cruise lasts more than four hours. Instead, you can’t help taking pictures all the time for the beautiful scenery.

Yulong River is the longest branch of Li River in Yangshuo, known as the “Little Li River”. Experts have unanimously confirmed that “The Yulong River Is the World’s First-Class Natural Heritage”. And both locals and visitors who have been there agreed that Yulong River Rafting is one of the top things to do in Yangshuo. On both sides of the river are pastoral scenery, including paddy fields, carefree buffalos, green oasis, and ancient bridges. Sitting on a bamboo raft and traveling at a leisurely pace, one feels as if entering the poetic world. Also, any press of the camera can be a beautiful picture!

West Street has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is the place where gathers most foreigners in Yangshuo, and some of them even set up shops and settle down here. There are many arts and crafts shops, calligraphy and painting shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and Chinese Kung Fu Halls, where people of all ages can speak English. Tourists can experience the local culture and customs in depth here. Many of the houses on the street are built in the style of Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1636 - 1912) dynasties: the tiles are cyan, the walls are white pink, and each has a balcony. While the bars and cafes are European style. If you look at West Street from a distance, you will find that the buildings here are like art statues.

There is a saying: “If you have not visit Ten-Mile Gallery, you haven’t visited Yangshuo”. And the Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling is definitely one of the top things to do in Yangshuo. The scenery along the road is picturesque, so tourists prefer to ride bicycles to appreciate it slowly instead of taking cars. For this reason, a cycling path is especially built. Along the way, there are a variety of pictographic hills looking like dolphins out of water, flaming mountains, golden cat out of the cave, elephant, and camel across the river, etc. You will also pass by Yulong River and enjoy its scenery from another view of perspective.

Moon Hill is a mysterious landscape in Yangshuo, more than 380 meters (1,247 feet) high. At the top of Moon Hill is a large natural hole that looks like a moon from a distance. If viewed from different angles, the shape of the hole changes constantly, from a half moon to a full moon, then to a crescent. On a sunny day, you can see the wonderful blue sky through the hole, like a round mirror hanging on the top of the mountain. Visitors can hike 800 steps to the top. Moon Hill is also a great place for rock climbing.

Big Banyan Tree is more than 1,400 years old, but still luxuriant. The tree circumference is more than 7 meters (8 yards), the height is 17 meters (19 yards) high and the covering area is more than 1,000 square meters (1,196 square yards). Looking from afar, it is like a giant green umbrella standing still on the ground, being a natural landmark of Yangshuo.

Impression Sanjie Liu performance is different from the traditional performances indoor. It takes 2-km-long (1.2 mi) Li River and 12 mountains as the background and stage. The looming mountain peak, the reflection on the water, the ornament of misty rain and the moonlight are parts of the performance. The auditorium of Impression Sanjie Liu is made up of green terraced fields with a 180-degree panoramic vision. More than 600 people participate in the performance, many of whom are raft boatmen and local fishermen on the Li River. They use the most emotional songs, the most cheerful dances, to present audience an audio-visual feast. Appreciating Impression Sanjie Liu is one of the top things to do in Yangshuo whoever coming here should not miss.

Xingping Ancient Town has a history of more than 1,700 years. The Li River makes a turn here, forming a unique scene. There are also many pictographic mountains located on the two sides of the Li River here. The scene on the back of CNY 20 note is one of them. Compared with the busy West Street, the ancient and simple vicissitudes of Xingping, as well as the smooth blue slate, better show the original look of Yangshuo.

Xianggong Mountain is located on the west bank of the Li River. Climbing through its gentle slopes, tourists can reach the top and have a panoramic view of Li River winding among the mountains. Together with sea of clouds, sunrise and rosy clouds, it has attracted numerous photographers.

Land of Idyllic Beauty is only 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Yangshuo County. Upon entering it, you will see a landscape of lakes and mountains, with white reeds flying and flowers in full bloom. In addition, there are many architecture in the style of local ethnic nationalities, like Wind and Rain Bridge and Bell Tower. These scenery couple with the green peak, paddy fields and bamboo, giving people the leisurely, quiet and comfortable feelings.