By far, the best ways to experience the Yangshuo are via bicycle or motorbike. These can be hired from most hostels. Even if you're not the most confident rider, it's quite easy to navigate the Yangshuo area where sights to see are spread over a vast area.
If you're short of time, it's not a bad idea to join the dreaded tour group. You'll follow that flag around town, possibly be forced to wear a cap and there's a good chance you'll be berated in never-ending, nasal rhetoric from your tour guide on the microphone whilst bussing from place to place. But on the bright side you don't have to worry about getting around and can choose the itinerary before you depart. Tours are often able to save you money as they get the 'real' price or special deals on attractions. So not only do you have the added convenience of not having to find out where to go you could also avoid getting ripped off in what is one of China's most popular tourist destinations.
Popular places on tours include the following:
Silver Cave - I've been to a few caves in the Yangshuo and this is probably the most impressive. Well illuminated (although someone once said it reminded them of lighting in a cocktail bar), and quite extensive. They are definitely worth a visit if on part of a tour and especially if you have a soft spot for caves.
Butterfly Spring - Definitely has a tourist trap feel about the place. Very nice scenery (but where isn't there nice scenery around Yangshuo), crossing the bridge is quite nice, there is a random ass slide, a culture show which goes down a storm will locals and of course a cave. Don't get too upset if you miss out.
Water Caves (Mud Caves) - Quite good fun on a rainy day, especially if you are feeling like getting covered in mud and like caves. In fact if you like caves Yangshuo is looking like a great choice.
Li River Rafting/Cruising - I've done both, and both are great opportunities to get some excellent shots. However, neither feels like the true natural experience of enjoying the scenery and peace and quiet. For one, the 'rafting' often involves a motorised bamboo raft, which can be incredibly noisy. Instead I recommend the bamboo 'drifting' on the Yulong River. The cruise isn't too bad though, a bit touristy but a good way to get on the river comfortably. The latest thing is to have your picture taken with cormorant birds which were traditionally used for fishing. If you are going to do this, I recommend doing it from Xingping old town where you can spot the scenery on the 20RMB note. There is a nice pagoda on top of a hill which is worth hiking up for the views before you can grab a beer, haggle your fee and enjoy cruising into Yangshuo town.
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| Can be a little touristy during peak season |
Moon Hill - Some very nice spots for a photo - taxis often won't be able to drive all the way to the base in but it's worth a visit especially on a clear day and only 20CNY entry. The views are excellent from the top and it's actually not such a difficult hike, depending on the time of year and the heat/humidity. My special tip? When you get to the 'top' there is a 'no entry' sign which one might choose to ignore to follow the more rugged path to reach the top of the hill where the views are simply breathtaking. Be a little careful up there especially on a windy day. There are old ladies under the arch of moon hill selling slightly warm beer and trinkets, one of the ladies may ask you to see her 'guest book' of tourists who've written messages of which she is very proud.
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| If my 70 year old parents can do it so can you! |
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| View from the VERY TOP of Moon hill |
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| Nice viewpoint on route to the Moon Hill |
Big Banyan Tree - a nice place to spend half an hour but not the end of the world if you miss it. There is a place here which rents traditional clothes for 10RMB which is fun if you're in a group to get some good shots with some good backdrops. Be careful as you'll probably find yourself getting your picture snapped by local tourists too!
Longjin Drifting - If you are looking for something a little less cultural and more exciting, you can definitely consider Longjin Drifting. This is a great activity in all weather and it actually lasts for quite a long time! You pair up in dingys and the water will channel you down the course. The route feels safe and there are staff dotted along to help you if you get stuck.
Xingping Old Town - Whilst the town is touristy in the most part, there are some nice old buildings to see. It's quite nice to haggle for a boat and make your way back to town from here. This is also home to the view captured on the back of the 20RMB note (tick that box, post it on social media). I recommend climbing up to Bird's View Pavilion on Karst Peak which although a bit steep in parts (there is a ladder at one point), it is worth it for the breathtaking views on a clear day.
Other places that are well worth seeing in Yangshuo are:
Dreamlike Lijiang Theatre (梦幻漓江) - Often not included on tours owing to its higher price tag. But picture a beautiful lake as a stage and the mountains of the Yangshuo as the stunning backdrop. Combined with a professionally produced, artistic and varied open-air performance from the hundreds of dancers and actors I would go so far as to say this is unmissable spectacle in a unique setting. Book via your hotel/hosted with transfer as it will often sell out especially during holidays and weekends.
West Street - This is THE place the go out to drink and party after a day of culture. In the peak seasons it's absolutely crammed full of Chinese tourists and in the low season it's dead and depressing. There are lots of bars, clubs and places to eat and things to buy. Tuc Tuc drivers wait around in the early hours to take tourists back to their hotel or hostel.
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| West Street - Yangshuo |
Stone Village - Yangshuo Putao (Shitoucheng) - One gem my friend Jesse and i came across when biking around was this place. It's on the tourist map, along with many other things, but you won't hear many people talking about it. If you like exploring and history, this is like one big climbable exhibit from the Qing Dynasty. You can go in the stone houses and you may need to ask a local or two in order to get there.
LaoZhai Shan - This is a good, steep hike close to where the viewpoint for the 20CNY note with excellent viewpoints but it is a bit tough and I'd hold back on a very wet day as the steps can get slippy. It's quite uneven thus making it difficult to decent in such conditions. At one point there is a ladder, but it's great for the more adventurous and those in good physical health!
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| Viewpoint from top of LaoZhai Shan |
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| The ladder climb at Lao Zhai Shan |
Cycling/motorbiking - This is probably the best thing to do in Yangshuo. If you can bring yourself to avoid the tourist traps and couldn't care less for commercialised caves and rivers just hop on a bike and explore. Many hotels/hostels rent these out and whilst you can explore much further on a motorbike, you can't beat a bicycle on a stunning day if you just wanna chill.
Ultimately the area is so spread out that there are many beautiful places to be discovered, the above is for those who are looking to find the attractions that are readily available and easy to access. Outside of the peak season you wouldn't need to book in advance, unless you want to stay at one of the renowned hostels or hotels, and you could rent bikes and see where you end up. In the peak season however things can get busy and even though there are hundreds of hotels and counting, you may struggle to find anywhere decent. Remember that this is a touristic area and unlike other parts of China, you might get treated like a walking dollar sign. It is always a good idea to haggle and watch your possessions. Otherwise just enjoy chatting to visitors from all over China and soak up what the beautiful scenery has to offer.
Thinking of coming to China for an internship?
For your consideration.
ReplyDeleteOh, you come to China for an internship or just the idea after traveling to China? How do you reach Lijiang from Yangshuo? Thanks for your sharing!
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