Yangshuo is a scenic destination renowned for its dramatic karst mountains, serene rivers, and lush countryside, offering a blend of natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Visitors are drawn to its stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor activities.
West Street serves as the main social hub, bustling with restaurants, cafes, bars, and night markets, providing opportunities to engage with fellow travelers and experience local nightlife. Some hostels located outside the main town also offer quieter social settings.
Top 6 Things to do in Yangshuo
Activities in Yangshuo primarily revolve around exploring its iconic karst landscapes, serene rivers, and engaging with local traditions through various outdoor and cultural experiences.
1. Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River
Drifting down the Yulong River on a traditional bamboo raft provides a tranquil and immersive experience amidst Yangshuo's most picturesque scenery. The journey offers stunning views of karst peaks, ancient bridges, and the serene countryside, often considered a more peaceful alternative to the larger Li River cruises. Guests can choose from various sections, with the Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian section being a popular choice for its beautiful views.
Cost: Prices typically range from 100 to 200 Chinese Yuan (approximately $14-$28 USD) per person for one section of the river. Tickets can be purchased at local docks or reserved through official WeChat accounts. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
Transport: The Yulong River is accessible from Yangshuo town. Many tours include transfer. Alternatively, visitors can rent bicycles or electric bikes to reach the docks, which also allows for exploration of the surrounding countryside. Taxis are also available.
2. Cycling through the Yangshuo Countryside (Ten-Mile Gallery)
Cycling through the countryside, particularly the Ten-Mile Gallery, offers a fantastic way to explore the pastoral landscapes, with scenic routes passing by rice paddies, traditional villages, and notable landmarks such as Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. This activity is suitable for all ages and provides opportunities to witness local rural life and water buffalo in the fields.
Cost: Bike rentals are widely available in Yangshuo town, with standard bikes costing 15-60 Chinese Yuan (approximately $2-$8 USD) per day, and electric bikes costing 50-100 Chinese Yuan (approximately $7-$14 USD) per day. A deposit of 100-300 Chinese Yuan may be required.
Transport: Bicycle rental shops are ubiquitous in Yangshuo town, allowing visitors to start their journey directly from the center. The Ten-Mile Gallery is a well-known route easily accessible from town.
3. Impression Liu Sanjie Show
This large-scale outdoor evening performance is set directly on the Li River, utilizing the natural karst mountains as its backdrop. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the show features a cast of hundreds of local villagers and fishermen, depicting the cultural heritage of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups through music, dance, and vibrant lighting. It is a visually spectacular cultural experience.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by seating, starting from approximately $37-$45 USD per person for standard seats, with VIP options available at higher costs.
Transport: The show takes place on Tian Yuan Road, outside Yangshuo town. Many tour packages include round-trip transfers from hotels in downtown Yangshuo. Taxis are also an option.
4. Rock Climbing
Yangshuo is recognized as a world-class rock climbing destination, offering a diverse range of routes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. The towering limestone cliffs provide a unique and adventurous challenge, with stunning panoramic views as a reward. Professional guides and equipment rentals are readily available.
Cost: A half-day or full-day climbing experience with a professional guide and equipment rental typically costs around 200-300 Chinese Yuan (approximately $28-$42 USD). Small group tours start from around $57-$65 USD.
Transport: Climbing crags are located within a short drive or cycle from Yangshuo town. Many climbing outfits offer transport to the cliffs, often included in tour prices.
5. Chinese Cooking Class
Participating in a cooking class allows visitors to delve into local Chinese culture and cuisine. These hands-on classes often begin with a guided tour of a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by instruction from an experienced chef on preparing traditional dishes like Yangshuo Beer Fish. It offers a practical and delicious way to engage with the local lifestyle.
Cost: Prices for a small-group cooking class, including a market trip and meal, typically range from 450-650 Chinese Yuan (approximately $63-$90 USD) per person, varying by group size.
Transport: Many cooking classes offer hotel pick-up from downtown Yangshuo. The cooking schools are generally located within or close to the main town area.
6. Sunrise at Xianggong Mountain
Xianggong Mountain offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Li River and its surrounding karst peaks, especially breathtaking at sunrise when mist and clouds often blanket the landscape, creating a dramatic and highly photogenic scene. The hike to the top is steep but relatively short, taking about 15-20 minutes.
Cost: The entrance fee is approximately 60 Chinese Yuan (approximately $8 USD) per person. Private tours including transport and entry often start from around $57 USD.
Transport: Xianggong Mountain is about 28 km from Yangshuo town. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or an organized tour, with round-trip taxi costs around 300 Chinese Yuan (approximately $42 USD).
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
