Yangshuo, a small county town on the Li River in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sits in the heart of the karst landscape that has drawn painters and poets for centuries: hundreds of steep, green limestone peaks rising straight out of rice paddies, villages and slow, clear rivers. It is the end point of the famous Li River cruise from Guilin, about 65 km (40 miles) to the north, and a base for exploring the countryside at your own pace. Ride a bike or scooter along the Yulong River, drift beneath the peaks on a hand-poled bamboo raft, climb Moon Hill or Xianggong Hill for sunrise, and take a raft through the stretch of the Li River near Xingping that appears on the back of the 20-yuan banknote. Yangshuo is one of China’s best rock-climbing destinations, has popular cooking schools, and in the evenings the lanterns come out along West Street and on the river for the outdoor show Impression Liu Sanjie. The county has about 270,000 people, and the karst around it is part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site. High-speed trains stop at Yangshuo station, and Guilin’s airport is a port for the 240-hour visa-free transit. The best seasons are April to May and September to November.
Right now in Yangshuo
- Wed 15–28°C 59–83°F Clear
- Thu 16–28°C 60–83°F Clear
- Fri 18–30°C 65–85°F Clear
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)
Top tours in Yangshuo
See all tours for Yangshuo →
From local operators, with prices and reviews; you check availability and book on Viator, our partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money
Yangshuo at a glance
- Best for: karst scenery, cycling, bamboo rafting, the Li River, rock climbing, hiking, cooking classes and relaxed countryside stays.
- How long: 2–4 days, often combined with 1–2 days in Guilin.
- Best time: April to May for green fields and September to November for clear skies; May and June are the wettest months.
- Getting there: by Li River cruise or bus from Guilin, or by high-speed train to Yangshuo station from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Guilin.
- Getting around: on foot in town; by bike, electric scooter, bus or hired driver in the countryside.
- Good to know: book rafts and cruises only through official or licensed sellers, with your passport; agree the route and price in advance.
- Before you go: visa-free entry, the 240-hour transit, the arrival card, payments and general safety are in our China travel guide.
Yangshuo’s areas and where to stay
Yangshuo town is compact, but many of its best stays are in the villages and countryside around it.
West Street and the old town
West Street (Xijie), a pedestrian street of stone paving and old-style buildings running down to the Li River, is the center of town: cafés, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and crowds in the evening. Hotels in the surrounding lanes are convenient but can be noisy at night; those on the edge of town look straight out over the peaks.
Along the Li River in town
Riverside hotels and guesthouses along the Li River and around Bilian Peak, at the end of West Street, have views of the river and the hills and are a few minutes’ walk from the center, but quieter.
The Yulong River countryside
South and west of town, the valley of the Yulong River is lined with boutique hotels and guesthouses in restored farmhouses and new buildings, in villages such as Jiuxian, Aishanmen and Jima. Rice paddies, peaks and quiet lanes are right outside, ideal for cycling, though you will need a bike, scooter or taxi to get into town.
Xingping
The old riverside town of Xingping, about 25 km (16 miles) upstream, has small guesthouses with the most famous Li River views, including the 20-yuan note scene, and climbing paths up Laozhai Hill. It is quieter than Yangshuo after the day visitors leave.
Where to stay in Yangshuo
- West Street: lively, central, with restaurants and nightlife.
- Li River in town: river views within walking distance of the center.
- Yulong River villages: boutique stays among the fields; best for cycling.
- Xingping: quiet guesthouses beside the classic river views.
Rooms fill and prices rise during the May Day and National Day holidays and on summer weekends.
Top things to see in Yangshuo
Li River rafting: Yangdi to Xingping
The most scenic stretch of the Li River, between Yangdi and Xingping, can be seen on a motorized bamboo-style raft that seats a few people, in about 1–1.5 hours: past Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where you look for horses in the patterns of the cliff, and the Yellow Cloth Shoal, the view on the back of the 20-yuan note. Rafts leave from official piers, with tickets sold under your real name; book through your hotel, a licensed agency or the official sales channels, and agree whether transfers are included. Life jackets are provided: wear them. Low water in winter can affect the routes.
Yulong River bamboo rafting
On the gentler Yulong River, south of town, traditional bamboo rafts seating two are poled downstream by a raftsman between the peaks, over small weirs and past the Ming-dynasty Yulong Bridge, a single stone arch of about 1412. Common sections start at Jinlong Bridge or Yulong Bridge and take 1–1.5 hours. Book at the official ticket offices or through your hotel; go early in the morning for quieter water.
Cycling the countryside
Rent a bike or electric scooter and follow the lanes along the Yulong River, through villages, fields and orchards, from Yulong Bridge to Jiuxian and back, or ride the Ten-Mile Gallery road toward Moon Hill. Lanes are mostly flat, and maps and routes are available at rental shops. See our cycling guide.
Moon Hill
About 8 km (5 miles) south of town, Moon Hill is a peak pierced by a huge, half-moon-shaped arch. A stairway of about 800 steps climbs through the forest to the arch, with views over the Yulong valley; climbers tackle the overhanging routes inside the arch.
Xianggong Hill
North of town toward Xingping, Xianggong Hill is the classic sunrise viewpoint over a bend of the Li River, with layers of peaks fading into the mist. Arrive before dawn and expect photographers.
Impression Liu Sanjie
Impression Liu Sanjie, directed by film director Zhang Yimou, is an evening show staged on the Li River itself, with hundreds of local performers, boats and lighting on twelve illuminated peaks as the backdrop. It runs most nights except in bad weather.
More classic sights
- Xingping old town and Laozhai Hill: old lanes, a river pier and a steep climb to a summit pavilion.
- Silver Cave: a large cave with lit formations between Yangshuo and Lipu.
- Big Banyan Tree and Butterfly Spring: roadside sights on the Ten-Mile Gallery.
- Fuli village: an old village known for painted fans, near the Li River east of town.
- Jiuxian village: old houses and a riverside setting on the Yulong River.
Other things to do in Yangshuo
Rock climbing
Yangshuo’s limestone has hundreds of bolted sport routes, at crags such as Moon Hill, Lei Pi Shan and Wine Bottle, with local guiding companies, gear rental and courses for beginners. The best climbing is from October to April, when the rock is dry and cool.
Hiking
Walk the riverside path between Xingping and Yangdi, part of which follows the Li River past the 20-yuan view; climb Laozhai Hill or Bilian Peak; or follow village paths along the Yulong. See our hiking and boat trips guides.
Cooking classes
Several cooking schools in the villages near town begin with a visit to the local market, then teach dishes such as beer fish, stuffed vegetables and dumplings in open-air kitchens with views of the peaks.
Food and drink
Yangshuo’s signature dish is beer fish: river carp or other fish cooked with local beer, tomatoes, peppers and chili. Try stuffed snails and the Yangshuo stuffed dishes, vegetables, tofu and other fillings with pork; Guilin rice noodles for breakfast; and the bitter, savory oil tea (youcha) of the region’s Yao people, with puffed rice and peanuts. West Street has everything from Guangxi dishes to pizza and coffee, and riverside bars stay open late.
Day trips from Yangshuo
- Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, about 1–1.5 hours by bus or road.
- Longji rice terraces: spectacular terraces built by the Zhuang and Yao peoples, about 3 hours north; best overnight.
- Huangyao Ancient Town: a well-preserved old town of stone lanes and banyan trees, about 2 hours east.
- Daxu Ancient Town: a riverside trading town between Yangshuo and Guilin.
- Silver Cave and Lipu: caves and countryside about 30 minutes southeast.
Nearby destinations
- Guilin58 km
Getting there and getting around
By river from Guilin
The classic way to arrive is the Li River cruise from piers south of Guilin, mainly Mopanshan, which takes about 4–4.5 hours downstream to Yangshuo; see our Guilin travel guide.
By train
Yangshuo station, on the Guiyang–Guangzhou high-speed line north of town, has direct trains to Guangzhou South (about 2–2.5 hours), Shenzhen North, Hong Kong West Kowloon (about 3 hours), Guilin and Guiyang. Buses and taxis link the station and town in about 30–40 minutes. Book on the 12306 website or app with your passport.
By air
The nearest airport is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), about 1–1.5 hours by road or airport bus. It is a designated port for the 240-hour visa-free transit, with 12 Guangxi cities, including Guilin, of which Yangshuo is part, as the permitted area.
By bus
Buses run frequently between Guilin’s bus stations and Yangshuo in about 1.5 hours, and from Yangshuo to Xingping in about 1 hour.
Around town
Yangshuo town is walkable. For the countryside, rent a bike or electric scooter, take local buses to Xingping and Moon Hill, or hire a car with driver. Check brakes and lights before you set off.
When to go and how long to stay
Yangshuo has a humid subtropical climate. Spring (March–May) is green, misty and increasingly wet, and the rice is planted; May and June are the wettest months, when the rivers run high and rafting can be suspended. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, with highs around 33 °C (91–92 °F), and drier from August. Autumn (September–November) is the best season, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and golden rice. Winter (December–February) is cool and damp but rarely freezing, and quiet, with low rivers. The table uses the 1991–2020 climate normals of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), as submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), for Guilin, the nearest station in the series, about 60 km (37 miles) north: average daily highs and lows, total precipitation, and days with at least 1 mm of rain. Yangshuo is very similar.
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 °C (53 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F) | 69 mm (2.7 in), 8 days | Cool and damp; quiet |
| February | 14 °C (58 °F) / 8 °C (47 °F) | 84 mm (3.3 in), 9 days | Cool; Chinese New Year |
| March | 18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (53 °F) | 153 mm (6.0 in), 14 days | Mild; misty and showery |
| April | 24 °C (75 °F) / 17 °C (62 °F) | 227 mm (8.9 in), 14 days | Warm and green; rains increase |
| May | 28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (69 °F) | 321 mm (12.6 in), 15 days | Warm; heavy rain; high rivers |
| June | 31 °C (87 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 449 mm (17.7 in), 15 days | The wettest month; rafting may pause |
| July | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 266 mm (10.5 in), 13 days | Hot and humid; storms |
| August | 33 °C (92 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 148 mm (5.8 in), 9 days | Hot; drier; good for rafting |
| September | 31 °C (87 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in), 6 days | Warm and drier; very good |
| October | 26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (65 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in), 5 days | Mild and clear; ideal; Golden Week crowds |
| November | 21 °C (69 °F) / 13 °C (56 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in), 6 days | Pleasant; good climbing weather |
| December | 15 °C (59 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in), 7 days | Cool and quiet; low rivers |
Guilin receives about 1,990 mm (78 in) of rain a year, most of it from March to July.
Two days in Yangshuo
Day one, Li River raft from Yangdi to Xingping, Xingping old town and Laozhai Hill, and Impression Liu Sanjie in the evening. Day two, sunrise at Xianggong Hill, cycling and a bamboo raft on the Yulong River, Moon Hill in the afternoon and dinner on West Street.
Four days with Guilin
Arrive by Li River cruise from Guilin, spend three nights in Yangshuo with a cooking class and a day of climbing or hiking, then take the high-speed train to Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong.
What a trip to Yangshuo costs
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, converted at about 6.74 yuan to the US dollar.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Li River raft, Yangdi–Xingping | about 150–250 CNY (about US$22–37) per person |
| Yulong River bamboo raft for two | about 150–250 CNY (about US$22–37) per raft |
| Impression Liu Sanjie show | about 200–400 CNY (about US$30–59) |
| Cooking class with market visit | about 150–250 CNY (about US$22–37) |
| Half-day guided climbing | about 300–500 CNY (about US$45–74) |
| Bike rental, per day | 20–50 CNY (about US$3–7.40) |
| Electric scooter rental, per day | 60–100 CNY (about US$9–15) |
| Beer fish for two | 80–160 CNY (about US$12–24) |
| Mid-range hotel double, per night | 250–600 CNY (about US$37–89) |
Practical tips for Yangshuo
- Buy from official sellers: rafts and cruises sold by touts may use unlicensed boats or add hidden extras.
- Carry your passport: you need it for raft and cruise tickets, trains and hotels.
- Start early: the countryside lanes and rivers are quieter and cooler in the morning.
- Check river levels: high water in early summer and low water in winter can change or suspend rafting.
- Bring cash and a phone wallet: villages and raftsmen sometimes prefer cash.
- Plan sunrise: book a driver or scooter the night before for Xianggong Hill.
Safety
Yangshuo is safe and relaxed. Most problems are practical. Touts sell rafts, cruises and “tours” that turn into shopping stops or skip promised sections; buy from licensed sellers and agree what is included. On rafts and boats, wear the life jacket provided. Bikes and scooters share narrow country lanes with buses and trucks: ride slowly, wear a helmet if you can get one, and avoid riding after dark. Heavy rain in May and June can bring floods, close river trips and make paths slippery; summer heat and humidity are tiring. Karst climbs and cave paths are steep. Climb only with reputable guides and well-maintained gear. Crowds are heavy on West Street and at the rafting piers during Golden Week (1–7 October) and the May Day holiday. Carry your passport for tickets and checks. In an emergency, call 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance and 119 for fire.
What to pack for Yangshuo
A light rain jacket or umbrella, quick-drying clothes, sandals or water shoes for rafting, walking shoes with grip for hills and caves, a hat and sunscreen from April to October, a light sweater for winter and cool mornings, and a dry bag for your phone. China uses 220 V, with flat two-pin, round two-pin and angled three-pin sockets. See our rain jackets, water shoes and travel adapters guides.
Yangshuo travel FAQ
Is Yangshuo better than Guilin?
For countryside, cycling, rafting and relaxed stays among the peaks, yes; Guilin has the city sights, the airport and the start of the Li River cruise. Many visitors stay in both.
How do I get from Guilin to Yangshuo?
By Li River cruise in about 4–4.5 hours, by bus in about 1.5 hours, or by high-speed train to Yangshuo station and then a 30–40-minute bus or taxi.
Where is the 20-yuan note view?
At the Yellow Cloth Shoal on the Li River near Xingping, about 25 km (16 miles) from Yangshuo, seen from a raft, a boat or the riverside path.
What is the difference between Li River and Yulong River rafting?
Li River rafts are motorized and cover the grand Yangdi–Xingping stretch; Yulong River rafts are poled by hand on a smaller, quieter river among fields and village bridges.
How long is Yulong River bamboo rafting?
Usually about 1–1.5 hours, depending on the section and the water level.
Is Yangshuo good for rock climbing?
Yes. It is one of China’s main climbing areas, with hundreds of bolted routes, guides and courses; October to April is best.
How many days do I need in Yangshuo?
Two to four days: one for the Li River and Xingping, one for the Yulong River and Moon Hill, and more for climbing, hiking or cooking.
What is the best time to visit Yangshuo?
April to May and September to November. May and June are the wettest months.
Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit for Yangshuo?
Yes. Guilin Liangjiang airport is a designated port, and Guilin, which includes Yangshuo, is one of the 12 Guangxi cities in the permitted area.
Does Yangshuo have a train station?
Yes. Yangshuo station, on the Guiyang–Guangzhou high-speed line, is about 30–40 minutes from town by bus or taxi.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Visa-free transit, Guilin Liangjiang airport as a designated port and the 12 permitted Guangxi cities: the National Immigration Administration; train booking with a passport: China Railway’s official 12306 site; climate normals: the China Meteorological Administration via the World Meteorological Organization’s 1991–2020 normals (Guilin station, the nearest in the series); the exchange rate: the CFETS central parity rate; the South China Karst inscription: the UNESCO World Heritage List. Li River and Yulong River raft sections, durations, booking channels and prices, the Impression Liu Sanjie show, climbing areas, distances, travel times, population and typical prices are general references or estimates, flagged for checking; the Guilin, Yangshuo and Guangxi government sites could not be read from here. Prices and rules change, so check locally before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our China travel guide.
Plan your trip
Partner links: TravelerCenter may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
🇨🇳 Useful Mandarin Chinese phrases for Yangshuo
All 38 Mandarin Chinese phrases: restaurant, hotel, emergencies, romance (printable) →