West Street (西街, Xi Jie), located in the heart of Yangshuo Old Town, is a vibrant and historic thoroughfare that stretches nearly 800 meters in an east-west direction. With a width of approximately 8 meters, it connects Binjiang Road to the east and Pantao Road to the west, intersecting with County Front Street and Chengzhong Road. This street, steeped in over 1,400 years of history, is the oldest and most bustling street in Yangshuo and stands as one of its major tourist attractions.
The street’s charm lies in its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere. Originally known as Feihong Mountain during the Han Dynasty, West Street was established in its current form in 1674. Its layout, constructed from stone slabs, follows a winding S-shape. The buildings on either side of the street retain their Ming and Qing Dynasty styles, featuring traditional gray-tiled roofs, sloping eaves, whitewashed walls, and hanging balconies. The street is lined with a variety of souvenir shops and boutiques, which blend Chinese and Western influences. Almost all signage is bilingual, and many staff members are fluent in foreign languages, catering to the diverse international visitors.
Historically, West Street has been a significant cultural and political hub. It was once a place where Dr. Sun Yat-sen delivered speeches and where the renowned artist Xu Beihong resided. Over 150 world leaders have visited this street, leaving their mark on its rich history. Today, it is famed for its local specialties, particularly the beer fish, which is celebrated as one of Yangshuo’s top dishes. The street comes alive at night with numerous bars and eateries, creating a bustling and vibrant atmosphere that rivals its daytime energy.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0773-8811989 |
Location and Transportation
West Street is located in the center of Yangshuo Old Town, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is approximately 65 kilometers from Guilin. To reach West Street, you can take a minibus or a luxury coach from Guilin Bus Station, with departures every 15 minutes. After arriving at Yangshuo Bus Station, walk about 200 meters south to reach West Street.
Evolution of the West Street
The origins of West Street date back to the Sui Dynasty in 590, when Yangshuo County was established. At that time, the street was only about 200 meters long and 5 meters wide, with a few shops selling daily necessities, and the majority of residents were farmers. The modern form of West Street began to take shape in the 17th century, and its name originated from its geographical location. During the Yuan Dynasty, the street in front of the county office was known as Shuoqian Street, intersecting with a cross street that stretched from east to west. The area south of this intersection led to a small alley, while the eastern section connected to the Li River and South Street. This area was collectively known as Cross Street, with the longest segment referred to as West Street.
In the early days, West Street’s western section was enclosed by city walls and could not directly access the area below Gaoze Peak. To exit the city from West Street, one had to pass through a small street opposite the Jiangxi Guild Hall, known as West Cross Street, which was considered part of West Street. With the construction of the road from Guilin to Lipu, the city wall was partially dismantled to facilitate road access, and the earliest bus station was built nearby. The segment from the east to the western city border was renamed West Road. After the establishment of New China, the street retained its name West Street until the Cultural Revolution, when it was temporarily renamed East Wind Road to avoid the “west” character. It was not until 1982 that it was restored to its original name.
In the early 1970s, Yangshuo opened up to foreign visitors, and West Street quickly became a focal point for international tourism. Western tourists discovered the street’s traditional architecture and culture, leading to a surge in foreign visitors each year. Many stayed for extended periods, with some even settling down to marry or open businesses in the area. West Street has evolved into a vibrant “foreigners’ street,” a “global village” that transcends regional boundaries, and a bustling “language corner” with a large international presence.
