Yangshuo, a stunning region in Guangxi Province, offers travelers a blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. This two-day itinerary will take you through some of the area’s most famous spots, from ancient towns to tranquil rivers, and from panoramic mountain views to impressive caves. Whether you’re a photographer seeking perfect shots or an adventure seeker looking for unique activities, Yangshuo promises something for everyone.
Day 1: Xingping Ancient Town > Li River Bamboo Rafting > Yansha Hot Air Balloon Experience > West Street
First Stop: Xingping Ancient Town
Highlights: Xingping, a historic town with a history spanning over 1,700 years, offers a peaceful, almost utopian atmosphere. The town is renowned for its ancient streets, bridges, and temples, which retain the traditional architecture and charm of past dynasties.
What to Do: Take a leisurely stroll through the town and enjoy its historical sites, including the old streets, bridges, opera stage, and temples. The town may be small, but it preserves the authentic look and feel of ancient Guangxi. This is an excellent place for photography and to immerse yourself in the tranquil life of a rural Chinese town.
How to Get There: After arriving at Yangshuo by high-speed train or a local train, purchase a ticket to Xingping, which is just a short journey away. From there, walk to the Xingping Pier.
Second Stop: Li River Bamboo Rafting
Highlights: No trip to Yangshuo is complete without experiencing the renowned Li River. Known for its spectacular karst mountain peaks and lush scenery, it’s often referred to as the place where the best landscape photography happens. The view here has earned the saying “Guilin’s mountains and waters are the best in the world,” and you’ll understand why as you float down the river on a bamboo raft.
What to Do: Start your bamboo raft ride at the Xingping Pier, and enjoy a peaceful, slow-paced ride down the Li River. The journey offers spectacular views, including the famous “Nine Horses Mountain” and the backdrop seen on the 20-yuan Chinese banknote. The natural beauty of the river and its surrounding peaks make this one of the most iconic experiences in the area.
How to Get There: After your rafting adventure, head to the Xingping bus station and take the Yangshuo High-Speed Rail Special Line 2 to the Yangshuo High-Speed Railway Station. Then transfer to Line 1 to reach the Fengming Visitor Center. From there, take a taxi to the Yansha Aviation Sports Base, about 12 yuan.
Third Stop: Yansha Aviation Sports Base (Hot Air Balloon Experience)
Highlights: In addition to the bamboo rafting, hot air balloon rides are a must-do for those seeking a different perspective of the picturesque landscapes. These hot air balloon flights offer incredible photo opportunities and a chance to soar above the spectacular karst mountains and winding rivers, providing an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the surrounding beauty.
What to Do: The Yansha Aviation Sports Base is a popular destination for adventure seekers and photographers. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon or try paragliding. These experiences allow you to capture stunning aerial views of the picturesque landscape of Yangshuo, including the beautiful Yulong River. The hot air balloon flights operate in the morning (8:00 AM to 12:30 PM) and in the afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM). Make sure to book your tickets in advance and check the weather, as flights are weather-dependent.
Tips: Before you go, it’s highly recommended to check the weather forecast. The balloon flights are only available when the weather is favorable.
Fourth Stop: West Street
Highlights: West Street, with a history of over 1,400 years, is one of Yangshuo’s most famous landmarks. The street is lined with traditional architecture that retains the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, providing visitors with a glimpse of old China.
What to Do: By day, West Street is a calm, charming old street. However, in the evening, it transforms into a lively spot filled with tourists and locals alike. You can explore a variety of restaurants offering local food, visit bars, and enjoy live music performances. Alternatively, you could simply take a relaxing walk along the Li River, enjoy the night lights, and watch the bustling street life.
Tips: Spend the evening enjoying the lively atmosphere of West Street, and consider staying in one of the many guesthouses along the street to fully experience its charm.
Day 2: Xianggong Mountain > Yulong River Scenic Area > Ten-Mile Gallery > Silver Cave
First Stop: Xianggong Mountain
Highlights: Xianggong Mountain is a photographer’s paradise, offering spectacular views of the Li River and its surrounding peaks. The mountain’s unique light effects, including sunrise and sunset, attract photographers from around the world.
What to Do: Climbing Xianggong Mountain takes about 15-20 minutes, and from the summit, you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River. From here, you’ll have a great opportunity to capture beautiful shots of the river, the karst peaks, and the valley below.
Tips: The trail up and down is quite steep, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, such as hiking shoes, to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
Second Stop: Yulong River Scenic Area
Highlights: The Yulong River is often referred to as “Little Li River,” with its gentle and more serene landscape. Compared to the Li River, the Yulong River is known for its peaceful vibe and picturesque scenery that’s perfect for photography.
What to Do: You can explore the area through several different ways, including cycling, bamboo rafting, or a combination of both, known as “half biking, half rafting.” Biking is easy with smartphone navigation, and along the way, you can stop at any of the rafting docks. Unlike the bamboo rafting on the Li River, the rafting on Yulong is entirely manually powered, making it a thrilling experience, especially when you pass through areas with water drops. The surrounding mountains offer a serene and untouched landscape.
Tips: Make sure to securely hold onto your electronic devices, as there’s always a risk of dropping them into the water.
Third Stop: Ten-Mile Gallery
Highlights: The Ten-Mile Gallery is one of the most famous cycling routes in Yangshuo, celebrated for its idyllic rural views. This area is perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Yangshuo without the hustle and bustle of city life.
What to Do: This 5km stretch is mostly a smooth, paved road, ideal for cycling or riding an electric scooter. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Yangshuo’s most iconic sites, such as Butterfly Spring, the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and the Julongtan Waterfall. If you prefer not to cycle, you can also take a scenic tourist bus.
Tips: It’s a good idea to rent a bike in advance. When renting, choose a newer bike and test it before setting off to make sure everything is in good working order, especially the brakes.
Fourth Stop: Silver Cave (Yinziyan)
Highlights: Silver Cave is a stunning karst cave known for its rich geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other extraordinary stone formations. It’s often referred to as one of the world’s most amazing caves.
What to Do: Before entering, you’ll be provided with an audio guide, which will help you navigate the cave and ensure you don’t miss any of its most famous features. Notable formations include the “Three Wonders” (the Music Stone Screen, the Deep Palace of Guanghan, and the Snow Mountain Waterfall), as well as the “Three Treasures” (the Buddha’s Sutra, the Column Holding Heaven, and the Hunyuan Pearl Umbrella). One of the most popular photo spots is the “Water Mirror Reflection,” where the cave’s beautiful formations are reflected in the water.
