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Yangshuo: A 3-Day Itinerary in China's Iconic Landscape
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- Fabio Marcato
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- @thefabryk
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You know that landscape seen on the walls of Chinese restaurants worldwide? The one with jagged, misty peaks rising from a flat river valley? That’s not just artist's fantasy...it’s real, and it’s in Yangshuo.
We arrived via the iconic Li River cruise from Guilin before heading east to Guangzhou and immediately understood the hype. Unlike the rugged, alpine terrain of Yunnan (where we started our last China trip), Guangxi feels like the China everyone imagines. The territory is flat, woven with rivers, and punctuated by those breathtaking karst towers. A traveler we met before our trip joked, "These are more beautiful than the Alps!" (Although, this comparison is impossible to make because it’s totally different. Try biking here versus the Alps, and you’ll see what we mean 😅).
We came in November, which was perfect: sunny, dry days and crisp nights. We teamed up with our friend Raffaella (on her second China trip, wisely avoiding the harsh northern Chinese winter that was already taking place), and spent our days exploring on a scooter, wishing we’d planned for a longer stay. Yangshuo isn't just a destination; it's a mood. It’s pure, picturesque chill.
So let's jump right into our suggested 3-day Yangshuo itinerary.
Your Perfect Yangshuo Itinerary: 3 Days of Iconic Sights & Secret Finds
This plan blends our real, wandering adventures with the classic activities you shouldn't miss. Pick, choose, and adapt it to your own pace. The easiest way to zip around to all these places is by scooter, but you will likely be fine with DiDi too (although it will not be as convenient).
Quick note
This itinerary focuses on Yangshuo, but the most iconic way to arrive is by taking the Li River cruise from Guilin. We cover everything you need in our guide: Guilin to Yangshuo Li River cruise.
The cruise can be a bit tiring (early start + several hours on the water), so consider arriving a day earlier and using your first evening to simply check in, shower, and relax. If you need to stick to strictly 3 days, plan a lighter Day 1 and skip anything that interests you less.
Yangshuo Map
Although Google Maps is not used in China, I will put a map here, just to help you with planning your Yangshuo itinerary and to help you get an idea where things in this guide roughly are.
For each day, I will put below the AMap instructions so that you can easily load them up on your phone when you are ready to start your day.
Day 1: Jiuxian Village: Countryside Serenity, Bamboo Rafts & Secret Views
The goal today is slow travel. Ditch the map and follow the river or your curiosity.
We started by picking up our scooter and heading northwest with no fixed plan. Our favorite accidental discovery was stopping for lunch at Jiuxian Village (旧县村). There is an incredible hotel/restaurant we stumbled in called Guandi Homestay and the host put on a delicious, fresh meal. We loved the vibe of the place so much that we wanted to stay, so if you can spare a night or two, stay there and take it slow.
Sitting in the village's square, watching the light move over the rice fields and karst peaks, was the "real rural China" moment we loved. We found a lovely coffee spot (Arrozal Coffee) just by wandering. Use the day to revisit a favorite quiet corner or find a new one and spend some time near the Yulong River.
What You Shouldn't Miss in the Area
- Get Lost on the Yulong River Paths: Whether you go northwest like us or head straight to the Yulong River area, the magic is in turning off the main road.
- Cross the ancient stone bridge: The Yulong Bridge (遇龙桥) is a stunning photo spot sporting an ancient stone bridge. Surprisingly when we went, there was nobody there.
- Try a Bamboo Raft: We didn't do it, but everyone raves about the peaceful, manually-poled raft ride on the Yulong River (it's different from the big Li River cruise boats). The section near Yulong Bridge is supposed to be perfect.
- Find a Secret Viewpoint: In the afternoon, scoot to the Xanadu (Xianading) Viewpoint. The short hike rewards you with a stunning 360-degree view of the peaks without the crowds of more famous spots. You will need to buy tickets to enter the park, but it is well worth it.
- Dragon Light Boat Parade: If you're at the Yulong Bridge on a Saturday night at 6 pm, the Dragon Light Boat Parade on the Yulong River is a magical, illuminated spectacle! You'll catch an out-of-this-world site of a giant dragon made by illuminated bamboo rafts snaking its way down the river.
You can watch the Dragon Light Boat Parade from rooftops nearby (prices ranging 50 to 148 Yuan per person) or the bridge (108 yuan), but if you want to do something seriously special, you can also ride on one of the golden rafts and be part of the parade.
An alternative evening activity if you are not there on a Saturday is the Impression Liu Sanjie show, an incredible event of over 600 performers, set in the largest natural theater in the world and boasting unreal lighting effects with a karst rock backdrop (it reminds us of the breathtaking Impressions in Lijiang performance up in the mountains).
Dinner Tip
Find a local nongjiale (farmer's restaurant). Point at the fish in the tank for the local specialty, Beer Fish (啤酒鱼), cooked fresh right there. You'll also find this everywhere in Yangshuo City, so don't worry if you miss it today.
Important Addresses From Day 1
Below are some addresses from this day that link right to AMap, your go-to map/GPS guidance in China.
Day 2: Iconic Views, Caves & Rooftop Nights
Today is for the postcard-perfect scenes and a taste of local nightlife.
Morning: The Must-Do Hike and Sunrise Experience
Set an early alarm for sunrise at Xianggong Mountain. The ride in the dark is an adventure, but the view of the sun lighting up the Li River weaving through the peaks is the iconic shot you came for. It's worth the early start. Factor in that you will need to buy tickets and that you'll need about 15 minutes to get to the summit by stairs.
If you are not feeling like scootering through the dark as it is quite a distance to go in the early morning, book the ticket with a shuttle in advance. They will pick you up at your hotel!
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
Our Exploratory Route: We ventured southeast, passing curiosities like the Butterfly Spring Park (a bit overrated). We saw Moon Hill (you can view its arch from the road) and heard about the impressive Silver Cave, an otherworldly karst cave system that's highly recommended if you have time. We ended up in more little, picturesque villages just by veering off the main road and had one of the best coffees with a views at 发呆酒店·半山咖啡.
For Thrilling Views: Take the Ruyi Peak cable car up one of the karst peaks for breathtaking panoramic views without the strenuous hike, but an incredible world above the clouds. We skipped this because it was a bit too late in the day, but it comes highly recommended and is on the same route as the first option here.
Classic Route: Head to Xingping Old Town to see the 20 RMB note landscape (a rite of passage!) and explore the old streets. If you had already taken the Guilin to Yangshuo cruise, you will come quite close to seeing this from the boat, but this is the exact spot!
Evening on West Street
West Street is the main pedestrian area of Yangshuo city and it gets crowded at night with all kinds of action!
For dinner, do a little street food tour...it's touristy, lively, and where you'll find the infamous grilled durian everywhere.
For an after-dinner drink, you can't miss Mojo Rooftop Bar. It has it all: special local and international beers, a cozy bonfire, great music, and the best vibe in town. They had an all-you-can-drink deal for just over 100 yuan, but since we are not 20 anymore, we graciously skipped it 😅.
Important Addresses From Day 2
Below are some addresses from this day that link right to AMap, your go-to map/GPS guidance in China.
Day 3: Deeper Exploration, River Adventures & City Lights
Choose your own adventure...this is your day to fill with whatever calls to you.
- For The Essential River Experience: If you didn't take the cruise from Guilin, then this is a must-do. Book the shorter Yangshuo to Xingping cruise or a local bamboo raft trip. This is how you get on the water to see the legendary 20 RMB note landscape up close and experience the Li River's magic.
- For City Culture: Dedicate a day to Guilin (or Yangshuo's West Street for souvenirs). Don't just use it as a transit hub; explore its beautiful parks, pagodas, and the vibrant night markets along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Check our cruise guide for more Guilin tips.
- For Pure Chill: Do what we wish we did: use your hotel pool, revisit a favorite countryside spot, or simply relax in Yangshuo's picturesque setting. Take your scooter down unexplored roads. Use the day to revisit a favorite quiet corner or find a new one. Don't miss the small, sandy beaches along the riverbanks—they're perfect spots to pull over, relax, and soak in the views.
Where to Stay in Yangshuo: For Every Style
We loved our stay at the Mount View Hotel (Yangshuo West Street Lijiang Branch). It was quiet, had a lovely pool (we regretted not actually getting in it, but it was a little too cold!), and was a short walk from the action.
Alternative Accommodations in Yangshuo
- For Rice Field Views: Guandi Homestay in Jiuxian Village for a true "middle-of-nowhere" karst landscape experience.
- For Convenience: Hotels near West Street put you in the heart of the dining and nightlife.
The Key to Freedom: Renting a Scooter in Yangshuo
For us, the #1 tip for this or any Yangshuo itinerary is to rent a scooter. It’s how you turn a standard visit into an adventure. It costs about 30-50 RMB ($4-7 USD) per day. We rented ours directly from our hotel and most hotels will do this! Tip: if you rent for multiple days, feel free to negotiate down the price a bit.
Quick scooter rules and tips:
- Inspect it: Take a photo of any existing scratches.
- Test it: Check brakes and lights before you leave.
- Navigate: Use AMap (most reliable in China).
- Drive smart: Be cautious in town, relaxed in the country. Honestly, this city is quite used to having people on scooters driving around, so you will be fine!
An alternative to get around is by taking bicycles, although you certainly won't get as far as you could in a day as you will on scooters. There are plenty places to rent bikes, or depending on your timing, take a day tour.
Final Thoughts: Is This Yangshuo Itinerary Worth It?
Without a doubt. This region delivers the iconic China you've dreamed of, but on a human, explorable scale. It's accessible, affordable, and deeply beautiful. The mix of majestic boat cruises, independent scooter exploration, and delicious food makes it a perfect trip.
Our biggest takeaway? We wish we’d stayed longer. Yangshuo has a way of making you slow down and just enjoy the view.
Ready to plan your trip? Start with the essential first leg: our detailed guide to the Guilin to Yangshuo Li River cruise.
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