What to do and visit in Yangshuo (and Xingping)

Yangshuo and Xingping, in the Guilin region, are considered two of the best areas in China for adventure travel and boast some of the most beautiful scenery in China.

The region is vast and there is much to things to do and visit in Yangshuo and Xingping. In fact, along with Lijiang, this was one of my favourite areas in the 30 days I spent on Chinese soil.

Most people visit Yangshuo and Xingping for the fresh air, relaxing atmosphere, outdoor activities and to escape the traffic of China's huge cities. The breathtaking scenery is the main reason for visiting this part of south-west China.

On the list of things to do and visit in Yangshuo and Xingping, you can include climbing green mountain peaks, travelling down rivers on bamboo rafts, cycling along rivers and hiking between mountains, valleys and rice paddies.

These and other factors make these two of China's most famous tourist destinations.

In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, you can also relax in small picturesque towns and villages and chat to the locals or couples looking for a wedding photo shoot location.

Yangshuo is beautiful, although there are some overly touristy areas - along West Street. However, you only have to cycle to escape the hustle and bustle and be surrounded by sublime nature.

A few kilometres from Yangshuo is the small town of Xingping, which is much more relaxing - especially at the end of the day. Some people visit it on a day trip from Yangshuo, but I recommend staying overnight.

In this guide you'll find everything to do and visit in Yangshuo and Xingping, a region so beautiful that even UNESCO has surrendered.

Things to do in Yangshuo

Yangshuo is a township located in north-eastern Guangxi, near Guilin, whose scenic and tranquil landscape has inspired several painters throughout Chinese history. As well as the beautiful countryside, don't forget the local gastronomy - especially the delicious fish.

Cycling through green fields

The best way to discover Yangshuo is undoubtedly by bicycle. Do as I did, hire a bike and lose yourself among the beautiful hills and breathe in the fresh air.

There are roads running parallel to the river and this is where you'll find the most restful and relaxed atmosphere. Although it takes a while to get out of the city, you'll be rewarded with beautiful scenery.

There are a huge number of cycle paths that follow rivers and mountains. Bicycle hire is very cheap and some hotels also have maps of what you can see and where you can go cycling.

For example, at the Yangshuo Yinxiang Villa - the hotel I stayed in and recommend - there are bicycles for hire for a nominal fee and there are also maps of the region. Don't forget to check your brakes and tyres before setting off on your adventure in Yangshuo.

It won't be long before you're surrounded by impressive rock formations and lush landscapes. One of the most popular routes to visit in Yangshuo is the so-called Ten-Mile Gallery, known in Chinese as Shili Hualang.

Walking and walking

Yangshuo is ideal for cycling as well as walking - most of the trails are flat. There are countless trails in the vicinity of the town and you'll be faced with stupendous natural landscapes without much difficulty. To better appreciate the views, climb to a high point such as Moon Hill or Green Lotus Peak.

Adventuring on the crazy and chaotic West Street

Do yourself a favour and stay away from the tourist centre of Yangshuo. It's noisy, chaotic, expensive and uninteresting. Even so, you have to make the leap to "abnormal" West Street - the epicentre of the city.

It's a pedestrianised street made up of restaurants (Western and Eastern), bars, youth hostels and shops. At night (after 6pm) the bars and discos open their dance floors and turn up the decibels to a deafening volume, competing with each other to decide who has the loudest music.

I couldn't stay there long. If you choose to dine on West Street, choose a restaurant in the adjacent lane or at the beginning of the street to get away from the noise. It's not a must-see in Yangshuo, but you'll probably pass by.

Climbing mountains

It's not something that seduces me, but many people - mainly Chinese tourists - visit Yangshuo to climb mountains. I've seen a few while cycling and if this is an option for you, you're in the right place for a good adrenaline rush.

There are several companies that organise this type of activity and provide the equipment.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

One of the must-do things to do in Yangshuo is to watch the sunrise or sunset. Professional photographers from all over the world travel to Yangshuo to capture the dramatic scenery - and it was also one of the reasons why I wanted to include this area in my travel itinerary to China.

There are several places where you can admire the landscape of the region at sunrise and sunset, such as Xianggong, Lotus Peak, Putao, Laozhai Hill, Gongnong Bridge, Moon Hill, the Yangshuo telecommunications tower or Cuiping Hill - see below.

Cuiping Hill

On Cuiping Hill I witnessed an incredible sunset (featured image in this article). On clear days, the mountains start to become shrouded in fog and the orange light of the setting sun creates an incredibly picturesque and dramatic view.

At that hour, the sun disappears behind the mountains, while the water fountains reflect the last rays, the villages light up and the hills in shadow create an incredibly beautiful setting.

You'll have to climb some stairs to the viewing platform. There are actually two, but when I arrived one of them was already completely full with German tourists (five or six). 

I advise you to arrive at least 90 minutes before sunset and take a torch, as you won't have any light when you get back to the car and you'll have to walk down a flight of stairs for 5 or 10 minutes.

Cuiping Hill is just a few kilometres from Yangshuo and you can go directly in a taxi, arrange a private driver or take a tour. Cuiping Hill is located in rural Putao, but there are no direct buses from Yangshuo or Guilin.

You can, however, take a bus to Putao and then a taxi. The road is not very busy, so hitch-hiking or cycling to and from Putao is not advisable, especially as you'll be returning late at night.

If you plan to visit Cuiping Hill for photographic purposes, the best time to visit is before and during sunset. The best months for photography are from April to November.

Moon Hill

Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) is a must-see in Yangshuo. Although it's a rock with a hole in it - in the shape of a moon - the walk up to it is pleasant (although it does involve climbing more than 800 steps).

The views from the top of Moon Hill are also very beautiful and although there are trees along most of the steps to the top, you should avoid visiting this place between 11.00 and 14.00. I say this from personal experience, as the heat was stifling when I was there.

To get to the base of Moon Hill, it's best to cycle (25 or 30 minutes) along a tarmac road. This is also how I got there. You can visit Moon Hill between 7.00 and 18.30.

Watch the fantastic show on the river - Impressions Lie Sanjie

The "Impressions Lie Sanjie" show on the Li River is phenomenal and something quite different from what I've seen before. It's not just an event with lights and sound, but a kind of choreography or theatre piece, but one in which the stage is the river and the actors use boats and cloths for their acts. In essence, it's natural theatre.

The illuminated mountains are the backdrop and change colour to the rhythm of the music. There are hundreds of artists in a synchronised dance, moving in perfect harmony in one of the largest natural amphitheatres in the world.

Impressions Lie Sanjie is directed by Zhang Yimou, the same person who devised the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

You can buy a ticket for the show or, alternatively, stay at the Yangshuo Yinxiang Villa - the hotel I stayed in and recommend. Because from the terrace and even from some rooms you can see the show for free.

One night I watched and listened to Impressions Lie Sanjie from my room. What better accommodation than this in Yangshuo?

Bamboo rafting and river cruise

White water rafting on the Yulong River was something I didn't do, but I saw dozens of people doing it. The rafts take two people on a peaceful ride around the hills as they descend the river.

Another option if you want to sail the waters is a cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. This is one of the most popular and picturesque ways to get to Yangshuo, although it is the most expensive.

The cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo takes around five hours and you can choose between 3-star and 4-star boats. You can only take the trip from Guilin to Yangshuo, but not in the opposite direction. Book your boat trip on the Li River here.

Taste the local cuisine

Beer fish (fish with beer) is the most popular dish in Yangshuo and you'll see it featured on every restaurant menu in town.

It's a dish that combines local fish from the Li River with the western flavour of beer, and it's very tasty indeed. Pay attention to the prices, because they vary a lot and depend on the size of the fish.

There's a great convergence of cultures in Yangshuo and, as a result, it's a great place to sample local delicacies.

Things to do in Xingping

Xingping has one of the most picturesque views in the Guilin region, just 45 minutes from Yangshuo. It's an ancient village along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo and it's where I spent a few very relaxing days.

Together with the unrivalled scenery, a beautiful historic area, little tourism and good restaurants, this is a perfect place to walk or rest without masses of tourists.

Laozhai Mountain

One of the best views of the Li River is from the summit of Laozhai Mountain in Xingping. There are no signposts along this trail, but it's easy to find the access near the boat dock in Xingping. When you reach the top of Laozhai Mountain, you'll have incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Historic centre of Xingping

What used to be a peaceful village has grown into the city of Xingping. The historic centre is very small and an hour or so is enough to explore it, or you can stop at a terrace, have a beer, eat an ice cream and fall in love with Xingping. That's what happened to me when I was in China.

Xianggong Hill

One of the things to do in Yangshuo and Xingping is to climb to the top of Xianggong Hill. The hill is on the west bank of the Li River and from the top you can see the winding Li River and the elegant curves that embrace the green hills. I've been here at sunrise and the view is superb.

I arrived before 5am and the top platform was already full. However, there are two or three other platforms from where the view is just as superb, and with a bonus - with far fewer people around.

Photograph the 20 RMB note

The Li River is most famous for appearing on the 20 RMB banknote, but this is just one of the infinite number of beautiful places along the river. Xingping is the main starting point for the most picturesque stretch of the Li River.

The scenery around Xingping is magnificent and after about 20 minutes on foot from Xingping, you'll reach the place where you can see the scene depicted on the Chinese 20 RMB note.

Unfortunately, the only way to take a picture like the one in the note is on board a boat, as the quay has spoilt most of the view.

Other places to see in Yangshuo and Xingping

Longsheng or Longji rice terraces

The LongSheng or LongJi rice terraces were built by local farmers hundreds of years ago. Many say it's the most beautiful area to visit in Yangshuo, but unfortunately I was in Yangshuo at the "wrong time" to see the rice paddies, i.e. the harvest had already taken place and I ended up not visiting this region.

The best time of year to visit the Longji rice terraces, I later learnt, is during the months of May, June and October. This is the time just after the rice paddies are full of water, which makes for beautiful reflections, especially at sunrise and sunset.

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