Bike rides

Here are some great bike rides that are available to you. Maps are available for sale all over Yangshuo with good bike routes. You could also hire a local guide for the day to take you around or if you have a good sense of direction, you can just get on a bike and head out in any direction and discover the area on your own.

1. To Moon Hill the 'local way'. This is one of the original routes and it is very popular. You head out towards Moon hill on the main road but soon you divert off on to a local path and set off through small villages, rice paddies and orchards. There are some very scenic spots along the way, but because of its popularity, there are now many locals trying to sell postcards, drinks or just to pose for a photo for you at a small cost. Eventually you go back onto the main road and to Moon Hill, with the option of stopping at the big Banyan tree. Rating 4 out of 5.

2. To Moon Hill the 'new local way'. Due to the popularity of the original ride, travellers have started taking this new route to Moon Hill. The advantages of this route is that there almost no people trying to sell you postcards or overcrowding of bicycles. The scenery is also stunning. To go this way you need to set off in the direction of Guilin and then take the local road towards Baisha. Eventually you come to a junction where to go to Baisha you would head right and to go to Moon Hill you would need to go straight ahead. Along the way you will also go past small villages including the old town of Long Tang with its old houses before reaching Moon Hill. Rating 4 out of 5. This ride is a bit longer than the original but worth it.

3. To Baisha to see the ancient bridge over the Yu Long river. The start of this route is the same as the previous ride. This ride is very straight forward. The highlights are that you ride along side the Yu Long river which is very picturesque. Once you arrive at the ancient bridge you have the option of taking a ride on a bamboo raft but at 240 Yuan it is a bit expensive. Rating 4 out of 5.

4. To the market town of Fuli. Another quiet bike ride. This is a circular trip. You head out on the dirt roads through the countryside and then cross the Li river on a small ferry and you end up in Fuli. On arrival in Fuli, you can leave your bicycles at The 3 sister's cafe for free and then you can walk around the old part of town or you can go off to the market to see what produce is available. Rating 4 out of 5.

5. To Puyi. Great for those who really want to spend some time on the saddle. Puyi is lovely town and definitely worth the effort. Rating 4 out of 5.

6. Go wandering. Just get on a bike and head out in any direction. If you don't want to be with the other tourists then all you need to do is have a map and you should have a great day out.

7. Tough rides. There are some challenging rides around Yangshuo. Go along some of the smallest paths that seem to scale the hills around here or take in a much longer journey which can extend to several days. It is all here for you.