Hikes

Local Guides. For all these hikes, a local guide is not absolutely necessary but we definitely recommend you take one as they can always describe the different plants and ways of life of the local people you encounter. Local guides do add to your experience. There are many local guides in Yangshuo. Many walk up and down West Street and talking to visitors trying to drum up business. Take the one that makes you feel comfortable. If you are not sure, then we can also suggest a local guide to suit your needs.

1. Green Lotus peak. This karst peak is located just behind West Street and on the West Bank of the Li river. The climb is on a very small path which is dangerous after rain, but if you get to the top, you will get fantastic views of Yangshuo, the Li river and the surrounding countryside.

2. Moon Hill. This climb is on a established footpath with established steps up until the hoe in the mountain. From here to the top, the path becomes muddy but not very difficult. From the top, you can view the fields around the county of Gaotian. To do this climb, you will need to get to moon hill. The most common way is to incorporate Moon hill into a day of bike riding. You can also get here by hiring a motorised rickshaw, or by taking a local bus. The entrance into moon hill is 9 Yuan and if you have a bike, there is a 1 Yuan parking fee.

3. Hike Yangdi to Xingping (or vice versa). This one is a favorite with everyone who does it. The hike follows paths which are beside the Li river. This section of the river is regarded as the most spectacular of the Li River. You will first need to get transport to Yangdi. Local buses do the trip from Yangshuo regularly and cost 8 Yuan. The you need to pay the 16 Yuan entrance fee which also covers the use of three local ferries to cross the Li River. The walk takes as long as you want, but anything from 3 to 5 hours is the normal rate. During the walk, you will need to cross across the river three times as the path on the side you are on ends and continues on the other side. You will go past small villages such as LangShi and Shangtong, and observe rural life at its best. A young lady has set up a small guesthouse along the way and makes an ideal place for a short rest or if you want a bit of solitude, you can also stay the night.

Her contact details are

Helen at Li River guesthouse
E-mail:helenliao2002@hotmail.com
Ph (mob) 13878377600
Fax: 0773-8811939


You continue walking until you reach Xingping. From here you can get back to Yangshuo on the local buses and cost 5.5 Yuan.