Sights

Almost all of the following information is from the www.yangers.com website. This site is a great site to find out more about Yangshuo. Go there!

The Li River

Winding its way through the Karst peaks and past small villages, the Li River is the area's top highlight for travellers. A visit to Yangshuo is not complete without either a cruise on the river or hike along it. Probably the most preferred option is to take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and this can be arranged by one of the many travel agencies in Guilin and Yangshuo. Rating 5 out of 5.

Yu Long River

The small tributary to the Li river is also stunning. The Yu Long River is ideal for a short ride on a bamboo raft. The best locations for rafting are at the Yu Long bridge near Baisha or near the Mountain retreat on the way to Moon Hill. Rating 5 out of 5.

Baisha

Yulong Qiao or Dragon bridge. Old stone bridge located in the countryside near the town of Baisha. Very photographic and a lovely part of the world. Rating 4 out 5. An option is to take a 4 hour trip on a bamboo raft from here along the Yu Long river. The cost for this is 240 Yuan.

Moon Hill

A karst peak with a hole in it which looks like a full moon. Climb to the top and get a great bird's eye view of the countryside. The best way to get there is to ride a bicycle through the villages stopping at scenic spots along the way and you may even have lunch in one of the farmer's houses. Rating 4 out of 5. Cost 9 Yuan plus 1 Yuan for bicycle parking. You could also leave your bicycle for free at the cafe across the road.

Big Banyan Tree

Located on the way to Moon hill, makes an nice stop along the way. Rating 2 out 5. Official cost 18 Yuan. However there is a side road just beyond the main entrance where there is an unofficial entrance. They try to charge anything up to 15 Yuan to view the tree from here. One negative aspect is the use of chained animals as an attraction here. They have peacocks, monkeys and horses just for you to take pictures or to go on a ride. Some of the animals spend all day chained up outdoors, suffering in the heat. Very low rating for this sight. You can get a glimpse of the tree from the outside for free.

Market towns

Towns such as Baisha, Xingping, Fuli and Yangshuo are market towns and are great to visit on Market days. Market days are held on the each town's lucky days. Yangshuo's and Xingping's lucky days are any day of the month which end on 3,6 or 9. Fuli's numbers are 2,5 and 8 and Baisha's numbers are 1,4 and7. Rating 5 out of 5.

Silver cave

A very impressive underground network of caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is located on the road to Li Pu. Local buses cover this route and charge the locals 5 Yuan but try to charge foreigners anything up to 10 Yuan. A bike ride there is possible and takes just over an hour to get there. You could also have one of the local agencies arrange private transportation for you. Rating 4 out of 5. Entrance fee is 40 Yuan and it is open between 8:30 and 17:00

Small Villages

There are many small villages just outside Yangshuo where the houses are still made of stone and wood. The town of Long Tang (Dragon Pond) is a very good example. Long Tang is located just beyond Moon Hill. The locals here are extremely friendly and welcoming. The best way to get here is on a bicycle ride which takes in Moon hill.

Yangshuo Park

Located next to the bus station in Yangshuo, this park is a nice place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a little bit of nature. In the mornings you can come here to see the locals practicing their Tai Chi. Entrance fee is 9 Yuan.

Butterfly cave

Located on the main road on the way to Moon hill, this cave is not the best cave in Yangshuo and the 35 Yuan entrance fee keeps many visitors away. If you have an interest in butterflies, then there is an enclosure where you can see some really beautiful butterflies.