Yangshuo

Nature · Guangxi · 阳朔

Yangshuo

Guilin

Yangshuo · ChinaMazing

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Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Li River

Sight 1

Li River

漓江

The Li River. The section that flows through Yangshuo presents a classic karst landscape straight out of a Chinese ink painting. Verdant peak forests rise along both banks, while the river's waters are so clear they mirror the scenery like a polished mirror. Drifting downstream by bamboo raft or cruise boat, visitors can admire renowned sights such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection. The scenery transforms with each season, and shifts with the changing light of dawn and dusk—nowhere more poetic than when veiled in misty rain. Villages and farmlands dot the route, showcasing the tranquil beauty where southern China's landscapes intertwine with agrarian culture.

Yulong River

Sight 2

Yulong River

遇龙河

Yulong River. The Yulong River is one of the most representative natural landscapes in Yangshuo. With crystal-clear water and continuous karst peaks on both banks, it is often hailed as the "Little Li River." Taking a bamboo raft down the river is the most classic experience here, where you can enjoy pastoral villages, ancient bridges, and water wheels along the way, immersing yourself in a tranquil landscape painting. Compared with the Li River, the Yulong River is more serene and secluded, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a slower pace. Footpaths run along the riverbanks, and you can also explore by cycling or hiking. It is worth visiting all year round, especially at dawn and dusk when the shifting light among the peaks creates particularly stunning scenery. There is no need for elaborate planning — a simple stroll will let you appreciate the very essence of Guilin's landscapes.

West Street

Sight 3

West Street

西街

West Street. Yangshuo West Street is the most internationally flavored old street along the Li River, with bluestone-paved lanes flanked by traditional Guibei residences and Sino-Western architectural styles. The street is home to authentic local snacks, handmade crafts, and signature bars, where shopkeepers often communicate with visitors in multiple languages. By day, you can stroll and soak up the lively local atmosphere; by night, the street glows with dazzling lights and bustling energy. Stretching just a few hundred meters from end to end, it captures the laid-back charm and vitality of Yangshuo, making it a perfect spot to experience local life and meet travelers from around the world.

Impressions of Liu Sanjie

Sight 4

Impressions of Liu Sanjie

印象·刘三姐

Impression Liu Sanjie. "Impression Liu Sanjie" is a large-scale open-air landscape performance staged against the backdrop of the Li River's mountains and waters. Directed by Zhang Yimou, it draws on the legend of Liu Sanjie, the song immortal of the Zhuang ethnic group, blending the natural scenery with Zhuang folk customs. The performance does not use a traditional theater stage; instead, the audience seating is built into the hillside. Under the night sky, viewers enjoy the mountains outlined by lights, the river dotted with fishing lanterns, and the spectacular formations of hundreds of performers. Folk songs, ethnic costumes, and light-and-shadow technology intertwine to present a flowing scroll of Li River scenery and culture. It is recommended to check show schedules in advance and pay attention to weather changes.

Moon Hill

Sight 5

Moon Hill

月亮山

Moon Hill. Moon Hill is an iconic landmark of Yangshuo's karst landscape, named for the natural arch at its summit that resembles a full moon. The hiking trail consists of about 800 stone steps, offering typical views of karst peaks and idyllic countryside along the way. From the top, peering through the arch reveals picturesque scenery where mountains and waters blend into a painting, with light and shadow shifting at every step—making it a popular destination for photographers and hikers alike. The surrounding area boasts well-established cycling routes, ideal for immersive interactions with the rural landscapes of southern China.

Big Banyan Tree

Sight 6

Big Banyan Tree

大榕树

The Big Banyan Tree. The Big Banyan Tree in Yangshuo is a millennium-old banyan standing by the Li River, with a canopy like a giant umbrella and lush, dense branches and leaves that beautifully complement the surrounding countryside and karst landscapes. It is both a filming location for the movie *Liu Sanjie* and an ideal place to experience local rural life. Visitors can stroll beneath the tree, taking in the blend of nature and culture, or take a bamboo raft along the nearby waters to admire the magnificent karst scenery. The scenic area retains the charm of a traditional Zhuang village, making it a great spot for photos and for experiencing the tranquility and poetry of the Guilin landscape.