Yangshuo is a must-visit destination in China, known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque rivers, and charming villages. However, as a popular tourist spot, it can also be tricky to navigate if you don’t plan carefully. This guide will provide you with essential travel tips for Yangshuo, from how to save money on transport to finding the best places to eat and stay. By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip while avoiding common tourist traps.
1. Getting Around Yangshuo
Arriving at the Yangshuo High-Speed Railway Station? Don’t waste money on a taxi, which can cost you over ¥100. Instead, head to the nearby service point and buy a ¥20 ticket for the shuttle bus to West Street (西街). If you’re planning to visit Xingping Ancient Town, the shuttle bus there costs only ¥5.
2. Recommended Route
The best route to explore Yangshuo is as follows: Yangshuo Station → Xingping Ancient Town → West Street → Yulong River → Ten-Mile Gallery → Yangshuo Station. This path is efficient and easy to follow. We initially made the mistake of heading straight to West Street first and then taking a taxi to Xingping, which cost us around ¥50. There is no direct bus from West Street to Xingping, but there is a bus from Xingping to West Street that operates until 7 PM, and it costs just ¥15, offering great value for money. Be cautious of those drivers trying to charge extra for shared rides.
3. Where to Stay in Yangshuo
Avoid relying solely on online reviews, as they may not always reflect the reality of the accommodation. There are plenty of guesthouses along the way, so feel free to browse and book through platforms like Trip.com. We stayed at two guesthouses during our trip, but neither was ideal. The first had no elevator, and I regretted booking it as soon as we arrived. The second guesthouse, while newly renovated and affordable (less than ¥100 per night), still needed some improvements in terms of amenities and comfort.
4. Eating Out in Yangshuo
When it comes to food, don’t miss trying the famous beer fish (啤酒鱼). Many restaurants in the area serve it, so I had to give it a try. It tasted fine, but it didn’t wow me—probably because it’s not quite to my taste. However, I also tried luosifen (snail rice noodles, 螺蛳粉), which was delicious and only cost ¥9.9. You’ll find this dish at many local eateries, and it’s definitely worth a try!
5. Play Smart: Yangshuo Activity Tips
Rent an Electric Bike for Easy Exploration: If you want to explore Yangshuo’s beautiful countryside and iconic landmarks, renting an electric bike is a must. It costs about ¥20 per day, and you can rent it early in the morning (around 7 AM) and return it by 8 PM. It’s the best way to get around as the town is small, and the sights are spread out.
Bamboo Rafting: We went bamboo rafting from Jinlong Bridge Pier (金龙桥码头) to Jiuxian (旧县), which was quite fun. The rafts are a bit wet at first, but it adds to the excitement. There are different rafting routes available, so you can pick the one that suits your preferences. At the pier, you can buy waterproof bags for ¥5. Some people offer to take your bike to Jiuxian so that you can ride back once disembark, but we chose to take a shuttle bus from Jiuxian back to Jinlong Bridge, which cost ¥10.
6. How to Secure Bamboo Raft Tickets
To get the best bamboo rafting tickets, you need to book in advance through the official WeChat account. Be sure to fill in your details early to avoid missing out. We didn’t know this beforehand and missed out on the tickets for the next day. We had to rely on luck and decided to show up at the pier early in the morning. We rented bikes at 7 AM and reached the pier around 7:40 AM to queue for tickets.
It’s essential to bring your ID card with you, as they’ll ask for it when buying tickets. We stood in line for nearly an hour before getting tickets for the 10 AM to 12 PM slot. There were only a few tickets left for the earlier 8 AM to 10 AM time slot, but it was still a stroke of luck to get any at all. Even if you arrive early, you might still need to wait for the designated time for your rafting trip.
Remember, it’s possible to get tickets on-site, but you must get there early as it can get crowded quickly!