If you’re planning a trip to Yangshuo and are overwhelmed by all the food choices, don’t worry—this guide has you covered. Having spent four days in the city, I’ve experienced the local flavors firsthand and compiled the best dining spots for every type of craving. From local specialties like beer fish and rice noodles to hidden gems for casual eats, this food guide will ensure you never make a bad choice while indulging in Yangshuo’s vibrant culinary scene.
Pu Shi – Guangxi North Fusion Cuisine (璞食·桂北融合菜) | Average Price: ¥85 per person
- Location: Near West Street, by the Li River
- This restaurant is a must-try! The environment is fantastic, and it’s a popular spot, so expect to wait, especially on holidays. Note that the kitchen closes at 9 PM, so be sure to arrive early during peak times. If you’re not sure what to order, you can opt for a recommended set meal.
- Recommended Dishes:
- Sour and Spicy Snail Chicken (酸辣螺蛳鸡)
- Stir-fried Beef with Pickled Bamboo Shoots (酸笋炒牛肉)
- Passionfruit Spare Ribs (百香果仔排)
- Yangshuo Beer Fish (阳朔啤酒鱼)
Xiao Xiangzi Da Pai Dang (小巷子大排档) | Average Price: ¥35 per person
- Location: 600m from the High-Speed Rail Station, 3km from Guilin Qian Gu Qing, 2km from West Street
- This cozy couple-run eatery offers just five dishes, but they are absolute winners. The owner is very confident in his skills, and after enjoying the food for two days in a row, I almost wanted to ask him to open a branch in Guangdong! The price is surprisingly affordable—only ¥70 for a large pot of rabbit meat.
- Recommended Dishes:
- Dry Pot Rabbit (干锅兔子)
- Stuffed Pork Ribs with Tofu (排骨豆腐酿)
- Wang Jiang Lou Restaurant (望江楼餐吧) | Average Price: ¥80 per person
Location: Near West Street - With a beautiful ancient-style interior and scenic seating options outside, this place is one of the most popular spots in Yangshuo. Expect to wait on holidays.
- Recommended Dishes:
- Signature Fish (招牌鱼)
- Stuffed Snails and Stewed Chicken (田螺酿炖鸡)
- Mountain and Water Tofu (山水豆腐)
Lao Biao Ji Guangxi Signature Dishes (老表记广西招牌菜) | Average Price: ¥65 per person
- Location: Lively factory-style eatery
- A popular spot with plenty of people and a wide selection of dishes. Don’t miss the Snail and Duck Feet Hotpot! For those who love both snail noodles and hotpot, this is a great place to try.
- Recommended Dishes:
- Snail and Duck Feet Hotpot (螺蛳鸭脚煲)
- Three Fresh Snail Noodles (三鲜螺蛳粉)
- Tip: Consider ordering the two-person set meal recommended by reviews.
Fei Zi Snail Noodles (肥子螺蛳粉) | Average Price: ¥20 per person
- Location: Local, well-known “fly restaurant”
- This eatery has been around for years, serving up mouth-watering snail noodles. Many celebrities have visited here, and for good reason. The sour bamboo shoots are packed with flavor, and the noodles are generously portioned. Feel free to add as many condiments as you like!
- What to try:
- Snail Noodles (螺蛳粉)
Hong Ri Guilin Rice Noodles (鸿日桂林米粉) | Average Price: ¥8 per person
- Location: A small, local restaurant
- Operating for nearly 20 years, this spot is hard to find unless recommended by locals. Most patrons are residents, and they love it for its fresh, flavorful rice noodles. The soup base and condiments are all customizable. For just ¥6, you get two servings of rice noodles with a few pieces of braised meat—excellent value for money.
- What to try:
- Rice Noodles (米粉)
Su Jie Sugar Water Shop (苏姐糖水铺) | Average Price: ¥7 per person
- Location: Local favorite
- Su Jie’s shop serves up refreshing sugar water desserts. The Clear Soup and Coconut Sugar Water are perfect for a light, sweet treat. Each bowl is packed with fresh fruit, and the coconut milk adds a rich flavor. You’ll want to stop by here every day!
- What to try:
- Clear Soup (清补凉)
- Coconut Clear Soup (椰奶清补凉)
Tips on Beer Fish: There are many beer fish restaurants along the streets of Yangshuo, but be cautious—some charge by weight, which could end up being expensive. Most restaurants offer group discounts, and a meal for two can be had for just over ¥100. Be sure to check the menu carefully to avoid being overcharged!