The Yangdi Scenic Area (杨堤景区), stretching approximately 18 kilometers from Yangdi Guanyan Village in the north to Xingping Scenic Area in the south, is often referred to as the “golden waterway” of the Li River. This picturesque region serves as the aquatic gateway to Yangshuo and is the first scenic spot encountered after the Li River flows into Yangshuo.
Despite being a small town, Yangdi is a must-visit destination along the banks of the Li River, especially during the dry season when other areas of Guilin may experience drought and are inaccessible. During this time, the waters of the Yangdi section remain clear and navigable, making the Yangdi pier a vital transit point for travelers. Thus, it is often described as the “ever-flowing golden waterway” of the Li River.
The winding and meandering waters of this stretch, coupled with stunning reflections of towering peaks and lush bamboo forests, create an enchanting landscape. Visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of the Li River, famously captured in the saying, “The river is a green silk ribbon, and the mountains are like emerald hairpins.”
Travel Information about Yangdi Scenic Area
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: There is no admission fee for Yangdi Township.
Opening Hours: The area is open to visitors all day.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Yangdi Township, Yangshuo County, Guilin.
Transportation:
- Direct buses to Yangdi are available from the Guilin Bus Station, located on Zhongshan South Road in Xiangshan District.
- From Yangshuo, you can take a bus to Yangdi or travel upstream by boat from Xingping to Yangdi, then return on foot to Xingping.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★
- Cultural Experience: ★
Highlights of Yangdi Scenic Area
Xiushan Mountain (Embroidered Mountain)
Xiushan Mountain, located on the eastern bank of the Li River, is less than one kilometer from the Crown Cave Scenic Area. The mountain features towering cliffs adorned with vibrant colors reminiscent of red and yellow silk, creating an illusion of clouds drifting by. This stunning appearance inspired its name, which reflects the deep meaning of “embroidered mountains and rivers.” Rising over 100 meters high, Xiushan consists of broad stone walls in shades of red, purple, ochre, and green. The mountain contains two caves: the southern cave, known as Nanyan or Xiushan Cave, and the northern cave, called Beiyan or Qingyi Cave, which can accommodate up to a thousand people. At the summit, lush shrubs grow, and a stone resembling a porcelain pagoda atop a rock formation is popularly referred to as the “Bagua” (Eight Diagrams).
According to legend, this mountain is linked to the ancient goddess Nuwa, who used the stones here to mend the heavens. The stone features cloud-like patterns, and near the water, there is a depiction of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea. When the cliffs are shrouded in mist, they become a unique treasure of the earth and sky. To guard against potential thieves, the deity Li Tianwang placed his magical pagoda here for protection. This exquisite three-tiered pagoda, with windows that perfectly align, can be found nestled within the rocky walls on the left side of Xiushan Mountain.
Banbiandu (Half-Side Ferry)
Banbiandu, located about one kilometer south of Xiushan, features a towering mountain range along the banks of the Li River in Yangdi. The majestic peaks rise impressively, while a horizontal road at the base is interrupted by steep cliffs and deep pools, requiring travelers to take a ferry to cross. This unique crossing on one side of the river is the reason for its name, meaning “Half-Side Ferry.” The area is known for three remarkable features:
Imposing Cliffs: The cliffs here are extraordinarily steep and rise approximately 50 to 60 meters high, stretching around 200 meters in length. Their grandeur creates a breathtaking spectacle that leaves visitors in awe.
Triangular Crossing: Travelers must take a ferry from one bank to reach the nearby Langzhou Village, creating a scenic landscape characterized by three ferry points along the riverbanks. This unique configuration is known as the “Triangular Crossing.”
Natural Rock Art: The smooth cliff faces display intriguing rock patterns resembling various animals. Notably, one formation vividly resembles “Zhang Guolao riding a donkey,” a figure from Chinese folklore, depicted with remarkable lifelike detail. Between the stone crevices, vegetation grows, adding to the enchanting appearance as if sculpted by divine forces.
Taoyuan Village
Crossing the Banbiandu leads you into the scenic realm of Taoyuan Village. A small path connects the ferry to the village, offering a delightful journey through picturesque landscapes. To the east, the charming Li River flows, while to the west stretches a vast expanse of farmland, with winding paths and lush crops dotting the landscape. Villagers can be seen working diligently with their oxen, embodying a simple and honest rural lifestyle.
Nestled amidst the greenery, Taoyuan Village emerges with its smoke curling from chimneys and houses partially concealed by trees. In spring, particularly in March, the village transforms into a vibrant paradise, with blooming peach blossoms, green willows, and lush bamboo. Behind the village, the majestic peaks rise, and the gentle sounds of flowing streams create an idyllic setting reminiscent of the “blossoming grass and scattered petals” described by the poet Tao Yuanming.
Visitors to Taoyuan Village can enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the river to take in the beautiful scenery or choose to disembark and explore on foot. Walking allows for a closer connection with nature and provides an enriching outdoor experience, combining fitness and relaxation as you immerse yourself in the stunning mountain and water landscapes.
Immortal Grinding Mill
On the opposite bank of Taoyuan Village stands a small hill known as Renzi Mountain. Atop this hill rests a giant stone, approximately three meters in diameter and shaped like a flat, round grinding mill, earning it the name “Immortal Mill.” Beside it stands an impressive, three-meter-tall slanted stone that, together with the Immortal Mill, resembles a person pushing a stone mill, creating a striking and lifelike scene known as “Immortal Grinding Mill.”
According to local legend, beneath Luohan Mountain, there were 18 households living in a valley, one of which belonged to a wealthy landlord, while the others were tenant farmers. Despite their hard work, the tenants struggled to feed their families. One day, an immortal was said to have come and pushed the “Immortal Mill,” producing rice that flowed from the mountain’s exit, enough to sustain the 17 households.
Upon hearing about the miraculous rice, the landlord expelled the 17 families and monopolized the rice supply from the mountain. He even enlarged the rock entrance and built two warehouses in front, intending to store the rice. However, to his surprise, no rice ever flowed out again. Instead, a strange wind began to blow from the cave, ultimately sweeping the greedy landlord into the river, where he drowned.
Moonlight Island
Moonlight Island is a picturesque islet located in the heart of the Li River, about one kilometer north of Yangdi Township. Its name comes from its crescent shape, resembling a new moon reflected in the river when viewed from above. The island is lush with trees and features a thick, soft carpet of naturally grown grass, thriving in the nurturing environment of the Li River, which remains evergreen throughout the seasons.
To the east and west of Moonlight Island stand striking formations such as Drum Stick Mountain, Golden Rooster Mountain, Goat Horn Mountain, and White Tiger Mountain. These peaks rise dramatically, resembling spring bamboo shoots breaking through the earth. On rainy days, a delicate mist rises, shrouding the mountains and river in a soft veil, creating a mystical atmosphere that enchants visitors.
Many poets, painters, and photographers are drawn to Moonlight Island for inspiration, often lingering for hours. Notably, renowned Chinese painter Xu Beihong found the inspiration for his famous work “Li River Misty Rain” while visiting this enchanting location.
White Tiger Mountain Water Curtain Cave
Directly across from Moonlight Island lies White Tiger Mountain, named for its stone walls that resemble the patterns of a large white tiger. At mid-elevation on White Tiger Mountain, a spectacular waterfall cascades dramatically into the Li River, known as the “Water Curtain Cave.” This waterfall is remarkable in that, regardless of the water flow’s intensity, the water remains clear and unclouded. Even in the driest conditions, the waterfall does not run dry.
The source of the water is particularly mysterious, as the surrounding landscape features towering mountains for over twenty to thirty miles, making the origin of the water difficult to trace. The Water Curtain Cave itself is an exhilarating destination for adventure enthusiasts, filled with thrilling and rugged terrain that invites exploration.
Liyu Hanging Wall
Located 500 meters downstream from Yangdi Wharf, Liyu Hanging Wall features a striking rock wall approximately 100 meters long and 30 meters high. The natural patterns on the rock resemble a large carp swimming upstream, complete with a head, eyes, tail, and fins, making it remarkably lifelike.
From a boat, visitors can closely observe this stunning formation, which also includes a smaller red carp swimming downstream. This small fish, with its distinct head, eyes, tail, and fins, adds to the overall charm of the scene. The entire rock wall resembles a vivid mural, aptly named “Liyu Hanging Wall” (Carp Hanging on the Wall).
Langshi Village Scenic Area
Across the Li River from the rocky wall known as Liyu Hanging Wall lies Langshi Village, named for the prominent reefs in front of the village that create lively splashes of water. Langshi Village boasts picturesque scenery, especially during the flood season of the Li River when waves crash against the uniquely shaped reefs, revealing a magnificent and expansive landscape. The undulating mountains behind the village, along with lush trees, resemble a beautiful ink wash painting filled with poetic charm.
In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Langshi Village is also home to remarkable ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. Established in 1740, the village has nearly 300 years of history, with over twenty well-preserved ancient residences showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The buildings feature elegant gray brick roofs, soaring eaves, and intricately designed wooden doors and windows. Many of these structures are adorned with carvings of peonies and chrysanthemums, symbolizing prosperity, or embellished with auspicious motifs like qilins, lions, and tigers, all finely crafted and vividly realistic.
Things to Do at Yangdi Scenic Area
Explore by Bamboo Raft: Visitors can choose to float downstream on a bamboo raft from Yangdi. This leisurely ride allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the Li River and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Hiking Option: For those with sufficient energy, hiking from Yangdi to Xingping is a great option. This trek offers a more intimate experience with nature and the surrounding landscapes.
Enjoy the Misty Scenery: Yangdi is renowned as one of the best spots to appreciate the misty beauty of the Li River, especially during the rainy season. The area is often shrouded in clouds and fog, creating a mystical and ever-changing landscape that captivates the senses.
Photography Opportunities: If you arrive by car, make sure to stop at the base of a large hill before reaching Yangdi. After disembarking, you can see the Li River and hike up a small path to the hilltop. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the television transmission tower. From here, you can capture stunning photographs: to the north, you can photograph the picturesque Yangdi scenery, and to the south, enjoy views of the beautiful Langshi Village.