Yangshuo West Street (阳朔西街), nestled in the heart of Yangshuo County, is a historic and vibrant street with over 1,400 years of history. The architecture here is a beautiful reflection of the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring small blue tiles, sloped roofs, whitewashed walls, and hanging balconies. This blend of ancient charm has made West Street not only a highlight of Yangshuo’s tourism but also a world-renowned destination.
West Street exudes a rich cultural atmosphere and serves as a microcosm of Chinese heritage, while also being known as “China’s First Foreigner Street” and the “Largest Foreign Language Corner.” The street has earned these titles due to its strong Western influence, with foreigners living, working, and running businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and bars. This mix of Eastern tradition and Western influence makes West Street a unique cultural melting pot, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Travel Information about Yangshuo West Street
Admission and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Yangshuo County, Guilin City
Transportation: West Street (西街) is the main pedestrian sightseeing street in Yangshuo, accessible by most buses.
Attraction Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Culture: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Yangshuo West Street
Master Chef Gold Medal Beer Fish (West Street Main Store)
When visiting Yangshuo, trying beer fish is a must, and Master Chef Beer Fish (大师傅金奖啤酒鱼) is the largest beer fish chain in the area. Located at the entrance of West Street, right below Pizza Hut, the restaurant is easy to find. Many restaurants on West Street offer beer fish as their signature dish, but Master Chef Beer Fish stands out as the top choice, frequently recommended by online food enthusiasts.
What makes this place exceptional? The answer lies in the quality and flavor of its dishes. The beer fish here is renowned for its authentic taste, made with tender bony fish that has minimal bones. When the steaming hot dish arrives at your table, the first bite delivers a burst of spicy, fresh, and savory flavors, with a thick, flavorful broth that’s perfect with rice. Besides their famous beer fish, the restaurant also offers other delicious dishes worth trying, such as Grilled Chicken, Farmhouse Firewood Duck, and Stir-Fried Snails.
Asia Restaurant (Music Restaurant & Garden Branch)
Located at 2 Zhongzhong Road by the riverside in West Street, Asia Restaurant (亚洲餐厅) offers a serene and beautifully arranged environment, with lush green potted plants that instantly bring a sense of calm. The ambiance is as delightful as the food, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
One of the standout dishes here is the Thai-style Lemongrass Grilled Chicken, known for its vibrant flavor and aromatic spices. The restaurant also offers a variety of German dark beers, which pair wonderfully with dishes like Lipu Taro Pork and Papaya Salad, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that lingers on the palate.
Dining on the second floor provides a partial view of West Street, adding to the charm of the experience. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting with live music performances, where you can enjoy soulful folk tunes while savoring diverse culinary delights.
Pizza Cottage
Pizza Cottage (比萨小厨) is a charming garden-themed restaurant located at 113 Guihua Road, West Street, Yangshuo. With its elegant and refreshing atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for women of all ages to enjoy a meal, sip some wine, and take beautiful photos. If you find yourself tired after exploring West Street, this cozy restaurant is an ideal place to rest and recharge.
Chun Kee Roast Goose
Chun Kee Roast Goose (椿记烧鹅) is a popular local restaurant chain from Guilin, and its Yangshuo branch is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Diecui Road and Guihua Road. Known for its Cantonese-style cuisine, this restaurant has become a must-visit spot in Yangshuo. The roast goose here is famous for its thin, crispy skin and succulent meat. The stir-fried goose liver is another highlight, offering a tender and flavorful experience, while the Durian Pastry is a delicately crispy and delicious treat.
Shan Se Western Restaurant
Located along the Guihua Creek in West Street, Shan Se Western Restaurant (山色西餐厅) offers a tranquil and cozy dining environment. The menu features a fusion of Western and Thai cuisine, alongside some local dishes. Signature offerings include Pineapple Fried Rice, Tom Yum Seafood Soup, and Thai Fish Wraps. The restaurant also features live music, with singers capable of performing a variety of styles. Guests can request songs for an additional charge. You can choose to dine in the outdoor area or indoors, with different pricing options depending on your seating preference.
Mingyuan Café
Mingyuan Café (明园咖啡) is an elegant coffee shop located at 23 Binjiang Road on West Street. Owned by a refined gentleman from Taiwan and his gracious and beautiful wife from Guilin, this café offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Beyond serving rich, aromatic coffee, the café provides a unique “Mood Journal” for guests, where travelers can open their hearts and record their feelings and experiences from the journey.
As you sit in the cozy café, savoring a cup of coffee, you can immerse yourself in the cultural depth of the brew. Whether you choose to write your own thoughts in the journal or simply browse through the stories left by others, piecing together their complex emotions, it offers a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Magpie Tavern
Magpie Tavern (喜鹊酒馆) is one of the top-rated bars on West Street, located at 81-3 West Street, near the Shuangyue Bridge. Housed in an old three-story pavilion, the bar exudes a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. The tavern’s sign features a magpie, complemented by the greenery and twinkling neon lights inside, creating a visually appealing and inviting setting.
The interior of the bar has a distinctly artistic vibe, with vinyl records adorning the walls and a friendly cat adding to the cozy ambiance. The music here is a highlight, with talented singers taking turns to perform. Their deep, soulful voices, combined with the dazzling lights and beautiful melodies, create an intoxicating atmosphere that makes it hard to leave.
Rosewood Restaurant
Located at 83 West Street, Rosewood Restaurant (玫瑰木餐厅) is an authentic Italian dining spot. The interior is adorned with lush green plants, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also offers a fantastic view of Bilian Peak, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with a scenic backdrop.
The food here is a must-try, all crafted by an Italian chef to ensure an authentic taste. Additionally, Rosewood is known for its exceptional coffee, made with high-quality beans and equipment imported from Italy, offering a flavor that is truly unique.
Little Horse’s Heaven
Located at 28 Qianjie Street, Little Horse’s Heaven (小马的天) is a unique bar on West Street, owned by a laid-back French guy named Xiao Ma. Embracing a carefree, artistic spirit, the bar is beautifully decorated, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
From the wooden chairs, patrons can gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows and catch a glimpse of the vast blue sky, a view that is not available from the nearby climbing bar or Rosewood Tavern. This enchanting sight is exclusive to Xiao Ma’s place, where the sky is clear and serene.
The bar also features a high-quality guestbook, inviting guests to draw or write poetry, making it a haven for those with a rich emotional life. It’s a perfect spot to relax, unwind, and express creativity.
Yangshuo Landscape Garden
Yangshuo Landscape Garden (阳朔山水 园) is nestled at the eastern foot of Bilian Peak, surrounded by the picturesque Li River. Known as the “Garden within a Garden,” it boasts a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions.
The highlight of the garden is Bilian Peak, one of the most iconic landmarks in Yangshuo. This stunning peak is renowned for its captivating scenery and historical significance, earning the title of “First Peak of Yangshuo.” Its name, which translates to “Green Lotus Peak,” comes from its resemblance to a lotus flower that is about to bloom.
For the best view of Bilian Peak, visitors can head to the “Lotus Viewing Spot” located about 500 meters south of the Yangshuo Grand Bridge. From this vantage point, the peak appears as if it is gracefully rising from the water, resembling a lotus flower standing tall and poised, ready to unfurl.
Visitor Guide for Yangshuo West Street
Accommodation in Yangshuo
Yangshuo offers a variety of accommodation options, but staying on West Street is highly recommended. The street is lined with hotels and guesthouses, allowing you to explore several options and find the one that suits your preferences. Regardless of your choice, you can expect comfort and enjoyment.
Yangshuo Laobanzhang International Youth Hostel (阳朔老班长国际青年旅舍): This is one of the highest-rated backpacker hostels in Yangshuo. Conveniently located next to the pedestrian street, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle. The hostel features a communal lounge with exciting movie shows, soft sofas, a reading area with books, free self-service coffee, and entertainment activities like billiards.
Yangshuo Romantic Full House Inn (阳朔浪漫满屋客栈): As the name suggests, this inn is designed to be romantic. The rooms are decorated in warm tones such as pink and light yellow, creating a cozy atmosphere. Unique themed rooms like the Romantic Princess Room and Autumn Love Room are available, with the top-floor rooms offering stunning views of the Li River. The inn also provides self-service laundry facilities, and there’s a designated area on the fifth floor for drying clothes.
Full House (Main Store) (鲜花满屋): This well-known guesthouse features two locations in Yangshuo. It is situated by a small river and is surrounded by blooming flowers, showcasing a Western-style charm that contrasts beautifully with the ancient architecture of West Street. The room designs are unique and cozy, making it an excellent choice for young travelers seeking something different.
Lazy Man’s Hall (Branch) (阳朔懒人堂分店): Located on Diecui Road, this branch is just a two-minute walk to West Street. The first floor is decorated in a Thai style, providing a comfortable environment with a rich selection of books and magazines. The hotel offers high-speed internet access and wireless Wi-Fi for guests. Additionally, it provides services such as ticket booking, car rentals, and recommendations for various unique travel itineraries.
Culinary Delights in Yangshuo
On West Street (西街), in addition to numerous Western restaurants, there are also many snacks worth trying. At the entrance of West Street, there is a famous late-night food street, offering a variety of snacks such as Oil Tea (油茶), Tangyuan (汤圆), Braised Chicken in Casseroles (炖鸡盅), Sweet Wine Eggs (甜酒蛋), Bean Tea (豆子茶), Yangshuo Baguette (阳朔粑粑), and Lotus Seed Soup (莲子羹). These dishes are delicious and inexpensive, perfect for enjoying a bowl while sitting in the evening breeze, feeling like a true resident of Yangshuo.
Xijie Chuanren (西街传人): This restaurant has a simple decor but is always packed, especially for hot pot. Here, the Beer Fish (啤酒鱼), Stir-fried Snails (炒螺), Stir-fried Cauliflower (炒菜花), and Chicken Casserole (鸡锅) are very popular.
Desserts: On the roadside of West Street, the Sesame Soup (芝麻糊) is excellent, and there are many vendors selling Lotus Seed Soup (莲子羹), which is a specialty dessert of West Street.
Shopping in Yangshuo
Yangshuo offers a variety of small items such as bracelets (手镯), rings (戒指), shawls (披肩), and headscarves (头巾) that may seem unassuming but are quite appealing. There are also unique ethnic handicrafts, including bamboo and wooden products (竹木制品), bamboo mats (竹子凉席), Yangshuo painted fans (阳朔画扇), and Xingping wooden shoes (兴坪木鞋), with the Yangshuo painted fan being the most famous.
West Street (西街) in Yangshuo is also a renowned shopping paradise. It features many quirky shops selling various unique handicrafts and personalized accessories. For example, Matchstick Paradise (火柴天堂) is a super interesting little store on West Street. Additionally, there’s a chopstick shop (筷子店) located at No. 17, West Street (阳朔西街17号) that specializes in selling chopsticks.