houses near body of water during daytime
mountain near body of water
white concrete building near body of water during daytime
Orange bridge leads to a mountain with stairs
Neon signs with chinese characters at night

Holiday in Yangshuo

City in china — tips, highlights & best time to visit

Country

china

Type

City

Best time to travel

April to October, especially April-May and September-October for mild weather and clear views. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with occasional rain showers.

Budget/day

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Guilin Liangjiang (about 12-14h with a layover), then 90 min bus or shuttle to Yangshuo.

About Yangshuo

Yangshuo in southern China is a place where nature has created a masterpiece: hundreds of pointed karst mountains rise from emerald green rice fields, forming a landscape that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. The small town on the Li River in Guangxi Province is the perfect starting point to explore this surreal scenery — whether by bamboo raft on the Yulong River, cycling through rural villages, or hiking on the numerous trails between the karst rocks. The historic center of Yangshuo is compact and pedestrian-friendly. The famous West Street (Xi Jie) is a lively mix of traditional buildings, cozy cafés, art galleries, and restaurants serving both local Guangxi cuisine and international dishes. Away from the main street, there are quiet alleys with small guesthouses and tea houses where time seems to stand still. However, the true magic lies in the surroundings: a bike ride through the rice fields to Moon Hill — a natural rock arch on a karst mountain — is one of the unforgettable experiences. The Yulong River, with its ancient stone bridges and slowly gliding bamboo rafts, offers a romantic backdrop like no other. Climbers will find top-notch routes of all difficulty levels on the limestone cliffs, and the numerous caves in the region invite for underground explorations. In the evenings, the river landscape transforms into a magical stage: the famous Impression Sanjie Liu show by director Zhang Yimou uses the Li River and the illuminated karst mountains as a natural backdrop for a spectacular outdoor performance featuring over 600 performers. Yangshuo combines breathtaking nature, authentic Chinese culture, and a relaxed travel pace into an experience that goes far beyond what postcard images can promise.

Nature
95
Food
85
Urban
85
Adventure
80
Romance
75

Top 5 highlights in Yangshuo

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Li River Cruise

The legendary boat trip from Guilin to Yangshuo through the iconic karst landscape — one of the most famous natural panoramas in China.

2

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Leisurely rafting on the calm Yulong River, passing centuries-old stone bridges and rice fields.

3

Moon Hill

A natural crescent-shaped rock arch on a karst mountain — accessible via a short but rewarding hike.

4

Bike Tour through the Rice Fields

On two wheels through the green rice terraces and traditional villages — the best way to experience the rural landscape.

5

Impression Sanjie Liu

The world-famous outdoor light show on the Li River with the illuminated karst mountains as a natural backdrop.

Hotels in Yangshuo

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Reise-SIM für Yangshuo

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Yangshuo

Recommended travel time

April to October, especially April-May and September-October for mild weather and clear views. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with occasional rain showers.

Summer

28-33°C, humid with frequent rain showers

Winter

8-15°C, cool and relatively dry

How much does a holiday in Yangshuo cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

20-35 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

100-200 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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4 travel tips for Yangshuo

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Rent a bike: Rent an e-bike or regular bike from your hotel and explore the area on your own — much cheaper and more flexible than organized tours.

Yulong instead of Li: The Yulong River is quieter and more authentic than the touristy Li River — ideal for a relaxed bamboo rafting experience.

Start early in the morning: The karst landscape at dawn, when mist hangs between the mountains, is the most impressive.

Try Beer Fish: The signature dish of Yangshuo: fresh river fish in beer sauce — best enjoyed in a local restaurant away from West Street.

Food & drink in Yangshuo

These specialties you must try!

Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu) — The most famous dish in the region: fresh Li River fish in a spicy beer sauce with tomatoes, chili, and herbs.
Guilin Rice Noodles — Round rice noodles in a hearty broth with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and optional meat — the breakfast of the region.
Stuffed Li River Snails — River snails filled with a spicy minced meat mixture — a popular Guangxi snack.
Oil Tea (You Cha) — Traditional drink of the Zhuang minority: roasted tea with ginger and peanuts, savory and warming.
Bamboo Rice — Sticky rice with beans and pieces of meat, steamed in fresh bamboo tubes — an aromatic street food experience.
Suitable for:Karst landscapeCyclingRiver landscapeClimbingNaturePhotographyRelaxed

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