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Yangshuo is built around the Li River and the jagged limestone karst that rises out of the fields around it, and nearly every worthwhile activity involves the water, the peaks or the caves. Expect to pay between CNY 20 and CNY 360 for the main sights, and plan on two to three days to cover the highlights below, and the Yangshuo guide page links every guide in the Yangshuo cluster.
Things to Do in Yangshuo: Li River and Water Activities
Li River Cruise from Guilin
The 83 km (52 mi) cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the classic way to see the peaks that appear on the 20 yuan banknote. Three-star boats cost about CNY 215 and four-star boats about CNY 360 one-way, with departures from Zhujiang Pier in Guilin between 9:00 and 10:30, arriving at Yangshuo’s Longtoushan Pier about four hours later. Book through your hotel or a travel agent a day ahead in high season.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
On the Yulong River, a tributary of the Li, hand-poled bamboo rafts drift past rice fields and water buffalo instead of engine noise. There are 21 official rafting routes; the popular Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian stretch takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs about CNY 320 per two-person raft. Rafts do not operate in heavy rain, and children under about 1 metre and adults over 70 are generally not permitted.
Xingping and the 20 Yuan Viewpoint
Xingping is a 1,740-year-old river town about 28 km (17 mi) from Yangshuo, and the Yuanbao Hill viewpoint on its riverbank is the exact scene printed on the 20 yuan note. The viewpoint is free and best at sunrise or late afternoon. Buses leave Yangshuo Bus Station for Xingping roughly every 30 minutes and take about an hour for around CNY 10.
Things to Do in Yangshuo: Karst Peaks and Viewpoints
Moon Hill
Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) is a limestone arch with a natural hole through its summit, reached by a stone staircase of about 800 steps. Entry costs about CNY 26, and the climb takes 30 to 45 minutes. Go early to beat both the heat and the tour groups. The trailhead sits at the south end of the Ten-Mile Gallery.
Xianggong Hill
Xianggong Hill gives the single best sunrise view of the Li River bending through the peaks. Entry is about CNY 20, and from the ticket gate it is a steep 15 to 20 minute climb to the top platform. It is on the opposite bank of the river from Xingping, so most people arrange a car or scooter; the view is at its best in October and November, which the Yangshuo weather by month page confirms are the clearest months.
Laozhai Mountain
For a sunset alternative, Laozhai Mountain above Xingping is free but demanding: a roughly 40 minute climb up stone steps and ladders to a ridge with a 360-degree view of the river bend. Bring a headlamp for the descent and skip it in wet weather, when the rocks turn slippery.
Ruyi Peak Cable Car
Ruyi Peak opened a gondola that lifts visitors to a glass bridge and walkway over a karst ridge, about 15 minutes from town. A round-trip ticket with the glass walkway runs roughly CNY 168 to 198. It is a good option for travelers who want the high view without the long stair climbs.
Things to Do in Yangshuo: Caves and Culture
Silver Cave
Silver Cave (Yinzi Yan), about 15 km (9 mi) from town, is a show cave of illuminated stalactites and underground pools. Entry is about CNY 85, and the walk through takes around one hour with a guide. It is one of the few attractions that works on a rainy day, and it stays cool inside even in the July heat.
West Street
West Street (Xi Jie) is a 1,400-year-old pedestrian lane, now the town’s bar and restaurant strip, about 500 metres long and packed from 19:00 onward. It is the place for beer fish (pi jiu yu), Guilin rice noodles for CNY 10 to 15 a bowl, and souvenir shopping. Weekends and holidays are shoulder-to-shoulder; the street is far calmer before noon.
Impression Liu Sanjie
Impression Liu Sanjie is a 600-plus performer outdoor show staged on the Li River itself, directed by Zhang Yimou. It runs most nights at 20:00 from March to November and costs roughly CNY 198 to CNY 680 depending on seat tier. The audience sits on terraces with the karst peaks lit behind the stage, and the show lasts about 70 minutes.
Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling
The Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Hualang) is a flat, scenic road running south from town past Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree and Butterfly Spring. Rent a bicycle for about CNY 10 to 20 a day or an electric scooter for CNY 30 to 50, and allow half a day to ride it with stops. It is the easiest way to see the countryside without a tour, and our Yangshuo travel tips page covers the scooter rental and trailhead logistics.
To plan around the seasons, check our best time to visit Yangshuo guide, and see our Yangshuo events and festivals page for the festivals that overlap with these sights.
Our Yangshuo neighborhoods guide maps out where each attraction sits, and where to stay in Yangshuo lists places to sleep near the action.
