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Yangshuo is a county town in Guangxi, southern China, where the Li River winds through a forest of limestone karst peaks that appear on the 20 yuan banknote. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, wet summers and mild winters, and the town is one of China’s most popular outdoor destinations for river cruises, bamboo rafting, cycling and rock climbing. This Yangshuo guide links the full set of focused articles below.
Welcome to Yangshuo
Set about 68 to 90 km south of Guilin and its airport, Yangshuo sits at the heart of a karst landscape shaped by limestone dissolved over millions of years. The Li River runs north to south past the town, and the quieter Yulong River joins it from the west. Most visitors arrive by the four-hour cruise from Guilin, by high-speed rail to Yangshuo Station, or by road, then spend two to three days moving between river piers, viewpoints and caves.
Weather at a Glance
Yangshuo averages 19.7°C (67.5°F) over the year and about 1,800 mm (71 in) of rain, most of it in the April-to-August monsoon. July and August are the hottest months at 33°C (91°F), while January is the coolest at 13°C (55°F) by day. October and November are the driest, clearest months and the best time for the classic karst views.
Seasonal Snapshot
- Winter (December to February): mild and misty, highs of 13 to 16°C (55 to 61°F), low prices and few crowds.
- Spring (March to May): warming fast from 19 to 29°C (66 to 84°F), rivers full for rafting, rain increasing.
- Summer (June to August): hot and wet, 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F), June the wettest month at 320 mm (12.6 in).
- Autumn (September to November): dry and clear, 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F), the best season to visit.
Yangshuo Travel Guides
- Weather by month: temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and what to pack each season in our Yangshuo weather by month guide.
- Best time to visit: the clearest months, cheapest weeks and crowd spikes in our best time to visit Yangshuo guide.
- Things to do: river cruises, bamboo rafts, Moon Hill, Silver Cave and more in our things to do in Yangshuo guide.
- Events and festivals: the Liu Sanjie show, the October climbing festival and lunar holidays in our Yangshuo events and festivals guide.
- Neighborhoods: West Street, the Yulong valley, Xingping and Fuli in our Yangshuo neighborhoods guide.
- Where to stay: guesthouses and resorts by area and budget in our where to stay in Yangshuo guide.
- Travel tips and FAQ: airports, transport costs, money, visas and safety in our Yangshuo travel tips guide.
Location and Geography
Yangshuo sits in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, about 65 km (40 mi) southeast of Guilin along the Li River. The surrounding karst, a UNESCO-listed landscape, is what drives the tourism: hundreds of cone-shaped peaks rise directly from the valley floor, and the weather shapes the experience, with summer humidity softening the views and autumn clarity sharpening them. The town itself is compact, with West Street at its centre and the main sights spread across a 30 km (19 mi) radius.
Quick Facts
- Best months: October and November, dry with highs near 27°C (81°F).
- Warmest month: July and August, 33°C (91°F).
- Wettest month: June, about 320 mm (12.6 in).
- Coolest month: January, 13°C (55°F) by day.
- Nearest airport: Guilin Liangjiang International (KWL), 68 to 90 km away.
- Currency: yuan (CNY); WeChat Pay and Alipay widely accepted.
Suggested Hotels in Yangshuo
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
A luxury resort in Fuli Town with a seasonal heated outdoor pool, spa and landscaped gardens, about a 20 minute drive from West Street. Best for couples and honeymooners who want a full-service retreat. Check rates and availability
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A riverside eco-retreat on the Yulong River with free bike rental and quiet rooms facing the karst. Best for couples and nature-focused travelers on a mid-range budget. Check rates and availability
Yangshuo Sudder Street Guesthouse
A budget guesthouse with an outdoor pool and free parking, set near a local market and within walking distance of the river. Best for backpackers and budget travelers who want a clean base. Check rates and availability
