Guilin and Yangshuo are renowned for their breathtaking karst landforms and picturesque scenery of the Li River, earning them the title of “China’s best mountains and waters” tourist destinations. For foreign travelers, this place not only offers stunning natural landscapes, but also integrates rich ethnic minority cultures and unique local cuisine experiences. This guide will provide international tourists with a comprehensive and in-depth Guilin Yangshuo travel guide from six aspects: transportation modes, must visit attractions, specialty cuisine, cultural experiences, accommodation choices, and practical tips, helping you plan an unforgettable mountain and water journey.
Overview of Guilin and Yangshuo: Perfect Integration of Nature and Culture
Guilin and Yangshuo are located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and are renowned for their unique karst landforms and the scenery of the Li River. This area is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO and is known as the ‘most beautiful landscape gallery in the world’. For foreign travelers, Guilin Yangshuo not only offers breathtaking natural landscapes, but also integrates rich ethnic minority cultures and unique local cuisine experiences.
**Geographical Features: The karst landform of Yangshuo, Guilin was formed about 300 million years ago, and through long-term geological processes and water erosion, it has formed a diverse range of peak forests, caves, and underground river systems today. The Li River and its tributary, the Yulong River, meander through these peculiar peaks, forming the four major landscape features of “green mountains, beautiful waters, unique caves, and beautiful rocks”.
**Cultural background: This region is a multi-ethnic settlement, with rich and diverse cultures of ethnic minorities such as Zhuang and Yao. Yangshuo West Street has a history of over 1400 years. It was once an important stop on the ancient “Southern Silk Road” and has now become a model for the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. The local intangible cultural heritage such as Guilin fishing drums and Three Sisters’ duet songs provide tourists with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese ethnic minority culture.
**Best travel season * : Guilin Yangshuo is suitable for all seasons, but each has its own characteristics: -Spring (March May): The temperature is suitable, and the irrigation period of Longji Terraces reflects the sky like a mirror -Summer (June August): lush greenery, suitable for water activities, but pay attention to sun protection and sudden showers – * Autumn (September November) * *: Clear and crisp autumn air, golden fields on Longji Terraces, the best season for photography
-Winter (December February): There are fewer tourists, and the mountain peaks are faintly visible in the mist, giving them a unique charm
**Suggestion on travel duration * *: For foreign tourists, it is recommended to arrange a journey of * * 4-5 days * * to fully experience the essence of Guilin and Yangshuo without being too hurried. If time is limited, a compact 3-day itinerary can also cover the main highlights.
Transportation Guide: How to Get to and Visit Guilin Yangshuo
For foreign travelers, understanding the transportation options in Guilin and Yangshuo is an important part of planning their itinerary. The transportation network in this region is well-developed, but there are also some unique precautions to be aware of.
International Arrival Methods
Most foreign tourists choose to fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), which is the main international gateway in the region. There are multiple transportation options from the airport to the city center:
-* * Airport Bus * : An affordable option that takes about 40 minutes to reach Guilin city center, with a ticket price of approximately 20 RMB -Taxi/ride hailing service: More convenient, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the city center and costs around 100-150 RMB. It is recommended to use a regular taxi and request a meter, or book through ride hailing platforms such as Didi – * Direct transportation to Yangshuo * : You can take a bus directly from the airport to Yangshuo (about 1.5 hours, 50 yuan/person), or book a ride hailing service in advance (about 150 yuan) High speed rail selection China’s high-speed rail network is well-developed, making it very convenient to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo -Guilin Station/Guilin North Station: It only takes about 30 minutes by high-speed rail from these stations to Yangshuo Station, and the second-class ticket price is about 25 RMB – * Yangshuo Station * : Although named Yangshuo Station, it is actually about 30 kilometers away from Yangshuo County and requires transfer to a bus (1 hour) or taxi (about 100 yuan) – * Xingping Ancient Town * *: If you plan to visit Xingping (background location for 20 RMB) first, you can transfer directly to the bus to Xingping at Yangshuo Station (20 minutes)
Local transportation**
When traveling in the Yangshuo area of Guilin, there are various local transportation options to choose from:
Table: Comparison of Local Transportation Modes in Guilin and Yangshuo
| * * Transportation mode * * | * * Cost range * * | * * Suitable scenario * * | * * Precautions * * |
|---|---|---|---|
| * * Electric Car Rental * * | 30-50 yuan/day | Short distance tours around Yangshuo, such as encountering Longhe and Shili Gallery | Check if the battery is sufficient and pay attention to no parking areas |
| * * Bicycle * * | 10-30 yuan/day (some homestays are free) | Short distance exploration, such as around Yangshuo County | Pay attention to sun protection and prepare drinking water in summer |
| * * Taxi * * | Starting price 9 yuan | Mobile or rainy travel within the city | Adhere to meter billing to avoid bargaining |
| * * Tourist shuttle bus * * | 5-25 yuan/time | Connecting major attractions such as Lijiang Pier and Longji Terraces | Pay attention to the last bus time, as it may be crowded during peak season |
| Bamboo raft/boat tour | 80-300 yuan/person | Li River and Yulong River tours | Book in advance and confirm if meals are included |
| Practical Traffic Tips |
- Li River Cruise Selection: There are different levels of Li River cruise ships from Guilin to Yangshuo. Three star/four-star cruise ships are more comfortable and include meals, while bamboo rafts are more suitable for short distance experiences
- * * Yulong River Bamboo Raft Pier * *: Yulong River has multiple piers, and the routes are not connected to each other. Jinlong Bridge – Old County Section (90 minutes) is the most popular. You need to make an appointment in advance on the “Yulong River” official account
- * * Self driving precautions * *: Although it is possible to rent a car for self driving, some scenic spots have narrow roads and limited parking spaces. It is not recommended for foreign tourists without Chinese driving experience to choose
- * * Travel during Rainy Season * *: The rainy season from May to June may cause bamboo rafts to be suspended. It is necessary to confirm the information of the scenic area in advance and prepare a backup plan
For foreign tourists who are not familiar with Chinese, it is recommended to download the translation app in advance and save the Chinese names and addresses of key locations (such as hotels and attractions) for easy inquiries from drivers or passersby. The main tourist areas in Guilin and Yangshuo have relatively complete English signage, but communication may be difficult when going deep into rural areas.
Must visit attractions: Natural and cultural wonders that cannot be missed in Guilin and Yangshuo
The Yangshuo area of Guilin boasts numerous breathtaking attractions, ranging from magnificent natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences, each with its own unique charm. The following are recommended essence scenic spots that cannot be missed by foreign tourists.
Essence Tour of Lijiang River: Realistic Presentation of Chinese Landscape Painting
The Lijiang River is the soul of Guilin’s landscape. Its * * Yangdi Xingping section * * is recognized as the most essence. The whole journey is about 20 kilometers and takes 1.5-2 hours. This waterway connects more than 20 classic landscapes such as Jiuma Huashan and Huangbu Reflection, especially the filming location of * * 20 RMB background pattern * , located near Xingping Ancient Town. Suggestions for foreign tourists: – * Choose the first bamboo raft at 6:30 in the morning * * to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the dreamy scenery of misty rivers
-* * Carry 20 yuan RMB banknotes * * and take commemorative photos at Xingping Port against the real scene
-Climbing Mount Laozhai to overlook the first bay of the Li River, although it takes about 40 minutes on foot and some sections are steep, the 270 degree panoramic view from the mountaintop is definitely worth it
For tourists with limited time, they can also choose the full cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (about 4 hours), departing from Mopanshan Pier and enjoying the scenery of Elephant Trunk Hill, Guanyan and other attractions along the way.
Drifting on the Yulong River: Tranquil pastoral poetry and painting
Unlike the grandeur of the Li River, the Yulong River is known for its peaceful pastoral scenery and is referred to as the ‘Little Li River’. The artificial bamboo raft drifting here is one of the best ways to experience the scenery of Yangshuo:
-* * Classic route selection * : -Jinlongqiao Jiuxian section: about 90 minutes, passing through 9 natural drops, exciting and interesting -Shuiyedi Wanjing section: about 60 minutes, 4 drops, suitable for tourists with limited time -Fuli Bridge round-trip: Especially suitable for families with elderly and children, the water flow is gentle, and you can enjoy the full view of the Ming Dynasty ancient bridge – * Practical Tip * *:
-Make an appointment in advance on the “Yulong River” WeChat official account (the next day ticket will be released at 8:00 every night)
-Children under 1 meter and elderly people over 70 years old can only ride on the Fuliqiao four person raft or Wanjing eight person raft
-Prepare waterproof bags to protect electronic products, as there may be splashes of water when the bamboo raft rushes against the dam
Yangshuo West Street: The Modern Vitality of a Millennium Old Street
Yangshuo West Street, with a history of over 1400 years, is the heart of this small town, perfectly blending Eastern traditions with Western elements. During the day, this is a quiet cultural and artistic old street, suitable for strolling and taking photos; At night, it transforms into a lively entertainment center with brightly lit bars and restaurants.
-* * Experience not to be missed * : -From 6:30 to 8:00 in the morning, there are almost no tourists on West Street, which is the best time to take photos of the bluestone road and stilted houses -Listening to live music at the folk bar on Xianqian Street in the evening, experiencing the atmosphere of “elopement”, “Tianya” and other traveler’s emotions -Visit the former residence of Xu Beihong and learn about the connection between this Chinese art master and Yangshuo – * Adjacent Yitian West Street * *: Adjacent to Old West Street, it adopts the traditional Guibei architectural style and features characteristic buildings such as Tongxin Bridge and Shuiyuefang, as well as internet famous check-in points such as Cat’s Sky City Concept Bookstore.
Longji Terraced Fields: A Masterpiece of Human Nature Dancing Together
Although it is about a 2.5-hour drive from Yangshuo, the Longji Terraced Fields are definitely worth a special trip. These terraced fields, developed by the Zhuang and Yao people hundreds of years ago, change in appearance with the seasons:
-Best viewing season:
-April watering season: Terraced fields reflect sunlight like mirrors
-June: Green rice waves rolling
-October: Golden rice ears cover the hillside
-* * Main attractions * *:
-Ping’an Village: The development is relatively complete, and the Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon and the Five Tigers of Kowloon are the best viewing platforms
-Jinkeng Dazhai: With a larger scale, you can take a cable car to the “Xishan Shaole” observation deck
It is recommended to stay overnight in the village, experience the stilted house homestay, and participate in the evening long drum dance bonfire party.
Other must see attractions
-Elephant Trunk Hill: The city symbol of Guilin, named after its mountain shape resembling an elephant drinking water. Although the park area is not large, the spectacle of the 108 meter long “elephant trunk” extending into the Li River is worth seeing.
-Silver Rock: One of the most beautiful caves in Guilin area, with stalactites pouring down like the Milky Way under the illumination of lights.
-Sunrise at Xianggong Mountain: It only takes a 20 minute walk to reach the observation deck, overlooking the magnificent panoramic view of the Li River winding among the peaks.
-Ten Mile Gallery Cycling: Rent an electric bike along a scenic stretch of National Highway 321 to cross rice paddies and karst peaks, experiencing the leisurely rural life of Yangshuo.
Table: Recommended travel times for major attractions in Guilin and Yangshuo
| * * Scenic Spot Type * * | * * Recommended Scenic Spots * * | * * Best Travel Time * * | * * Required Duration * * |
|---|---|---|---|
| * * Natural Landscape * * | Yangdi Xingping section of Lijiang River | Early morning or evening | 1.5-2 hours |
| Drifting on the Dragon River | All day long, avoiding the scorching noon sun | 1-2 hours (depending on the paragraph) | |
| Longji Terraced Fields | Sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening | It is recommended to stay overnight | |
| * * Humanistic Experience * * | Yangshuo West Street | Early morning or evening | 2-3 hours |
| Xingping Ancient Town | Avoid tourist groups in the morning | 2 hours | |
| Huangluo Yaozhai | Daytime | 2-3 hours | |
| * * City landmark * * | Elephant Trunk Hill | Daytime or nighttime light show | 1 hour |
| Night Tour of Two Rivers and Four Lakes | Evening | 1.5 hours | |
For foreign tourists, it is recommended to choose a combination of attractions based on personal interests and schedule. If time is limited, Lijiang Bamboo Raft, Yulong River Rafting and Yangshuo West Street can be selected as the “Three essence Experience”. For tourists who enjoy in-depth exploration, they can arrange to stay overnight at Longji Terraces and visit relatively niche attractions such as Fuli Bridge and Stone City.
Food Exploration: A Taste Experience in Guilin and Yangshuo
Guilin Yangshuo is not only famous for its mountains and waters, but its unique local cuisine is also unforgettable. For foreign travelers, tasting local specialty dishes is an important way to understand Chinese culture. The cuisine here combines the culinary traditions of ethnic minorities in Guangxi with the natural gifts of the Li River Basin, forming a unique culinary map.
Guilin rice noodle: the most authentic breakfast experience
*Guilin rice noodle is the most representative food in this city, with a history of more than 2300 years. Authentic Guilin rice noodle emphasize the preparation of “brine”, which is usually made by boiling more than 20 kinds of spices and Chinese herbs. Foreign tourists should pay attention to: – * Ordering term * : “Erliang stewed cabbage noodles” is the standard configuration, including Rice noodles, brine and pot roast (crispy pork) – * Correct way to eat * : First mix dry and taste the original flavor, then add bone soup to make soup powder halfway through, experiencing both flavors – * Recommended shops * : It is a good way to judge the freshness by avoiding the high price “tourists only supply” Rice noodles in the scenic spot and looking for old shops in the alley, such as “Sunshine Fire Rice noodles” (Shijiayuan Road) – * Ingredients * *: Add pickled bamboo shoots, pickled beans, chili peppers, and chopped scallions according to personal taste. However, foreign tourists who are trying pickled bamboo shoots for the first time are recommended to add a small amount as their special odor may require adaptation
Yangshuo Beer Fish: A Delicious Gift from the Li River
**Beer fish * * is the most famous dish in Yangshuo, usually made from the local specialties of the Lijiang River, such as swordfish or hairy fish, paired with tomatoes, green and red peppers, and stewed with local Liquan beer. Foreign tourists should pay attention to:
-* * Authentic Store Selection * : Recommend “Xie Sanjie Gold Award Beer Fish” or “Master Beer Fish” (award-winning stores certified by the government and the National Culinary Association), and be sure to choose non branch stores to ensure quality – * Ordering Tips * : Fish should be weighed and killed immediately, usually priced by jin. It is recommended to choose fish weighing 1.5-2 jin, which is suitable for 2-3 people to share – * Upgraded eating method * : Add a serving of Lijiang shrimp and cook it together for a richer and more flavorful taste – * Avoiding pitfalls * *: Small shops on the street may use ordinary grass carp to impersonate swordfish, with a large price difference (swordfish costs about 68-98 yuan/jin, grass carp costs 28-48 yuan/jin), which can be identified by observing the shape of the fish mouth
Ethnic minority specialty dishes
The Yangshuo area in Guilin is home to ethnic minorities such as Zhuang, Yao, and Dong, and its traditional cuisine is also worth exploring for foreign tourists
-Lipu taro and pork belly: a Guangxi intangible cultural heritage delicacy, steamed layer by layer with Lipu taro and pork belly, and melted in the mouth. Recommend local chain restaurants such as “Xiao Nan Guo” or “Forrest Gump Restaurant”
-* * Snail Brewing * *: Chop the snail meat, mix it with pork and spices, and steam it with snail shells, which is a specialty of Yangshuo. The Tianluo Brewing at Laogen Farmhouse Restaurant is highly acclaimed
-Oil tea: a traditional drink of the Yao ethnic group, boiled by pounding tea leaves, ginger, garlic, etc., and served with stir fried rice and rice cakes (rice cakes) on boats. The unnamed vendor across from Yangshuo gas station provides the most authentic experience
Night Market and Snack Exploration
Yangshuo West Street and its surroundings are excellent places to taste various snacks, suitable for foreign tourists who like to eat while walking:
-Frog Cake/Maguai Cake: A local snack with a unique name but a normal taste, made from rice paste and worth trying
-Osmanthus jelly: a great summer cooling dish, made with osmanthus syrup and jelly, sweet and refreshing
-Lijiang Grilled Fish: A small Lijiang grilled fish commonly found in night markets, suitable for tasting as a late night snack
-* * Chui Tang * *: A common performance candy on West Street, although it is essentially a regular candy block, the production process is interesting
Practical suggestions for catering
Table: Guilin Yangshuo Catering Consumption Guide
| * * Catering Type * * | * * Per Capita Consumption * * | * * Recommended Try * * | * * Precautions * * |
|---|---|---|---|
| * * Street Rice noodles * * | 5-10 yuan | braised vegetable noodles+pot roast | the freshest breakfast |
| * * Local restaurants * * | 40-60 yuan | Beer fish, Lipu taro pork | Choose shops with clear prices |
| * * High end restaurant * * | 80-150 yuan | Li River fish feast, ethnic minority flavors | Some reservations required in advance |
| Night Market Snacks * * | 10-30 yuan | Oil tea with rice flowers, grilled skewers | Pay attention to food hygiene |
| * * Western style restaurant * * | 50-100 yuan | Pizza and pasta (common on the West Street) | Suitable for tourists who miss the taste of their hometown |
| Special Reminder for Foreign Tourists: |
- * * Spiciness adaptation * *: Guangxi cuisine is sour and hot, so you can ask for “slightly spicy” or “not spicy” when ordering, especially the brine of Guilin rice noodle has a certain degree of spicy
- * * Dietary hygiene * *: Choosing restaurants with high foot traffic usually ensures fresh ingredients and avoids consuming raw and cold food to prevent discomfort
- * * Special drinks * *: In addition to beer, you can try Guilin Sanhua Wine (rice flavor Baijiu) or Guihuaniang (sweet wine)
- * * Meal Time * *: Local people have lunch from 11:30-13:00 and dinner from 18:00-20:00. Off peak dining can avoid queuing
The culinary experience in Guilin and Yangshuo goes far beyond that. Foreign tourists can also participate in * * cooking courses * * to learn how to make local dishes, or visit * * farmhouse restaurants * * to taste the freshest rural vegetables. Remember, the most authentic flavors are often hidden in those inconspicuous small shops, and daring to try is the key to discovering delicious food.
Cultural Experience and Featured Activities: Exploring the Soul of Guilin and Yangshuo
The charm of Guilin Yangshuo lies not only in its breathtaking landscape, but also in its rich and diverse cultural heritage and unique ethnic traditions. For foreign travelers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, participating in these cultural activities will make their journey more unforgettable.
Exploration of Ethnic Minority Cultures
**The ethnic minority villages in Longsheng Autonomous County provide tourists with opportunities to experience the original ethnic culture. Huangluo Yaozhai, located about a 2-hour drive from Yangshuo, is known as the “world’s longest hair village”. The average hair length of Yao women here is 1.6 meters, and they use fermented rice washing water to care for their hair. This tradition has been passed down for thousands of years. Tourists can:
-Watch * * Long Hair Performance * * to learn about the unique technique of Yao women’s hair styling
-Experience * * Yao Medicine Foot Soaking * * and feel the traditional medical wisdom of ethnic minorities
-Learn the skills of Yao embroidery and create a unique embroidery piece with ethnic characteristics by hand
In the Zhuang and Yao villages of Longji Terraced Fields, tourists can participate in the evening bonfire party, enjoy the original Long Drum Dance and ethnic song and dance performances, and even participate in interactive activities to learn simple dance steps.
Traditional Art and Handicraft Experience
**Guilin Fishing Drum * * is a unique folk rap art, in which performers use bamboo tubes to make drums, accompanied by three stringed instruments, and often perform in night markets or scenic spots. Foreign tourists can learn two Guilin phrases in advance, such as “Where are you going to play?”, to interact with performers and add fun.
Yangshuo’s’ Three Sisters Duel Song ‘is a Zhuang folk song performance adapted from the legend of Liu Sanjie, singing labor scenes and love stories in Zhuang language. In Yangshuo bookstores or certain restaurants, there are often impromptu song duels that tourists can also try to participate in.
For tourists who enjoy hands-on experience, the following handicraft activities are worth trying:
-Fan painting: Drawing Guilin landscapes or flower and bird patterns on a blank fan, which can be taken home as a unique souvenir
-Li River Stone Painting: Using natural stones collected from the banks of the Li River to create small-scale landscape paintings
-Guiqing Tea Making: During the period of March to April, experience the entire process of tea picking and frying at Qixianfeng Tea Garden, and taste the tea leaves made by oneself
Featured Activities and Seasonal Experiences
*The Li River fishing fire is one of the most poetic traditional scenes in Yangshuo. Fishermen use well-trained cormorants to catch fish, and light torches at night to create a “fishing fire” spectacle. Tourists can: -Renting fisherman costumes in Xingping Ancient Town, experiencing this traditional fishing method and taking commemorative photos -Join a specialized fishing fire photography team and capture this unique scene at the best location -Strolling by the Li River in the evening, encountering a real fishing fire scene, experiencing the classical atmosphere of “Jiang Feng Fishing Fire on Sorrowful Sleep” Depending on the season, tourists can also participate in the following featured activities: -Spring (March April): During the irrigation season of Longji Terraces, participate in the Yao ethnic group’s “Opening Farming Festival” and experience traditional farming rituals -Summer (June August): Villagers along the Yulong River sun dried persimmon cakes, and golden persimmon cakes covered the riverbank, forming a spectacular scene -Autumn (September November): Participate in the Zhuang ethnic group’s “Harvest Festival” and taste the five colored glutinous rice made from new rice – * Winter (December February) * *: Experience the traditional New Year’s goods preparation process of making cured meat and sausages
Intangible Cultural Heritage Living Hall and Cultural and Creative Space
The “Intangible Cultural Heritage Living Hall – Yangshuo Self built” on Yitian West Street in Yangshuo is a model of combining Guangxi’s intangible cultural heritage with modern commerce. Not only are traditional handicrafts displayed here, but they are also revitalized through modern design. Visitors can:
-Understand the modern application of traditional crafts such as Zhuang brocade and Miao embroidery
-Purchase cultural and creative products that combine traditional charm and practicality
-Participate in workshops hosted by intangible cultural heritage inheritors to learn basic skills
**Cat’s Sky City Concept Bookstore * * is the first bookstore of its kind in Guangxi. In addition to offering a wide range of books and cultural and creative products, it also has a dedicated Guilin cultural exhibition area to help foreign tourists gain a more systematic understanding of local culture.
Practical Participation Suggestions
For foreign tourists, when participating in cultural activities, they should pay attention to:
- * * Respect customs * *: Ethnic minorities have many taboos, such as not touching women’s hair casually in Yao villages, crossing thresholds and not stepping on them when entering Zhuang families, etc
- * * Photography Etiquette * *: Consent should be obtained before taking photos of ethnic minority figures, and some villages may require a small fee for photography
- * * Language barrier * *: Residents in remote villages may not speak Mandarin, simple body language or translation apps can be helpful
- Moderate consumption: The price of handicrafts can be negotiated appropriately, but the labor value of the maker should be respected
- * * Experience reservation * *: Some in-depth cultural experiences such as private guided village tours, traditional handicraft workshops, etc. require advance reservation
The cultural experience of Guilin Yangshuo goes far beyond passive viewing. Foreign tourists can gain a deeper understanding of this land and its people through active participation and hands-on experimentation. These unique cultural memories, together with the magnificent landscape, will become the most precious harvest on the journey.
Practical Travel Tips: Guilin Yangshuo Survival Guide for Foreign Tourists
In order to make the Guilin Yangshuo trip for foreign tourists smoother and more enjoyable, this section will provide comprehensive practical information from currency exchange to safety precautions, helping you avoid common traps and fully enjoy this mountain and water journey.
Visa and Entry Notice
Chinese visa policies vary by country, and most foreign tourists need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa) in advance. Suggestion:
-Apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate in the host country at least one month in advance
-Prepare materials such as round-trip airfare and hotel reservations
-Passport validity must be over 6 months for verification
-Consider the 144 hour transit visa free policy (applicable to some countries transiting through specific cities)
Currency and Payment Methods
Mobile payments are very popular in China, but foreign tourists also need to prepare cash:
-* * Currency Exchange * : The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the only circulating currency and can be exchanged at airports, banks, or regular exchange points – * Payment Method * : -Cash: a must-have for small transactions, especially in rural areas -Alipay/WeChat payment: most businesses accept it, but the binding of foreign credit cards is complicated -International credit cards: Hotels and upscale restaurants above four stars usually accept Visa/MasterCard – * ATM Withdrawal * *: ATMs with UnionPay logo can withdraw cash with international cards, but please note the transaction fee
Language communication
The level of English proficiency in Guilin Yangshuo Tourist Area:
-* * Main attractions and hotels * : English signage is complete, and staff communicate in basic English – * Restaurants and small shops * : Simple English or menu with picture assistance – * Rural areas * : Communication is difficult, it is recommended to download translation apps (such as Google Translate) – * Practical phrase * *:
-Hello: N ǐ h ǎ o
-Thank you: Xi è xi è
-How much is it? ：Duōshǎo qián?
-Where is the restroom? ：Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?
Health and Safety
-* * Dietary Safety * : Avoid raw and cold foods, drink bottled water, and carry gastrointestinal medicine with you -Sunscreen and insect prevention: High magnification sunscreen is needed in summer, and mosquito repellent products should be prepared in rural areas – * Medical Facilities * : -There are formal hospitals in Guilin City and Yangshuo County -Purchase travel medical insurance just in case – * Emergency Number * *:
-Alarm: 110
-First aid: 120
-Fire alarm: 119
Network and Communication
-* * SIM card * *: Purchase a China Unicom/China Mobile travel SIM card at the airport or in the city (passport real name required)
-VPN: Some foreign websites (such as Google and Facebook) are restricted in China and can be set up with VPN in advance
-Free WiFi: Most hotels, cafes, and some scenic spots offer it, but public WiFi has lower security
Shopping and bargaining skills
The characteristic souvenirs of Guilin Yangshuo include:
-* * Crafts * : Li River stone paintings, ethnic embroidery, bamboo crafts – * Food * : Guilin Sanhua Wine, Lipu Taro Crispy, Osmanthus Candy – * Shopping location * : -Legitimate store: Clearly priced, quality guaranteed -Night market vendors: can negotiate appropriately (usually 20-30%) – * Avoid Pit Tips * *:
-Be wary of charging high printing fees after “free photography”
-Avoid buying so-called ‘wild honey’ on the street, which may be mixed with sugar water
-Request formal invoices for safeguarding rights
Seasonal suggestion * : -April to May: Spring is in full bloom, rice fields are green, and the temperature is suitable. -September to October: Autumn is crisp and the Li River is clear, making it the best season for photography. -Avoid the peak season of July August and the National Day holiday (October 1-7) to avoid crowded crowds. – * Cultural Etiquette * *:
-Pay attention to dressing appropriately when entering temples and other places.
-Do not film local residents, especially ethnic minorities, without permission.
-Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciation for quality service can be expressed appropriately.
Recommended itinerary arrangement
Three day essence trip
Day 1: Lijiang River and Ancient Town
-Morning: Li River bamboo raft drifting (Xingping section), enjoying a 20 yuan background pattern and Nine Horse Painting Mountain
-Noon: Lunch in Xingping Ancient Town, exploring ancient alleys and houses
-Afternoon: Climbing Mount Xianggong to overlook the panoramic view of the Li River
-Evening: Return to Yangshuo, have dinner on West Street and experience nightlife
The next day: Encountering the Dragon River and the Countryside
-Morning: Bamboo Raft Drifting on Yulong River (Recommended section from Jinlongqiao to Jiuxian)
-Noon: Dining at Riverside Farmhouse
-Afternoon: Cycling through Ten Mile Gallery, passing by attractions such as Moon Mountain and Big Banyan Tree
-Evening: Watch Impression Liu Sanjie or Guilin Eternal Love Performance
Day 3: Cave and Characteristic Experience
-Morning: Visit Yinziyan Cave
-Noon: Return to Yangshuo County for lunch
-Afternoon: Choose rock climbing, hot air balloon or countryside hiking according to your interests
-Evening: Shopping on West Street, buying handicrafts as a souvenir
5-day deep tour suggestion
Add the following experience:
-Hike from Yangdi to Xingping all day long to deeply experience the beautiful scenery of the Li River
-Visit more remote ethnic minority villages such as Longji Terraced Fields (requires an additional day)
-Experience Yangshuo rock climbing courses or cave explorations
-Participate in cooking classes to learn how to make local dishes
Shopping and souvenirs
Yangshuo is a great place to buy * * handicrafts * * and * * specialty products * . Recommended: – * Traditional handicrafts * : handmade embroidered balls, wax dyed fabrics, bamboo weaving utensils and other ethnic minority handicrafts. – * Calligraphy and Painting Artworks * : Yangshuo landscape paintings and calligraphy works, with multiple galleries on West Street. – * Specialty food * : Guilin Sanhua wine, chili sauce, siraito and other specialties that can be taken home. – * Cultural and Creative Products * *: Literary bookstores such as Cat’s Sky City have Yangshuo themed postcards and creative products.
**Shopping Tip * *: Prices on West Street are usually higher, so you can negotiate appropriately; Pay attention to the shelf life when purchasing tea and other food products; Large items can be considered for mailing services.
Safety and Health Tips
-Water safety: When drifting on bamboo rafts, be sure to wear a life jacket and pay attention to changes in water level during the rainy season (May July).
-Sunscreen protection: Yangshuo has strong ultraviolet rays, especially under water reflection, so it is necessary to prepare sufficient sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
-* * Dietary hygiene * : Avoid raw and cold foods, drink bottled water, and carry commonly used gastrointestinal medicines with you. – * Urgent contact * *:
-Yangshuo County Hospital:+86 773 882 2247
-Tourist complaint hotline: 12301 (China Tourism Service Hotline)
-Emergency alarm: 110
Yangshuo, with its unparalleled natural beauty and unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, has become an important gateway for foreign travelers to explore China. Whether you are pursuing a peaceful landscape atmosphere or experiencing a lively foreign culture, this place can meet your expectations. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Yangshuo and immerse yourself in this fairyland praised by countless poets and painters.
