"Yangshuo and the mystic Karst Mountains" Yangshuo by al2401

The quaint town of Yangshuo is located in the centre of the limestone karst country of Guangxi province. These unique mountain shapes give Yangshuo a 'fairyland' appearance especially if seen in the morning with the mist rising about them. They have been and are still the inspiration for many artists and poets. Over 190million years ago the area was an ocean. The was a movement of the earths crust which resulted in the karsts being pushed upwards.

The town is bordered on one side by the Li River which provides many options for a great photograph and other activities. There are bamboo rafts or boat trips, an evening light show and a cormorant fishing display. Unfortunately for me the river had flooded three days before my visit so I coudn't see the cormorant show. I managed to get a picture of a local fisherman though.

Other activities include cycling through the countryside, climbing hills and mountains, visiting caves and watching a display by the local minority people. You can even do a cooking class with produce from the local markets.

West Street - Yangshuo

Yangshuo was one of the first areas in China to be declared a natiohal tourism area and it now hosts over 1.5 million visitors each year. West Street has shops and stalls selling almost anything you would want, as well as restaurants and cafes. The pedestrian only Xian Qian Street has many outdoor eateries.

Yangshuo is a popular place for Chinese students to come to learn English so you will almost certainly be approached by these enthusiastic young people for a conversation and a photograph.

• Pros:A stunningly beautiful area and an excellent introduction to China
• Cons:A bit touristic and westernised.
• In a nutshell:A photographers paradise - loved it