Yangshuo Things to Do Tips by solopes

Traditional House

We were taken to a traditional house, in the way to the most wonderful natural spot we saw in China.

Though clearly performing for tourists, the "actors" really look like natural people, and those who surrounded us trying to sell something were real people.

Not pushy, real friendly and gentle people, providing a contrasting look to the powerful, rich, and modern China that we felt around us all the time.

Cormorant Fishing

Don't miss it. At 7.30 PM a boat (50 RMB per person) leaves to the river, with a man paddling at its side. Under a strong light, a few cormorants swim and dive, catching the fish attracted by the light.

They have a ribbon tied in the neck that allows them to swallow only the very small fish. From time to time, the sailor grabs them, and empties their necks into a basket. But, at the end, one of the birds still had three fishes in the throat!

What a show.

NOTE: You will be in a cloud of mosquitoes, so, be prepared, and use repellent in your exposed areas.

City Stroll

Yangshuo is not a big city (by Chinese standards) and, despite being surrounded by steep peaks it's easy to walk around, or to rent a bike.

Some nice spots in the rural area close to the city do deserve a look.

Postcard views

Around Yangshuo we saw the best views of China, with the sun helping to compose "postcard pictures". Each angle, each detail seemed to be the most beautiful... until the next one...

In Yangshuo it is important to go out of town!

Li river banks

The cruise in Li river from Guilin to Yangshuo has three steps:

1 - The excitement of the beautiful landscape "passing" by your boat, in a succession of odd rock formations and life coming to the river.

2 - The boring section, when things get repetitive and beauty seems to fade, with empty or abandoned banks.

3 - The final approach to Yangshuo, where beauty comes back, with typical construction mixing with the green, and life returning to the river.