Tucked along the Li River in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yangshuo is a postcard-perfect town that embodies the poetic beauty of traditional Chinese landscape paintings. For centuries, its jagged karst peaks rising from lush green fields and meandering rivers have inspired poets and artists. Today, it’s not just a natural wonderland—it’s a global hub where ancient traditions blend with international energy, offering a vivid taste of China’s charm.
🏞️ The Magic of Li River & Karst Landscapes
Yangshuo’s most iconic sight is the Li River. A 4-hour bamboo raft trip from Guilin to Yangshuo reveals a landscape straight out of a Song Dynasty painting: limestone karst peaks pierce the sky, their reflections rippling in the river’s clear, green waters. At dawn, mist wraps around the peaks, creating an ethereal scene that feels like stepping into a fairyland.
Beyond the Li River, Yulong River (Dragon Meeting River) offers a quieter escape. Its shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for bamboo rafting through rice paddies and villages, where farmers tend to crops with water buffalo—a scene unchanged for centuries. Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic road lined with peculiar karst formations like Moon Hill (a peak with a natural arch resembling a full moon), is a favorite for cycling, allowing visitors to soak in the area’s rural beauty at a leisurely pace.
🍜 A Feast of Local Flavors
Yangshuo’s cuisine is as vibrant as its landscapes, rooted in fresh, local ingredients. The star dish is Beer Fish: fresh carp from the Li River cooked in local beer with ginger, garlic, and chili, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a rich sauce. Another must-try is River Snail Stuffed with Pork—plump river snails filled with seasoned ground pork, steamed to perfection.
No visit is complete without Guilin Rice Noodles, a beloved staple across Guangxi. Thin rice noodles are served in a savory broth with toppings like braised pork, pickled bamboo shoots, and peanuts. For a sweet treat, try osmanthus cakes—soft pastries infused with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, which bloom in Yangshuo every autumn, filling the air with their sweet scent. These dishes aren’t just food—they’re a celebration of Yangshuo’s connection to the land and river.
🕌 Echoes of Ancient History
Yangshuo’s history stretches back over 1,400 years, and its ancient sites tell stories of dynasties past. The Big Banyan Tree, planted during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD), is a local landmark. Standing over 17 meters tall with a canopy spanning 100 square meters, it’s said to be the tree where the legendary Liu Sanjie—a Zhuang ethnic minority singer—sang love songs. Today, couples visit to make wishes for a happy marriage.
Nearby, Moon Hill is not just a natural wonder but also a historical site. Its unique arch was formed by millions of years of erosion, and during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a popular spot for scholars to gather and write poetry. Fuli Ancient Town, a 10-minute drive from Yangshuo, preserves traditional Chinese architecture—wooden houses with tiled roofs, stone streets, and ancient wells—offering a glimpse into how people lived here centuries ago.
🎭 Culture: Tradition Meets the World
Yangshuo’s culture is a vibrant mix of ethnic traditions and global influences. The most famous cultural experience is "Impression Sanjie Liu", a groundbreaking outdoor performance directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Staged on the Li River with karst peaks as the backdrop, over 600 local farmers and fishermen perform traditional songs and dances, using bamboo rafts, lanterns, and even the river itself as props. It’s a celebration of Zhuang, Yao, and Han cultures that has wowed audiences from around the world.
Yangshuo’s West Street is a microcosm of this cultural blend. Lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, it’s where local vendors sell handcrafted souvenirs (like bamboo products and tie-dye fabrics) alongside Western-style bakeries and bars. Foreigners who fell in love with Yangshuo have opened guesthouses and schools here, creating a community where Mandarin, English, and local dialects are spoken side by side.
🌍 A Global Tourism Gem
Yangshuo has become one of China’s most popular destinations for foreign travelers, welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe each year. It’s been named one of the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in the World" by international media and is a model for sustainable tourism—efforts to protect the Li River’s water quality and preserve karst landscapes have made it a blueprint for balancing tourism and environmental protection in China.
Yangshuo also hosts international events like the Yangshuo International Triathlon, drawing athletes from over 50 countries to compete against the backdrop of its stunning scenery. Through these connections, it shares China’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and philosophy of living in harmony with nature with the world.
Yangshuo is more than a place—it’s a feeling. It’s the thrill of rafting down the Li River at dawn, the taste of Beer Fish cooked over an open fire, the sound of folk songs echoing between karst peaks, and the joy of making friends with people from all walks of life. Come to Yangshuo, and discover the magic of China’s landscape and culture.
