"If life is too hectic, come to Yangshuo to take it easy"

I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Li River Highlights (Yangdi to Xingping) - Activity: Bamboo raft cruise (about 1.5 hours), visit the 20 RMB banknote scenery, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, and Huangbu Reflection. - Tips: Book tickets in advance through official platforms; during peak season (April-October) you may need to join a waitlist. Recommended route: take a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping, then walk to Xingping Ancient Town. 2. Yulong River Cycling - Route: Yulong Bridge → Wanjing Section → Jima Village → Moon Hill (about 9 kilometers total). - Transportation: Rent an electric bike (50 yuan/day) or bicycle (30 yuan/day); the countryside views along the way are incredibly therapeutic. - Highlights: Fuli Bridge, Xiangui Bridge (perfect spots for photography). 3. Ten-Mile Gallery - Recommended method: Rent an electric bike to ride through Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, and Butterfly Spring. - Moon Hill: Natural stone arch shaped like a moon; you can climb it or view from a distance. 4. Xingping Ancient Town - Features: A thousand-year-old town that preserves bluestone paths and old houses, perfect for photography. - Highlights: Laozhai Mountain (climb to the top for a panoramic view of Li River), Guandi Temple (overlooks the 20 RMB banknote scenic spot). 5. West Street - Activities: Night tour of the bar street, try local snacks, shop for handicrafts. Recommended: "Lazy Sofa" bar for folk music. - Tips: Avoid weekend evening crowds; visit artsy shops during the day. 6. Silver Cave - Features: Karst cave spectacle with lights that make it "flow like mercury"; tour takes about 1 hour. 7. Shangri-La Park - Highlight: Boat ride through a cave that opens into a bright scenic area, reminiscent of "The Peach Blossom Spring"; great for photos. --- II. Food Recommendations Must-Try Specialties 1. Yangshuo Beer Fish: First choice is Master Chef Beer Fish (West Street main store); choose Li River carp or swordfish. 2. Guilin Rice Noodles: Shengji Fenku (Seven Star District old shop); noodles with braised meats and soup are a perfect match. 3. Stuffed Snails: Meat stuffed into snail shells; "Xie Sanjie Beer Fish" on West Street has a good reputation. 4. Lipu Taro with Braised Pork: Tender and savory; commonly found in farmhouse restaurants in Xingping Ancient Town. Snack Recommendations - Osmanthus candy, mugwort cake, pine flower candy (at "Guzi Pastry" at the entrance of West Street). - Oil tea stalls at the foot of Laozhai Mountain in Xingping (locals' favorite). --- III. Transportation Guide External Transportation - High-speed rail: Guilin Station → Yangshuo Station (about 1 hour, fare about 50 yuan), then 15 minutes by taxi to West Street. - Bus: Guilin Bus Terminal → Yangshuo (about 2 hours, fare 25 yuan). Within Yangshuo - Bus: Routes 1/2 travel between West Street, Xingping, and Yulong River. - Vehicle rental: Electric bikes 50 yuan/day (recommended), cars about 200 yuan/day. - Bamboo rafts: Xingping to Nine Horses Fresco Hill section about 120 yuan/person (4 people per raft, empty seat fees apply if fewer). --- IV. Accommodation Suggestions - Near West Street: Convenient for night tours, such as Yangshuo Mango Villa (countryside style), Jiyun Shangyan (high-end guesthouse). - Along Yulong River: Yuyuan Jingshe (detached villas), Secret Garden (Instagram-worthy). - Xingping Ancient Town: The Old Place International Youth Hostel (near the 20 RMB banknote scenic spot). --- V. Suggested Itineraries Classic 3 Days 2 Nights - Day 1: Yangdi bamboo raft → Xingping Ancient Town → West Street night tour - Day 2: Yulong River cycling → Ten-Mile Gallery → Moon Hill → Silver Cave - Day 3: Shangri-La Park → Xianggong Mountain sunrise (optional) → Return journey In-depth 5 Days 4 Nights - Add: Xianggong Mountain sunrise, Xingping Fishing Village, rock climbing experience (near Butterfly Spring), free cycling along less-visited sections of Yulong River. --- VI. Important Notes 1. Weather: Bring sun protection in summer, rain gear during rainy season, and jackets in winter due to temperature differences. 2. Bargaining: Specialty stores have fixed prices, but handicrafts on West Street can be bargained (start at 30% of marked price). 3. Avoiding scams: Choose official ticket booths for Yulong River bamboo rafts; refuse street touts. Photography is prohibited inside Silver Cave. 4. Environmental protection: Do not disembark from bamboo rafts on Yulong River to keep the water clean. --- VII. Best Time to Visit - April-May/October-November: Pleasant temperatures, avoiding rainy season and peak crowds. - Sunrise/sunset: Xianggong Mountain (5:30-6:30 AM), Moon Hill (soft light after 4 PM). --- Hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Yangshuo! If you have other needs (such as family travel or photography routes), feel free to ask additional questions! 🌄