The karst mountain scenery in southern
China is famous here and abroad. Mountain scenery from the Li River even graces
the twenty Renminbi (Chinese yuan) note. Take a Guilin tour http://www.shanghaifocus.com/guilin-tour The limestone peaks poke out of the Li
valley as if a child had drawn them. Taking in the views of verdant mountains
while meandering down the Li River in a tour boat is a wonderful way to kick
back and see a part of China that is very different from sprawling metropolis
life in Beijing or Shanghai.
Location:
Yangshuo is about 40 miles (65km) south of Guilin, a major city in Guangxi province in southern China. Yangshuo is situated right at the Li River (Li Jiang, prounounced "Lee Jee-ahng") so it is easy to stroll along the river from the town and catch glimpses of traditional fishermen with cormorants.
History:
Yangshuo is ancient, over 1,000 years old. It was populated during the Jin Dynasty (265-420AD).
Location:
Yangshuo is about 40 miles (65km) south of Guilin, a major city in Guangxi province in southern China. Yangshuo is situated right at the Li River (Li Jiang, prounounced "Lee Jee-ahng") so it is easy to stroll along the river from the town and catch glimpses of traditional fishermen with cormorants.
History:
Yangshuo is ancient, over 1,000 years old. It was populated during the Jin Dynasty (265-420AD).
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| Li river |
More recently,
it has been traditionally a backpackers' haven, but Yangshuo now sees a huge
influx of domestic tourists. No longer the site of only sandals and long hair,
it is still a relatively laid-back town and is a wonderful change from
big-city-China - if you go during off-peak travel season. Read about my visit in
August, peak travel season for domestic travelers.
Features:
West Street: Xi Jie (pronounced "shee jee-ay") is the backpacker/tourist street, full of cafes, souvenir stalls, tourist touts, hostels and hotels.
Features:
West Street: Xi Jie (pronounced "shee jee-ay") is the backpacker/tourist street, full of cafes, souvenir stalls, tourist touts, hostels and hotels.
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| west street |
Night Food
Market: When you get tired of sub-par pancakes and fried rice, head to the night
market at the junction of West Street (Xi Jie) and Pantao Road ("pan-tah-oh
loo"). Watch noodles being stretched by hand and soak up some local
flavors.
Li River
Green Lotus peak
Visiting the countryside and ancient smaller villages
Boat tours
Getting there:
Air: Most travelers arrive via Guilin, the largest city in Guangxi province with an airport connecting many larger cities. It takes about one hour to drive from Guilin to Yangshuo. Many Yangshuo hotels can organize a pick up at the airport.
Boat: It is also possible to book a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Most are package tours but you could negotiate being left off in Yangshuo. The trip is about 5 hours.
Li River
Green Lotus peak
Visiting the countryside and ancient smaller villages
Boat tours
Getting there:
Air: Most travelers arrive via Guilin, the largest city in Guangxi province with an airport connecting many larger cities. It takes about one hour to drive from Guilin to Yangshuo. Many Yangshuo hotels can organize a pick up at the airport.
Boat: It is also possible to book a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Most are package tours but you could negotiate being left off in Yangshuo. The trip is about 5 hours.
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| Guilin airport |
http://www.shanghaifocus.com/guilin-tour has comprehensive information on numerous routes
to Guilin/Yangshuo.Essentials:
Weather: Yangshuo's climate is subtropical. Prepare for warm and wet weather in the summer, cold and wet weather in the evening. See rain and temperature charts for Guilin (Yangshuo).
Recommended time for visit: three full days is plenty, if you have the time, allow 4 to 5 days to visit Guilin and the surrounding area.
Best time of year to visit: As stated above, it's wet all year round. Go late spring, or early fall to avoid the heat and humidity of summer and the cold damp of winter.
Tips:
Bring rain gear, you will probably see at least one day of rain.
Book a bike tour, the best way to see the surrounding area is a slow meandering bike ride through the valley.
Be careful: there are many pickpockets and cheats since Yangshuo is such a big tourist destination. Keep your wallet safe and bargain hard, and you'll have a great time.
Weather: Yangshuo's climate is subtropical. Prepare for warm and wet weather in the summer, cold and wet weather in the evening. See rain and temperature charts for Guilin (Yangshuo).
Recommended time for visit: three full days is plenty, if you have the time, allow 4 to 5 days to visit Guilin and the surrounding area.
Best time of year to visit: As stated above, it's wet all year round. Go late spring, or early fall to avoid the heat and humidity of summer and the cold damp of winter.
Tips:
Bring rain gear, you will probably see at least one day of rain.
Book a bike tour, the best way to see the surrounding area is a slow meandering bike ride through the valley.
Be careful: there are many pickpockets and cheats since Yangshuo is such a big tourist destination. Keep your wallet safe and bargain hard, and you'll have a great time.
