Our trip to Yangshuo, China was a fantastic mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty that took us from lively town streets to the tranquil Yulong River. Yangshuo, nestled in the Guilin region of Guangxi Province, is a hub for both domestic and international tourists, known for its breathtaking karst mountains, rivers, and outdoor activities. Arriving in the evening, we rented an e-bike to quickly reach Yangshuo’s town center, just a short ride away from our stay. E-bikes are ideal for exploring here, allowing easy access to the area’s many attractions while providing a quiet and environmentally-friendly way to travel.
The town center was bustling with energy, especially around West Street, also called the "Foreigner Street" for its blend of Chinese and international influence. With a history stretching over 1,400 years, West Street has become one of China’s oldest and most famous pedestrian streets, featuring a vibrant array of shops, bars, and restaurants catering to locals and tourists alike. As we wandered through, we noticed that West Street has not only retained its ancient charm but has also embraced modern touches, like neon lights and outdoor music, giving the area a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. It’s a place where you can find everything from classic Chinese souvenirs to international cuisine, reflecting Yangshuo's global appeal.
Our evening stroll was filled with incredible sights,
smells, and sounds: street vendors selling grilled street food
(including the famous, if unusual, grilled durian), lively music from bars, and
people dancing in the street—a common sight here, particularly as Yangshuo
bounces back to its bustling self post-pandemic. We grabbed some local snacks,
like Guilin rice noodles, a regional specialty, and tried various local
delicacies that included a mix of grilled meats and exotic fruits, bringing a
distinctly local flavor to our night.
The next day, we took a short journey to a nearby climbing
spot, where Yangshuo’s Via Ferrata is located. Known for its diverse
climbing routes, Yangshuo attracts climbers from around the world. The area is
famed for offering everything from easy beginners’ trails to challenging routes
that take you up steep limestone faces, making it a top destination for both
novices and experienced climbers. A Via Ferrata is a protected climbing path
with anchored steel cables, allowing climbers to secure themselves with
harnesses, creating a perfect balance between adventure and safety. This route
challenged us with hot metal holds, steep climbs, and breathtaking views, all
under the sun’s intense heat—a constant reminder of Yangshuo’s subtropical
climate.
The climbing area also includes a network of caves
that winds through the karst formations. We took a break from the climb to
explore one of these caves, admiring the natural stalactites and stalagmites
that had formed over millennia. Inside, the air was refreshingly cool, offering
a brief but welcome retreat from the midday heat. Exploring the cave felt like
stepping back in time and was a highlight of the day, giving us a glimpse into
the natural forces that shaped this unique landscape.
One of the most memorable moments was spotting a paraglider
soaring above us as we scaled the rocks. Paragliding is another popular
activity here, providing a bird’s-eye view of the Yulong River Valley,
with its lush greenery and winding waters set against a dramatic mountainous
backdrop. The sight inspired us to consider paragliding ourselves on a future
visit, as it’s one of the best ways to take in the area’s panoramic beauty.
As the day ended, we returned to Yangshuo’s town center for
a well-earned meal. Yangshuo’s dining scene is diverse, catering to both
Chinese and international tastes. We dined on classic Chinese dishes alongside German
sausages and beer at a local German restaurant, a perfect mix of East and
West that’s characteristic of Yangshuo’s culinary offerings.
On our last morning, we rented an e-bike again and headed
towards the peaceful Yulong River. Known for its serene atmosphere and
slower pace compared to the more famous Li River, the Yulong is perfect
for bamboo rafting. This traditional mode of river travel takes you along quiet
waters, framed by dramatic karst peaks, where small villages and ancient stone
bridges dot the landscape. It was incredible to experience the peacefulness of
the Yulong Valley after the energetic bustle of West Street.
Our final stop before leaving was a trail hike leading up a
small hill overlooking the river, offering a panoramic view of the valley and
surrounding karst formations. While the climb was challenging in the humid
summer weather, the views made it worthwhile. It’s easy to understand why this
region has inspired poets, artists, and filmmakers—its landscapes are like a
scene from an ancient Chinese painting, where nature remains largely untouched
and the pace of life is blissfully slower.
Yangshuo provided a perfect combination of natural beauty,
cultural depth, and opportunities for adventure. From the thrill of climbing
and cave exploration to the serene river landscapes and bustling West Street,
the area offers something for every traveler. As we made our way back, we were
already planning our next visit, this time with hopes of seeing the sunset from
the peak of one of the karst hills or perhaps braving a paraglide over the
Yulong Valley to see it all from above.