Waking up to another bright morning in Yangshuo, I felt
refreshed, albeit a little sore from the previous day’s hike. The comfort of my
hotel bed had me slipping into deep, vivid dreams, the kind that leave you
questioning reality for a few moments upon waking. Once I gathered myself and
the remnants of those dreams faded, it was time to set off on a new adventure.
This day promised something more relaxed—a ride through the countryside on an e-bike, a leisurely exploration of villages, and an opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of Yangshuo at a slower pace. Renting an e-bike was straightforward, with dedicated lanes making it a safe and enjoyable experience. As I weaved through narrow roads bordered by karst peaks, fields of green, and the occasional wandering chicken, it struck me just how serene and picturesque life is here, far removed from the frenetic pace of China’s cities.
One of my first stops was a quiet, rustic village tucked
away along the county roads. Villages like this dot the Yangshuo countryside,
each offering its unique charm and a glimpse into daily life. A small coffee
shop caught my eye, nestled beside what appeared to be a yoga retreat. I
ordered a latte and took a seat by the river. The setting was idyllic—birds
chirping, water gently flowing, and the distant hum of village life. The
barista, a cheerful young woman, brought my coffee with a compliment, saying I
looked like a movie star. Whether it was her way of making a customer feel
special or a genuine observation, it added to the warmth of the moment.
The latte was just what I needed, a perfect companion as I
soaked in the tranquil atmosphere. The simplicity of it all—sitting by the
water with a good cup of coffee—reminded me of why I travel. It’s these little
moments, the unplanned ones, that make a trip truly memorable.
Feeling reinvigorated, I set off to explore a nearby
attraction: the Golden Water Cave. Caves are always a bit of a gamble; they can
be awe-inspiring natural wonders or overly commercialized tourist traps. I
hoped for the best. Upon arriving, the entry process was delightfully
straightforward, though, as is customary in China, the journey began with a
stroll through a gift shop filled with all manner of souvenirs, from polished
stones to glow-in-the-dark trinkets.
As the tour wound down, I couldn’t resist the allure of the
hot springs located inside the cave. Changing into swimwear, I eased myself
into the warm waters. The temperature was perfect—just hot enough to soothe
tired muscles without being overwhelming. Nearby, there were fish spas where
tiny fish nibbled away at dead skin, leaving a ticklish sensation on your feet.
I skipped the mud bath but stayed in the springs long enough to feel utterly
relaxed.
By mid-afternoon, I was back on my e-bike, exploring more of
Yangshuo’s breathtaking countryside. Dedicated bike lanes made it easy to
navigate, even as trucks rumbled by on the main roads. The air was filled with
the scent of wood-burning stoves, a reminder of the simple, rustic lifestyle
here.
Returning to Yangshuo town as the sun began to set, I
dropped off the e-bike and made my way to dinner. The restaurant’s resident dog hovered around
my table, hoping for scraps. Its soulful puppy eyes tugged at my heart, but I
remained steadfast. After dinner, I lingered a while longer, scratching the dog
behind its ears and savoring the warmth of the moment. As much as I love the
freedom of solo travel, encounters like these remind me how deeply connected we
all are, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment with a friendly pup.
