Hiking
- Explore the countryside on foot
Yangdi to XingpingDuration: 5-6 hours
There
is an 18km track for easy hiking along the Li River. Jump
on a local bus from Yangshuo to Yangdi for 8 RMB. The path
crisscrosses the river three times so you will need to buy
a ticket in Yangdi (16 RMB) for the river crossings.
The walk lets you experience the Li River from a different
perspective and soak in the peacefulness and dramatic mountain
scenery. The path takes you through small local villages,
fields, bamboo forests and along the shores of the mighty
Li River where usually there are very few tourists. If you
get tired, you can always rent a motorized bamboo raft that
will take you 3.km from Xingping but there will be Tuk Tuks
or electric buses for 2-3RMB that will take you to the bus
stop in the town centre. The local bus from Xingping back
to Yangshuo costs 5.5 RMB.
Prices based on time of writing
Yu Long/Dragon Bridge to YSMR
Duration: 4 hours
For
those who are looking for a great walk to YSMR, start at
the Dragon Bridge (Yu Long Bridge) and stay on the path
that heads down river to the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
You'll walk in the Yu Long River valley surrounded by tropical
Karst formations and through sleepy rural villages and even
a catch-your-own fish farm.
Tip: The Yu Long River and Dragon River is the same
thing
Moon Hill TrekDuration: 5-6 hours
Set
off early across paddy fields and through small villages;
cross the Jin Bao River and head for the main road. After
a short walk on the main road take a left to the Moon Hill
Scenic Area. Over 800 marble stairs are leading to the famous
arch which is about 50 meters in height and width and shaped
like a half moon. On your way down when you reach the road
again either go back the way you came or take a right head
30 meters and take a right again which leads back to the
Yu Long River through orchards and farmland.
Moon Hill and Big Banyan TreeDuration: 3.5 hours
Cross
the Yu Long River about 1km from the retreat then head for
Feng Lou Village watching out for some great photo opportunities.
Cut across the Jin Bao River and head for Moon Hill, Yangshuo's
most popular tourist attraction. Climb Moon Hill and visit
Big banyan tree on the way back. Allow 3.5 hours walking
and extra time to spend visiting the sites.
The Yu Long experience Duration: whole day
Set
off early and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. Hike
along the Yu Long River to the historic Village Jiuxian
then go further to the Yu Long Bridge. This 400 year old
bridge is located in a quaint setting. Take your swim suits
as there are many possibilities to swim in the river along
the way. At the Yu Long Bridge you can catch a bamboo raft
back or a bus ride back to Yangshuo where you will need
to catch a taxi to the Mountain Retreat. The walk to the
Yu Long Bridge will take approximately 3.5 hours and the
bamboo raft back about 2.5 hours so allow for a full day
to make this journey.
The Lost World WanderDuration: 1-1.5 hours
Start
from the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat turning left outside
the hotel. Walk approx 600 meters up the road and after
the 3rd house on the left turn right onto a pebbly drive
way then right again after a few meters onto a smaller path
partially hidden by bushes. Follow the path past the barn
on the left heading uphill. Follow the path to the top and
down the other side always sticking to the left. You will
find yourself surrounded by amazing peaks and can enjoy
the total silence and tranquility of the area. You will
walk through a small wood in the plateau and out the other
side which will meander back towards the Yu Long River.
The path will lead you in a circle ending in the village
you set off from. Head back to YSMR for a refreshing swim
and fruit juice.
For more great pictures of Yangshuo, Guilin and Guangxi
go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yangshuomountainretreat/
For more great hiking pictures go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yangshuomountainretreat/sets/72157603689854539/
