With or without a guide, you’ll find the best value activities here.
For a list of reputable tour guides, see our Yangshuo Tour Guides post.
Riverwalk
Stunning scenery awaits on the footpath that runs from Gongnong Bridge past Chaoyang Village, Jiuxian Village and Yulong Bridge. This 13km route is also possible by bicycle, thought there are some small steps in places. The best scenery is between Yangshuo Mountain Retreat heading north (upriver) toward the bamboo rafting jettys. Note that it is not possible to put bicycles on a raft, but you can walk upriver either to Chaoyang or Xiatang wharf and buy a ticket to take a bamboo raft back downriver to the terminus at Gongnong Bridge.
At Yangshuo Mountain Retreat parking, the path heads downriver on a floating walkway which ends at some steps which on the other side, continue to the Fenglou Village bridge where the path turns away from the river and onto the two-lane road that runs through the Yulong Valley. It also terminates at Gongnong Bridge.
Cooking Class
Yangshuo Village Inn in Moon Hill Village (Li Cun) offers cooking classes for individuals and small groups. Students can go on a market visit to buy ingredients and cook them in a dedicated kitchen at the back of the pomelo grove at Village Inn. The price is CNY 60 per person and you can contact the Village Inn at 0773 8778169 or 18777337539.
Liusanjie
The spectacular light and sound of this show staged on the Li River was choreographed by famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Show starts at 8pm weather permitting. Ticket prices vary depending on types of seats. Call 7738777091 or 13557367299 for details. CNY 238-688 per person excluding taxi.
Xianggong Hill at Sunrise
One of the most spectacular viewing points in Yangshuo is a must for photography buffs. Xianggong Hill is about an hour drive from Mountain Retreat and requires a 15-20-minute climb to the top. For early morning trips, the car must be booked the previous day. Cost is CNY 350 for round-trip transportation plus 60 for the entry ticket which is charged at the gate.
Wuzhi Hill
Another amazing view of the area karst and river is best viewed late in the day. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes plus a 15-minute walk up to the top. Find the location here.
Cost is CNY 300 for round-trip taxi plus 60 for the entry ticket which is charged at the gate.
Langzi Village
Langzi village is one of the best preserved examples of Guangxi clan fortress architecture and is just 20 minutes from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat. Soaring rooflines, narrow cobbled alleys, a grand ancestral hall and a gun tower are some of the features of this Qing Dynasty village. This is not a touristed area and guests will find themselves free to roam. CNY 200.
Bamboo Rafting
One of the highlights of any trip to Yangshuo is bamboo rafting down the Yulong River. Experience some of the most incredible scenery just minutes from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat. Choose from a one-hour or two-hour trip with up to two people on a raft. The boatman can drop you directly at our riverbank at the trip’s end. CNY 160-320 for a 40 min to 90 min trip. Available 8am-5pm.
Moon Hill
The Moon Hill scenic area is just a 20-minute bike ride from Mountain Retreat or 10 minutes walk from Yangshuo Village Inn. Climb 800 stone steps through a bamboo forest to the top and even take a footpath to the peak of the dome.
Park admission ticket is CNY 14
Can be combined with a car trip to Langzi Village and Silver Cave for CNY 350 with hotel car transportation. NOTE THAT THE PARK WAS TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN DECEMBER 2025, CHECK FOR REOPENING.
Fuli Bridge
One of the oldest and most picturesque bridges in the area, Fuli Bridge spans the Yulong River and there is very good swimming just nearby. It can be reached by bike, passing the village of Jiuxian and the Yulong bridge, a 12km bike ride, or by hotel car for CNY 180 for around trip tour.
Silver Cave
Winding 2,000 meters through twelve peaks, the Silver Cave is a multi-level cave ascending as high as 16 floors and is the largest karst cave in Guilin. The majestic, other-worldly features make the cave an outstanding example in the world of karst landscape.
CNY 65 per person plus CNY 200/taxi/roundtrip.
Gold Water Cave
Located a few kilometers away from Moon Hill and the Yulong River, the cave traverses three mountains for some 5 kilometers. It is preserved in its original appearance and features a cool mud bath at the bottom, which is a favorite with visitors, particularly in Summer.
Rock Climbing
Yangshuo has become the rock climbing mecca of China, with experienced guide outfits and hundreds of routes to suit every level of experience. The crags are located near Yangshuo Mountain Retreat and Yangshuo Village Inn, making for an easy approach and enjoyable challenge. Appropriate for children six years and up.
CNY 250 per person for a half-day.
Private Motor Raft
This trip leaves from Yangdi Village to Nine Horses Cliff, known as the most dramatically scenic area of the Li River. The river trip duration is approximately 1.5 hours which does not include the taxi. The boat is a modified bamboo raft with a motor which is an excellent way to experience the river.
CNY 90 per person.
Xingping Old Town
With flagstone streets and well-preserved guild halls, the market town of Xingping on the Li River is a favorite for visitors to Yangshuo. Bustling with tourists and local vendors, the ancient town is a mix of old and new, with many food and shopping options,
CNY 280 per person by taxi R/T
Ruyi Peak
Ruyi peak is located in Gaotian Town, about a 15 minute drive from Mountain retreat. It has a cable car manufactured by French company and there are stairs winding through the mountains. It takes about 2 hours to finish this tour and is good for families. Babies should have a carrier. Discount tickets are available at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat reception.
CNY 90 per person.
Longsheng Dragonback Rice Terraces
Located in Longji Mountain, Pingan Village, Longji Town, Longsheng County, Guangxi, the terraces are 80 kilometers North of Guilin. They lie between 300 meters and 1100 meters above sea level and offer a spectacular view of misty clouds and surrounding mountains.
CNY 300 per person by taxi R/T.
Qixianfeng Tea Plantation Tour
Yangshuo Qixianfeng Tea Garden – Our driver will take you from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat or another yangshuo hotel, for an easy 30-minute car ride to Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, which is a sprawling natural area in the hills. The local tea master will guide you around the tea plantation, and teach you the traditional way to properly make a cup of Chinese tea. Enjoy sample tastings of pu’er, oolong, and longjing green tea. Next, enjoy picking your own tea leaves in the plantation. The tea master will also take you through the drying and fermentation process of the tea, giving you 100g of fresh tea to take home. After the tour, our driver will return you to your Yangshuo hotel. Qixianfeng plantation is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the art of Chinese tea culture.
Includes:
- Tea Plantation entrance fee
- Private transportation
Li River Cruise
Three-star boat (with packed lunch): lower deck CNY 500 per person
Upper deck CNY 550 per person
Kids under 1.2m free (no seat)
1.2-1.49m CNY 300 per person
Four-star boat (with buffet lunch): Lower deck CNY 600 per person
Upper deck CNY 650 per person
Kids under 1.2 meter, free (no seat) 1.5 meter and above, full amount.
1.2-1.49m CNY 300 per person
Includes R/T transfer to/from hotels
Prices are including private transfer from Guilin‘s hotel to Guilin dock and private transfer from Yangshuo dock to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
Calligraphy and Chinese Painting
Learn Chinese calligraphy or watercolor painting with our English-speaking instructors. In just a couple of hours, you can acquire the fundamental techniques of classical Chinese calligraphy or painting and practice one-on-one or in a group. A perfect cultural activity for kids and adults. Inquire at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
CNY 150/hr per person
Yangshuo Markets
A visit to Yangshuo would not be complete without a visit to one of the many local markets, here are all the dates throughout the month:
Yangdi 杨堤, Baisha 白沙，1, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 27th
Fuli 福利, Gaotian 高田, Putao葡萄 2, 5, 8, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 28th
Yangshuo 阳朔, Xingping兴坪 3, 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29th
Tai Chi Classes
Yangshuo Tai Ji School instructors Master Wu Ping and Louisa lead classes in the riverside garden. Morning times are best for this ancient martial art, which has many proven physical and mental health benefits. Each class can be tailored to your skill level. Inquire at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
CNY 150/hr per person
West Street
This iconic Yangshuo walking street runs from Pantao Lu to the Li River. It is full of street snacks, jewelry shops, handicrafts, clothes and other tourist products. Be sure to bargain, you’ll often find more of the same down the street. This street can be extremely crowded in high season, especially at night, so keep kids close!
Massage
IN TOWN: There are many massage places to choose from and we have a complete blog post on the most reliable and high quality Yangshuo massage shops. Don’t overpay or be accosted for extra services!
IN HOTEL: Enjoy a relaxing foot or full body massage in the comfort and privacy of your own room. Our masseuse team has over 15 years of experience in different forms of traditional Chinese massage.
Services can be booked at the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat front desk 40 minutes in advance, ranging from one to two hours. CNY 120-135/hr per person
See more about Things to Do in Yangshuo here.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Yangshuo?
Top activities include bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, cycling through rice paddies and countryside, hiking Moon Hill or Xianggong Mountain for sunrise views, exploring Xingping Ancient Town and the 20 RMB note photo spot, rock climbing on karst cliffs, and watching the Impression Sanjie Liu light show on the Li River. Book activities directly with no commission at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
How many days should I spend in Yangshuo?
Plan at least 3-4 days to experience Yangshuo properly. This allows time for bamboo rafting, countryside cycling, hiking one or two mountains, exploring West Street, visiting Xingping, and enjoying the relaxed riverside atmosphere without rushing. Staying at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat provides easy access to all major activities.
What is bamboo rafting on the Yulong River like?
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a peaceful 1-2 hour journey past rice paddies, ancient bridges, and karst mountains. The most popular route is Jinnong Bridge to Jiuxian (1.5 hours, passes through nine small dams). Expect to pay around ¥180-200 per raft (seats 2 people). Book through Yangshuo Mountain Retreat for convenient access right outside the hotel.
Is Yangshuo good for families with children?
Yes! Yangshuo is excellent for families. Activities include gentle bamboo rafting, easy cycling on flat paths, exploring caves, watching cormorant fishing demonstrations, and visiting the Butterfly Cave. Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers family rooms, a playground, free bicycles, and safe riverside areas perfect for children.
When is the best time to visit Yangshuo?
The best time to visit Yangshuo is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Avoid Chinese Golden Week (October 1-7) and Labor Day (May 1-5) when attractions are packed and prices surge. Summer is hot and humid with more rain, while winter can be cold but offers quieter experiences.
What is the best viewpoint in Yangshuo?
Ruyi peak is located in Gaotian Town, about a 15 minute drive from Mountain retreat. Wuzhi Hill is another amazing view of the area’s karst and river, best viewed late in the day. Xianggong Hill, best viewed at dawn, is about an hour drive from Mountain Retreat and requires a 15-20-minute climb to the top.
What are the best bike routes in Yangshuo?
The most family-friendly and easy biking is along the riverwalk from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, up to 13km up the Yulong River to Jiuxian Village. There are many villages along the way. Another is the Longtan Village route, starting from Yangshuo Village Inn, past Moon Hill and right onto the Longtan Village new road. There are rugged trails along the West side of the Yulong River through less developed villages. There are few crossings. Check out the Mountain Retreat’s Yangshuo Map page for trail information.
Leave a Reply