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What kind of place do you think is a must-visit for hundreds of heads of state and dignitaries visiting China?
What kind of place do you think can be the only representative of China's natural landscape at the Chinese Embassy to the United Nations?
What kind of place do you think has scenery that can be engraved on RMB?
What kind of place do you think could get a 10-page introduction in the "National Geographic China" magazine, where every word is worth a thousand gold (when other destinations get an average of 3 pages)?
Since Xu Xiake read the inscription here, this has been a place that many founding marshals have praised highly. From Sun Yat-sen, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Chen Yi, Chen Yun to other national leaders, they always praise it whenever they visit.
When foreign dignitaries visit China, other regions would request a reception, but here, dignitaries and their families actively request a visit, some even visiting two or three times to satisfy their desire. According to statistics, over 300 heads of state from over 150 countries have stopped here.
After the visit, Nixon exclaimed, "My wife and I have had the opportunity to visit more than 100 cities in more than 80 countries around the world. I can say without reservation that none of the cities we have visited can compare to the beauty of Yangshuo."
Well, the answer has been revealed by President Nixon, here is Yangshuo!
"Guilin's landscapes are the best in the world, and Yangshuo's are the best in Guilin." Yangshuo's scenery needs no introduction, and its hype needs no hype; it's already a hallmark of Chinese tourism. Today, we'll explore the hidden gems of this destination, a symbol of Chinese tourism, and explore new ways to explore it!
(This is a very valuable gameplay guide, please save it slowly~)
Most people only know that "Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, and Yangshuo's landscape is the best in Guilin", but they don't know that "Yangshuo's rock climbing is the best in the world".
If Muslims must visit Mecca once in their lifetime, then Yangshuo is the "Mecca" in the hearts of rock climbers. Here, God created a natural rock climbing sanctuary specifically for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Rock climbing is the cheapest and most impressive sport. Any photo of Spider-Man on a rock wall can easily become a social media sensation.
Rock climbing is a sport that you compete with yourself. On the rock wall, you have no competitors. The only person you need to defeat is yourself.
After rock climbing a few times, the fear of heights will stabilize, but the pleasure of challenging and breaking through yourself will continue. This characteristic will make many other sports boring.
Guilin's karst topography offers a wealth of possibilities for rock climbing, with abundant moisture ensuring the rock's stability. The unique rock faces, rich surface contours, and textures allow climbers to unleash their imaginations. Yangshuo's rock climbing routes are among the best in China, both in quantity and quality.
Rock climbing in Yangshuo began in the early 1990s, with the first pioneers coming from the United States, Hong Kong, and other places. Like many other dignitaries, they initially came simply to admire the breathtaking natural beauty of the landscape. However, they were captivated by the spectacular rock faces and the natural climbing conditions created by the karst topography, and they became reluctant to leave, leaving behind their own climbing creations (and routes).
From American Todd Skinner, who opened up Yangshuo's first rock climbing route, to Yangshuo's number one rock climber Huang Chao, and then to rock climbers from Beijing, Shanghai, New York, and New Zealand who came here to visit, rock climbing has become Yangshuo's global name card. Most of China's rock climbing legends took place in Yangshuo, and Yangshuo's position as the leader in China's non-competitive rock climbing field is unshakable.
The Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival, held every October, has become our highest-level rock climbing festival and one of the top rock climbing festivals in Asia. Friendly competitions and carnival parties are held here every year. The specific time and event agenda can be found at www.rockbond.com.
Almost all rock climbers in China who have some independent climbing ability have been to Yangshuo. Some experts even go to Yangshuo to prove their ability. If you have never been to Yangshuo to climb rocks, don't say you like rock climbing.
No matter what level of rock climbing enthusiast you are, there are more than 900 rock climbing routes covering all levels, including the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, Golden Cat Cave, Thumb Peak, etc., which will definitely satisfy your appetite.
Yangshuo County boasts a history spanning over 1,400 years, dotted with quaint villages. Here, you'll find architectural styles dating back to the Tang Dynasty, a lifestyle that's been maintained for over 500 years, and streets and alleys reminiscent of the 1980s. A visit to Yangshuo offers a chance to say goodbye to the frenzy of commercialism and journey through history for a cultural journey.
Xingping is the town with the longest history among all the ancient villages in Yangshuo. It is 25 kilometers away from Yangshuo County. It has stood on the bank of the Li River for more than 1,700 years, witnessing the ups and downs of southern China. It is a famous historical town in China.
Most of the Li River's most scenic spots are concentrated in Xingping. The town's ancient bridges, ferries, pavilions, temples, villages, trees, and theaters all tell of Xingping's rich history. If you only have one day to visit Yangshuo, choose Xingping. Here, you'll find the 20-yuan pier and the sight of an old osprey with flowing beard casting its net to catch fish.
Image from: tourists@Ziyang Guli
Fuli Ancient Town is younger than Xingping, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. Originally named Fuli Village, it was inspired by the lychee forests nestled among the village houses. Later, due to the availability of waterways, the town was renamed Weizhen (meaning a wharf), and in 1926, the name "Fuli" was adopted, a play on the character "Fuli."
Come to Fuli Ancient Town and experience its unique three streets, nine wells, eighteen alleys, two temples, three palaces, and one pagoda. Known as "China's premier fan painting town," it's a place where everyone from young to old can create their own unique fan painting skills. While in Fuli, you might even find a child to teach you a few strokes.
Jiuxian Village has a history of more than 1,400 years. From the name, we can tell that it was once a county town (a county was established here in 621 AD, the fourth year of Wude in the Tang Dynasty).
Jiuxian Village is the most representative of the local ancient villages. Most of the residential buildings are made of southern blue bricks, gray tiles, horse-head walls, marble masonry, high eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, with an antique style and a very grand appearance. Their courtyards are connected, and each household is connected. There are courtyards within courtyards and doors within doors. It is difficult to see such an architectural style in other places.
This small village, which was once visited by Kang Youwei, Sun Yat-sen and Clinton, is still undisturbed by external commercial activities today. It has its own unique rhythm and truly has the flavor of a "paradise on earth".
The villagers here still live a traditional life of casting nets and fishing, maintaining a lifestyle that has remained uninterrupted for 500 years. The best way to reach the fishing village is on foot. In Xingping Ancient Town, the locals will show you the way, allowing you to trace the footsteps of the ancient sages hidden among the mountains. If you have the opportunity, go fishing with the locals and become like an old man on the river for a few days.
The Li River has nurtured its people. Other villages with over 300 years of history, such as Liugong Village and Langzi Village, each with its own unique legends, are worth a visit, as they are home to outstanding people and talented individuals.
Hiking in Yangshuo is a long-standing tradition, yet the routes here are not as rugged and treacherous as those found in other hiking destinations across China. Thanks to Yangshuo's rich history and the dedication of numerous hikers, nearly every sliver of land here bears traces of human presence, offering well-established, natural trails that are well-suited to most hikers.
Even those with no hiking experience will quickly find a sense of accomplishment here. Discover the thrill of hiking—walking along the Li River, the Yulong River, and through lush forests. The scenery along the way won't make you feel like you're just hiking, but rather a relaxing spring outing.
Image from: tourists@Rongyi Homestay
Image from: tourists@Rongyi Homestay
On the trails in Yangshuo, you can always meet friends on the road. Like you, they come to Yangshuo for hiking. They are not pursuing conquering a few mountains, winning or losing rankings, or physical challenges. They are on the road just to meet their true selves.
Avoid the crowds – Xingping, the Stone Town of Grape Country
The Yangdi-Xingping section has always been known as the essence of Li River hiking. There are many hikers. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to choose the vast mountainous area around Stone City, the grape village, and Xingping. This route is slightly more difficult, but the scenery is the most beautiful. Every climb will unfold a different landscape for you.
Conventional route - along the Yulong River
Go down the river from the east bank of Yulong Bridge, pass Jiuxian, Xiangui Bridge, and Xiatang Village, enjoy the scenery along the way, then turn left from Jima and return. It is about 12KM ~ covering the essence of the Yulong River scenery.
The scenic spot of the lower reaches of the Li River - Liu Sanjie Water Park
From Yangshuo Bridge, go downstream, pass Shutong Mountain, Mushan, Dutou and Fuli, and arrive at Liugong Village.
No cycling, no Yangshuo – When it comes to cycling, Yangshuo is undoubtedly the leader in China in terms of cycling trails. As early as the 1990s, Yangshuo built a cycling trail specifically for cycling – the well-known Ten-Mile Gallery.
For most people, it is not difficult to control the time and rhythm of exploring the beautiful countryside around Yangshuo on wheels. The cycling environment amidst the ink-and-wash landscape is really irresistible.
The distance between Yangshuo and the surrounding attractions is moderate, and the roads are flat, making it extremely friendly to most cycling enthusiasts. Riding a bicycle or an electric bike is an experience of wandering in the wind.
Cycling the Ten-Mile Gallery is almost a standard Yangshuo activity, while cycling along the Yulong River requires a bit more effort. The streets of Yangshuo are dotted with rental stalls, offering everything from leisure bikes, couples' bikes, and mountain bikes, typically priced between 20 and 50 yuan. For more relaxed driving requirements, renting a leisure bike from your hotel is sufficient.
If you want to have a pleasant ride, choosing a good bike is the key. There are so many bike rental stalls in Yangshuo. Faced with bikes that may have been ridden by thousands of people, don't just trust the owner's recommendations. Try our method to pick out a good bike:
→Observe the rust on the chain and gears. The less rust there is, the smoother the transmission and the easier it is to ride.
→Observe the tires. The deeper the tread, the less wear and tear there is, and the less likely a tire blowout is.
→ Let the front and rear wheels spin separately, listen for any unusual noises, and check for any damage to the car body or rubbing against the wheels. Simultaneously apply the front and rear brakes and push the car forward and backward in place to test the braking force while feeling for any looseness in the vehicle.
→ Ride a short circle, changing speed and braking frequently during this process to confirm that the clutch is working properly, feel whether the pedals are firm, and whether the seat has slipped;
→ Adjust the seat height according to your height. Do not sit too low and sit upright with your toes just touching the ground. If necessary, repair the tire and oil the chain.
Yangshuo is a city defined by its natural beauty, and viewing it from the water is an essential experience. Cruises and bamboo rafts are a must-do for any visitor to Yangshuo, and many foreign dignitaries have captured photos of themselves cruising the Li River or exploring the town. Therefore, a cruise or rafting trip is a must-do on any Yangshuo itinerary.
Enjoying the beauty of the Li River aboard a four-star cruise ship is a popular way to experience Yangshuo. The main Yangshuo cruise route runs from Yangshuo to Puyi, a 18-kilometer stretch of waterway that served as a filming location for the film "Liu Sanjie." Of course, a cruise south from Guilin to Yangshuo is highly recommended, offering stunning views of the Wife-Waiting Rock, the Yellow Cloth Reflection, and the Nine Horses Painting Mountain.
At Nine Horses Painting Mountain, your tour guide will tease you with, "The horses are beautifully painted, galloping, neighing, and grazing. An average person can spot two or three, a scholar can spot five, seven is rarer, and nine is truly remarkable." Legend has it that when Premier Zhou Enlai and Chen Yi traveled along the Li River, Chen Yi spotted seven and Premier Zhou nine. Legend also circulates that former US President Clinton spotted eight at Nine Horses Painting Mountain. A visit to Yangshuo is a must-see for yourself, and a chance to compare your eyesight with Premier Zhou.
Unlike boat trips, rafting offers a more artistic way to experience the Yangshuo waters. Only by rafting can you truly experience the beauty described by Han Yu: "The mountains are like blue silk ribbons, the water like a jasper hairpin."
On the Li River and the Yulong River, bamboo rafts carry tourists back and forth, showing the world their most tender side. Visitors here love to dip their bare feet into the clear, cool water, listening to the pole-pulling masters' jokes about Yangshuo's customs and people, which is extremely pleasant.
There are three main types of rafting in Yangshuo: Li River rafting, Yulong River rafting and Longjing River rafting.
Li River Rafting
The Li River rafting experience is a modern bamboo raft using a PVC tube and motor, offering a thrilling and exhilarating ride. The raft travels between Yangdi and Xingping, seating 6-8 people per raft, making it ideal for groups or larger families.
Yulong River Rafting
If you only have one rafting trip in Yangshuo, choose the Yulong River over the Li River. While it lacks the familiar attractions of the Li River, you can enjoy a tranquil rafting trip down the serene Yulong River. The river passes through tranquil villages and features nine small drop-offs, perfect for a thrilling experience. This rafting experience is suitable for all ages.
The best time to go rafting on the Yulong River is in the afternoon. Firstly, you can avoid the crowds of early arriving tour groups, and secondly, the light is slightly weaker in the afternoon, making the opposite mountain and the river surface appear softer and more varied in color.
【Dragon Neck River Rafting】
If rafting on the Li and Yulong rivers is like soothing classical music, then rafting on the Longjing River is a true heavy metal experience. Northeast of Xingping, in the Dayuan Forest Farm, you'll find deep, dense forests and cool air. Rafting on the Longjing River takes you through dense forests, with a drop of over 200 meters. In a rubber raft, you'll zip down the river amidst a chorus of screams, navigating over a hundred curves. It's a thrilling experience, and you'll definitely get wet, but it's a safe bet!
I believe that 90% of the people who come to Yangshuo have never experienced taking a hot air balloon or paragliding to overlook Yangshuo from a high altitude, and watching the Yulong River meandering among the mountains from a God's perspective. The mountains are beautiful and undulating, with various shapes. At the foot of the green mountains, there are dotted villages and curling smoke; it is like a splash-ink painting. It is definitely a unique experience.
The gorgeous modern sports and the ancient Chinese landscapes are in perfect harmony. The clean air, clear sky and Guilin's landscapes are all refreshing. Take a 360° selfie from the sky and fill your circle of friends with envy!
Yangshuo's hot air balloon rides include tethered and free flights, both of which are "games for the brave" and will bring a thrilling aerial experience.
[Tethered flight] is to take off and land at the flight base, with a lift height of less than 60 meters. It is an entry-level experience of hot air balloon flight, with a short flight time and a flight height of about 60-80 meters.
Free Flight: Take off from an open field and fly with the wind, reaching an altitude of about 500 meters. This allows for longer flight times and a deeper experience.
The stunning karst landscape not only creates bizarre peaks and a rock climbing paradise, but also gives rise to numerous bizarre caves within the surface. Caves have always been a hallmark of Guilin's karst landscape, but those in Yangshuo are unlike the dazzling displays of vibrant colors and willows that have been transformed by major scenic areas. These caves seem to have remained undiscovered by tourists since ancient times, quietly awaiting their arrival.
In Yangshuo, if you ask any local where there are wild caves, they will always be able to talk about it, as if these caves are just plants that can be found everywhere in their back gardens, rather than a tourist resource.
Every time I explore a cave like this, the darkness is filled with a sense of mystery. Following the flashlight's beam, the deeper I go, the hotter it gets, a true "exploration of the center of the Earth." I get nervous every time I explore a cave: Is it safe? What lies ahead? But seeing the well-trodden paths of the cave, punctuated by locals and the guides, brings a strange sense of peace.
Tips:
When visiting wild caves, you must be guided by locals! There are many forks in the cave, all of which are karst lava, and it is easy to get lost in it for half a day.
In the Meiling Mountains of Putao Town, Yangshuo County, about 60 kilometers away from Guilin, there is a well-preserved ancient stone city in the mountains, which is "far away from the rivers and lakes". However, it is little known and even rarely visited by tourists.
The reason why this niche attraction, Stone City, is singled out as a unique attraction isn't so much about how to enjoy it, but rather about allowing visitors to witness the mysterious, lost ancient stone city, known as the "Little Maya of the East." A visit to Yangshuo is a must, to pay respect to the people who built this enigmatic city.
Ancient Stone City covers an area of 10 square kilometers. In addition to the east, west, south, and north gates, it boasts 24 other gates, 18 of which remain today. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Guangxi. It is said that a walk through all the gates would take three days. Its sheer size and steepness are truly rare. Due to its long history, the absence of inscriptions or historical records, coupled with its remote location and inconvenient transportation, makes it impossible to determine the exact date of its construction.
At the end of the article, I finally understood why foreigners like to come here. The mountains and rivers, and the culture here are a window to understanding China!
