Guilin Yangshuo Anti-Scam Guide: Three Days to Conquer the Finest Scenery Under Heaven

Day 1: Li River Panorama + Yangshuo Hidden Gems🌊

☀️ Morning
❶ Guilin → Yangshuo Li River Cruise (4-star upper deck ¥360 | Departs from Mopanshan Pier)
🛳️ Cruise duration: ~4 hours, passing famous spots like Yellow Cloth Reflection and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill
⚠️ Scam alerts:
✖️ Avoid onboard photographers! ¥200/set for poor quality—use your phone to capture "Yellow Cloth Reflection"
✖️ Beware of "free fruit" traps! Hidden high tea fees follow

🛵 Afternoon
❷ Yulong River Cycling (E-bike rental ¥30/day | Navigate to "Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion")
✅ Hidden route: Chaoyang Dam → Jiuxian Pier (less crowded, crystal-clear water, perfect for free splashing)
🚫 Watch out for "friendly guides"! They’re actually promoting overpriced farmhouse restaurants

🌃 Evening
❸ West Street Light Experience
🐟 For beer fish, trust "Xie Sanjie" (5 Diecui Road, Yangshuo)—open kitchen, no scams
🎵 Visit quiet bars after 22:00 for live music, avoiding tourist crowds

Day 2: Mountain Hiking + Ancient Town Sunset⛰️

🌅 Dawn
❶ Xianggong Mountain Sunrise (¥60 ticket | Depart by chartered car at 4:30)
📍Location: Xingping Town, Yangshuo
✅ Book a local driver (¥150 round-trip) a day prior—cheaper and hassle-free

🏯 Morning
❷ Xingping Ancient Town In-Depth Tour
💰 20-Yuan Background Spot: Navigate to "Wangwang Fish Restaurant" for best access
📸 Bargain Miao ethnic costumes to ¥30/hour—inspect outfits before paying!

🌄 Afternoon
❸ Silver Cave (¥65 | Enter at 14:00 to avoid crowds)
❄️ Cave temperature: 18°C year-round—bring a jacket
🚶‍♂️ Exit through a shopping street—walk fast, don’t look back!

🌇 Dusk
❹ Laozhai Mountain Adventure (Free | 30-minute climb)
❗️ Dangerous trail! Avoid rainy days or flip-flops

Day 3: Iconic Landmarks + Secret Meadows📷

🌄 Dawn
❶ Elephant Trunk Hill Exclusive Shoot (Arrive at Gate 1 by 7:00 for solitude)
📍Location: 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin
📸 Best angle: Shoot reflections from Shuiyue Cave’s bank

🌿 Morning
❷ Guihai Qinglan (¥25 | 15-minute taxi from downtown)
🏞️ Swiss-style meadows + karst peaks—morning light is perfect for photos
🍱 Bring a picnic mat—food prices are 3x higher inside!

💣 Ultimate Scam Avoidance List:
🍽️ Food Traps:
✖️ Confirm "jin" unit (500g or 1kg) for beer fish
✖️ At noodle shops, say "5¥ for 2-liang rice noodles"—silence invites ¥28 scams

🚕 Transport Tricks:
✖️ Yangshuo Station black taxis charge ¥50/person → Didi costs ¥35
✖️ "Free shuttle" to Yulong River → Actually lures shoppers

🏨 Accommodation Picks:
Guilin: Li River Waterfall Hotel (next to Elephant Trunk Hill)
Yangshuo: "Paddy Field" Homestay by Yulong River (hidden paradise)

🍜 Local Food Secrets:
✔️ "Renli Rice Noodles" (Shijiayuan Road): 5¥ for 2-liang noodles
✔️ "Auntie Xu Desserts": 5¥/cup for peach syrup
✔️ "Victory Rice Noodles" (Wayao Road): 12¥ for fried lung noodles

✨ Pro Tips:
✅ Water fun in morning, mountain views at dusk, caves + desserts at noon
✅ Always ask prices first—reject "free" traps
✅ Must-dos: Elephant Trunk Hill, Yulong River, 20-Yuan photo spot