Yangshuo 3 Days 2 Nights Essential Itinerary: Scenic Poetry and Ultimate Experiences, Solo Travel to Explore the World

Day 1: Lijiang Impression · Ancient Town Charm
**Morning**
Take a bamboo raft drifting along the essence of the Lijiang River (Yangdi → Xingping). The reflection of Huangbu in the mist (featured on the 20 RMB note) and the Nine Horses Painting Hill resemble an ink scroll painting. It is recommended to start at 7 AM to avoid crowds.
**Afternoon**
Stroll along the bluestone paths of Xingping Ancient Town, visit the Ming Dynasty Tengjiao Temple and the ancient Rongtan ferry, and enjoy tea and scenery at the riverside teahouse.
**Evening**
Yangshuo West Street shines brightly at night. Avoid expensive bars and instead check in at the landmark wall on Yitian West Street, holding a Lijiang Fisherman-themed milk tea for photos.

🚣 Day 2: Yulong Secret Realm · Pastoral Elegy
Early Morning
Drift on the artificial bamboo raft on Yulong River (Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian section), splashing water at the dam, and take ethereal photos in Hanfu. Rent a bike to ride the Ten-Mile Gallery, recommended route: Jima Wharf → Jiuxian Village. Capture the stunning reflection of the Karst peaks at sunset near Gongnong Bridge.
Afternoon
Explore the Silver Cave, where stalactites under the lights look like "snowy waterfalls."
**Evening**
Experience the Yulong River firefly paddleboard night tour, with LED lights illuminating the underwater seaweed flowers and fireflies dancing overhead.

⛰️ Day 3: Cloudscape Spectacle · Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret
**Dawn Summit**
Climb Xianggong Mountain to watch the sunrise, with sea of clouds flowing over the peak forest. The "horseshoe-shaped" curve of the first bend of the Lijiang River awakens in golden light (ticket 60 RMB, climb before 5 AM in summer).
**Secret Spot Check-in**
Visit the Murakami Haruki Café beside Xingping Ancient Town (there is also a namesake café near Yulong River, also very photogenic). The pastoral swing and layered green mountains create a cinematic scene. For the energetic, challenge Laozhai Mountain for a panoramic view of the Lijiang River’s big bend.

🏨 **Accommodation Recommendations: Sleep Inside a Landscape Painting**
- Yangshuo Xishiji Hotel (by Yulong River): The top scenic hotel of 2025! Bamboo rafts dock directly at the hotel pier, open your window to Yulong River, with butler-customized itineraries and goodnight sweet soup. A 6,000㎡ lawn and infinity pool face the Karst peaks.
- Yuyuan Jing She (Ten-Mile Gallery): A vast courtyard extends into Yulong River, family-friendly with rabbit feeding, osprey shows, and travel photography services. 270° river view rooms to lie down and enjoy the scenery.
Kongshan Xinyu (Yulong River branch), cost-effective and highly recommended because I personally experienced it [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful]

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🍜 **Epicurean Must-Eats**
🐟 Beer Fish: Crispy fish scales fried and soaked in beer tomato soup | Old West Street brand "Master Chef" | Xie Sanniang
🐚 Stuffed Snails: Snail meat mixed with pork and sour bamboo shoots stir-fried | Farmhouse Courtyard
🍲 Mandarin Fish Hotpot: Fish slices cook in three seconds, broth fresh from Lijiang River | Yulong River homestay restaurant
Bamboo Tube Rice: Glutinous rice and sausage wrapped in bamboo fragrance | Along the Longji Terraces
⚠️ **Pitfall Avoidance Guide**
1. **Bamboo Raft Choice**: Elephant Trunk Hill bamboo raft experience is average; prioritize Yulong River artificial rafts. Children under 7 and seniors over 70 are prohibited on Lijiang bamboo rafts.
2. **Ticket Tips**: Yulong River bamboo raft tickets go on sale at 8 PM nightly, book 3 days in advance (Jinlong Bridge section recommended).
3. **Souvenir Shopping**: West Street crafts are overpriced; local supermarkets offer better deals on fermented bean curd and Sanhua liquor.
4. **Gear List**: Lightweight umbrella + mosquito repellent + sunscreen (summer is rainy). Bring slippers for Yulong River bamboo rafts to avoid wet shoes. (Wearing slippers throughout is best; recommended are 361° basketball slippers or Peak Taiji slippers, super comfortable)

**Local Hidden Experiences**
- Wulong Spring Sunset: A secret viewpoint on County Road A89, where golden rice fields and mountains create perfect photo props with your car.
- Longji Terraces One-Day Tour: Stay overnight in the stilted houses of Jinkeng Dazhai Yao Village, wake up to the "silver belt winding the sky ladder," and learn tie-dyeing from Yao sisters.

> **Where mountains and waters meet, there is no farewell in Yangshuo.** This three-day itinerary condenses the ultimate aesthetics of Guilin’s landscape—Lijiang’s mist, Yulong River’s rafts, Xianggong Mountain’s clouds—engraving a double poem on your taste buds and soul. If time allows, slow down and let the pastoral dawn and dusk heal your urban fatigue.