2 Days in Yangshuo: How to Have the Best Nature-Filled Time!

Need some nature therapy in the karst mountains of China? This 2 days in Yangshuo itinerary has you covered!

Yangshuo is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. The area is known for its stunning scenery, with rolling hills and river valleys making up the landscape. The Li River flows through Yangshuo, providing a picturesque backdrop to the area.

What makes Yangshuo unique is its combination of natural beauty and traditional Chinese culture.

There are a number of things to do in Yangshuo, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and soak up the scenery.

This 2 days in Yangshuo itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this stunning Chinese town!

• Day 1: Moonhill, Butterfly Grotto Spring Park, Water Caves, West Street (Xi Lu), Scooter Tour
• Day 2: White Water Rafting, Xingping Sunset Tour

The best way to get to Yangshuo is to take a train to Guilin North Railway Station and then take a bus to Yangshuo. Check the best train ticket prices on Trip.com!

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Take a Hike on Moon Hill

One of the most popular hikes in Yangshuo is Moon Hill, where you can get a breathtaking view of Yangshuo from the top.

This particular area is called Moon Hill because of the shape of the hill – it’s said to look like a crescent moon. It’s about 4 kilometers from West Street, so it’s not too far of a ride.

Once you get to the base of the hill, it’s about a 45-minute hike to the top. The hike itself will require you to climb some stairs, but it’s not too strenuous.

Once you are finished with your hike, head back down and grab a quick breakfast at Moon Hill Cafe. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but I would highly recommend the sweet and sour chicken.

Visit Butterfly Grotto Spring Park

Butterfly Grotto Spring Park is a beautiful place to spend a morning in Yangshuo. It’s located near Moon Hill, and it’s China’s largest butterfly garden.

The name of the park comes from a stalactite shaped like a butterfly, and there’s even a huge monarch butterfly model sitting above the entrance of the Butterfly Grotto Spring Park as well.

Once you are inside the cave, you’ll find several stalactite-shaped butterflies – see if you can find the one where it looks like 2 butterflies are whispering to each other.

You’ll also find waterfalls and a fresh spring of water to create a pool as well. There’s also a suspension bridge to cross, which will then take you to a plaza where you’ll see a cultural folklore dance.

Expect to pay about 50 yuan and an hour of viewing. To get to the Butterfly Grotto Spring Park, you can take a bus from Yangshuo General Bus Station to Gaotian and get off at the park.

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Visit Some Caves

Continue your visit to one of Yangshuo’s many caves. Right next to Moon Hill are the water caves, better known for taking mud baths in Yangshuo.

Mud caves are a popular tourist attraction in Yangshuo. They are said to have therapeutic properties, and they’re a great way to cool off on a hot day.

One of the best caves to sit in is the Buddha Water Cave, which is said to have the best mud in Yangshuo. You’ll need to bring your own swimsuit. They’ll also provide you with a helmet and a waterproof flashlight. You can take the bus that leaves for Gaotian at the Yangshuo Bus Station for ¥4.

I would also highly recommend the Silver Cave as this is the largest karst mountain cave in the Guilin area and it’s definitely worth a visit on your Yangshuo itinerary.

Note: Silver Cave is about 18 kilometers from Yangshuo, so you’ll have to take a trip out to see it.

The Silver Cave was formed when the water of the Lijiang River eroded the limestone. The cave is over 10 kilometers long, and it’s filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. However, only about 2 kilometers of the cave have been made viewable to the public.

Once you’re inside the cave, you’ll be amazed as the different colored lights illuminate the cave, some stalactites even giving off a silvery look. There are also a few small ponds inside the cave.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking inside the cave. You’ll also want to watch your step as you might step in some puddles of water.

Stroll Along Yangshuo West Street (Xi Lu)

After a long morning of exploring, head over to West Street, or Xi Lu in Mandarin, the heart of Yangshuo. West Street is also known as the foreigner’s street because it’s full of tourists from all over the world.

On West Street, you’ll find many shops and stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and other items where bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price.

When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors on West Street. One of the best restaurants is the Yangshuo Family Inn, which serves traditional Guangxi dishes.

For entertainment, there are a number of bars and nightclubs on West Street, as well as several performance venues showcasing traditional Chinese music and dance. You can also find a variety of massage places if you need to relax after a long day of exploring Yangshuo.

If you feel up to it, you can even hike up to Green Lotus Peak, Biliang Feng, at the end of West Street. This is a karst formation in the shape of a lotus with Jianshan Temple sitting at the top. You’ll also see an old banyan tree and the Yingjiang Pavillion.

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Do a Self-Guided Scooter Tour

See Yangshuo on wheels! Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside. You can bike along the river, through rice paddies, or even up into the mountains.

Be sure to ask the local Chinese how to get to the Ten-Mile Gallery, also known as Shili Hualang, and get some cool pictures–it will look like you’re biking through a painting. Along the route, you’ll see farmers in the fields, the Gongnong bridge, and other natural scenic views.

If you’d rather save your energy, you can also rent a scooter to get around the city even quicker, which was my favorite way to get around Yangshuo. The best place to rent a scooter is right at the entrance of West Street.

When you are ready to rent your scooter, the renters will give you a brief overview if you’ve never driven a scooter before. You’ll also get some time to practice by yourself and then with a passenger if you need to as well.

If you choose to rent a scooter, beware of the traffic rules such as following the traffic and sticking to the right side of the road.

Today you’ll be spending the day in Xingping, a small town 28 kilometers or 50 minutes north of Yangshuo. You can get there by public bus, hire a taxi or private transfer, or book a set tour to get to Xingping.

Go on a Longjing Water Rafting Adventure

Start your day off with an outdoor adventure–white water rafting on the Longjing River. This is an exciting opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery of Yangshuo and its surrounding countryside.

The tour company offers hotel pick-up to the site of the water rafting area. When you get there, you’ll be given safety instructions and a life jacket before boarding a raft. You’ll have a guide with you on the boat to get you through the rushing river. The ride on the water itself is about 1.5 hours.

🚣‍♀️ Book Your Longjing River Rafting Tour! 🚣‍♀️

Tour the Old Streets of Xingping

Take a walk along the old streets of the ancient town of Xingping and admire the remarkable views. The small village has been standing there for over 500 years, and it’s a great place to explore China’s cultural heritage.

You’ll find a few shops selling local snacks, traditional handicrafts, and souvenirs in the narrow lanes of Xingping. Be sure to stop by The Old Place to grab a late lunch while exploring.

Xingpingzhen Sunset Tour with Fisherman

See the sunset at Xingpingzhen. This is a small village located outside of Yangshuo and it’s home to some of the best panoramic views in the area. It’s also nearby by the white water rafting area, so you can hang out here before heading back to Yangshuo.

During this tour, you’ll ride on a bamboo raft on the Li River with a traditional cormorant fisherman. A cormorant fisherman is someone who captures fish by using trained cormorants, large birds with long necks made for fishing.

The best part is that you’ll get to witness a beautiful sunset over the Li River as well as some stunning views of the karst mountains. Be sure to snap a picture of the mountain range that is depicted on the 20¥ bill!

With this sunset tour, you’ll have a hotel pick-up right in Yangshuo around 5 PM and be transferred back once the tour is over.

>>Book Your Sunset Xingping Scenic Tour! <<

Li River Tour

One of the best things to do in from Guilin to Yangshuo is to take a tour down the Li River. This is one of the most scenic areas in all of China, and it’s a great way to see the countryside. You can choose to do this tour on the day you arrive in Guilin and plan your trip to Yangshuo; however, keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive by 10 AM.

Tours typically last around 4 hours, and they include stops at some of the most popular attractions along the river.

>> Book Your Li River Cruise! <<

Fuli Bridge

Also referred to as Yulong Bridge or Dragon Bridge, Fuli Bridge is about 36 kilometers away from Yangshuo. This bridge is a perfect spot to take in the stunning countryside and enjoy the peacefulness of nature, especially if you get there early in the morning when most people haven’t started their day yet.

Fuli Bridge is also less touristy than other places in Yangshuo, so you’ll have plenty of space to take pictures and enjoy the peace and beauty around you!

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Laozhai Mountain

Laoizhai mountain is located in Xingping and is not currently being maintained so the trail will be tricky to find. However, locals know about it so you can ask for directions to start the hike.

The climb itself is about 40 minutes up and quite intense. You’ll need to keep an alert eye as there are no signs and a lack of maintenance. There are 1,200 steps and a short ladder to climb at the end before reaching the very top to see the city of Yangshuo below.

See the Sunset on Cuiping Hill

Cuiping Hill is also located in Xingping, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. From here you’ll have an incredible view of the Li River, so be sure to bring your camera! The hike itself takes about 40 minutes to climb so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to see the sunset.

Xianggong Mountain

Xianggong Mountain is also located in Xingping and instead of sunset, this is the perfect spot for sunrise. You will have to wake up before the sun to get here, but the hike up only takes about 15 minutes. You’ll get the view of the sun rising over the Li River with the karst mountains in the backdrop.

Longshen Rice Terraces

Longshen Rice Terraces, also referred to as Longji Terraces or Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, are further out from Yangshuo, about a 2.5-hour drive to get there. They are some of the most stunning terraces in all of China. The panoramic views are breathtaking and you may encounter the local minority groups, Zhuang and Yao people.

If you would prefer, book a full-day tour to get private transportation and a local guide to show you the best of the Longji Rice Terraces.

>> Book Your Longji Rice Terrace Full-Day Tour! <<

Map of 2 Days in Yangshuo

My preferred method of getting to Yangshuo is by taking the fast train to Guilin, then hopping on a bus to Yangshuo. Many cities have a fast train that heads directly to Guilin.

You can also fly to Guilin (KWL), you can take the local bus to Yangshuo where the journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 50 RMB. Check for times and bus stations. My favorite website to use for booking trains in China is Trip.com.

At this point, you can also choose to do a Li River cruise as the river runs downstream to Yangshuo. (You won’t be able to make the same trip back.)

The only downside to this is that your luggage may need to be transported differently while you are on the river.

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

If you are staying in the heart of Yangshuo, you can easily get around by walking. However, you can also rent a bike or a scooter to get around to the other places in Yangshuo, such as Moon Hill, the caves, and Butterfly park.

You can also take public transportation such as buses to get around. You can pay directly with cash as you get on–there is no need to purchase bus tickets ahead of time.

Another way to get around is to hire a private transfer or taxi. This is the most expensive route and should only be considered when you’re traveling long distances, such as going to Xingping or other cities.

If you’d rather just relax and enjoy yourself, book a tour guide and let the guide do the work for you–especially for those experiences in Xingping (white water rafting and bamboo rafting).

The best time to visit Yangshuo is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder. It can get quite hot in the summer months, so if you’re looking for a more comfortable climate then cooler weather would be the ideal time.

We decided to visit Yangshuo over a Chinese holiday (October 1st) and it was not bad in terms of crowds overall. The only time it got rowdy and crowded was on West Street the night of the holiday.

If you have 2 days to spend over the holidays, consider heading to Yangshuo.

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Though there are many popular Chinese dishes to order in China, here are a few local dishes that you must try when spending 2 days in Yangshuo!

• Guilin rice noodles are a local specialty, and they’re a must-try when you’re in Yangshuo. The noodles are made from rice flour and are usually served in a soup with vegetables or meat.
• Yangshuo Beer Fish is another local specialty, and it’s a dish that you’ll find in many restaurants in Yangshuo. The fish is marinated in beer and then fried, and it’s a delicious way to try a local delicacy.
• Lipu Taro is a common treat in Yangshuo, and it’s served almost everywhere. The taro is sliced into thin strips and cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices.
• Sweet and Sour Pork is a popular dish in China, and Yangshuo is no exception. The dish is made with pork that is marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, and it’s a great way to try a local delicacy.
• Spicy Chicken is another popular dish in Yangshuo, and it’s a great option for those who like things spicy. The chicken is marinated in a variety of spices, and it’s a great way to get your fix of protein.

Yangshuo West Street Hotel

Yangshuo West Street Hotel is a great place to stay in the heart of Yangshuo, and it’s a great option for those who want to be close to the action. The hotel is located right in the center of town, and it’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the nightlife and restaurants.

The bus station is just a few minutes’ walk away, making this an ideal stay for transportation.

>> Check Best Prices for Yangshuo West Street Hotel! <<

Li River Resort

If you want to be close to the Li River, Li River Resort is a great place to stay. Located on the river and about 1 mile from West Street, you’ll still be able to get to all the touristy places on foot, but also relax and enjoy the scenery.

Li River Resort is only a 15-minute drive from the Yangshuo Bus Station so you can easily get here when you arrive in town! The hotel will also accommodate any biking tours that you’d like to take as well.

>> Check Best Prices for Li River Resort! <<

When packing for your 2 days in Yangshuo, consider the weather. During the fall and spring, the temperatures range in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. However, in the heat of summer, you can experience temperatures up to 90°F with humidity.

Here are a few things to consider bringing:

☀️ Protect against the heat that you’ll experience with sunscreen and a hat. You’ll also want protection when you are hiking.

👗 Lightweight clothing to keep cool. It may get chillier in the evening, so be sure to have a sweater or light jacket.

👟 Comfortable walking shoes for walking around West Street and Xingping Old Town. However, you may want a pair of sandals like these Tevas when you go to the mud baths.

🚰 China only serves hot water in restaurants. If you don’t want to drink that, bring your own water bottle. It’ll also help you stay hydrated as you explore. Keep in mind that water is not drinkable in China, so you can buy some water bottles to fill up your own.

👙 Swimsuit and/or quick-drying clothes for when you have an adventure day in the water. You may not get wet with the cormorant fishermen, but you will definitely get splashed on the white water rafting expedition!

What is Yangshuo known for?

Yangshuo is known for its beautiful scenery of the Li River, with towering karst mountains in the background. It’s also known for the mountain range that can be found on the back of the 20¥ bill. Even more, the colorful illuminated lights in the mud caves are also special to Yangshuo and its laid-back vibes.

Is Yangshuo worth visiting?

Yes, Yangshuo is definitely worth visiting for 2 days. Yangshuo is a small Chinese town with natural beauty through the karst mountains and the scenery of the Li River.

Even more than the vast nature you’ll find in Yangshuo, the small town captures your heart with its delicious local dishes, things to do, and hospitable locals.

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Is it better to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?

Guilin is a larger city and you can plan a trip to visit it. However, if spending 2 days in Yangshuo is your intent, then it’s best to stay a night in Yangshuo.

This way you’ll experience the unique things to do in Yangshuo and will have time to explore the surrounding areas.

Are 2 days in Yangshuo enough?

Spending 2 days in Yangshuo is just enough time to see this small mountain town and enjoy an outdoor adventure.

If you want to take trips to the outskirts of the small city center like visiting the Xingpingzhen Scenic Area or the Longjin rice terraces, then it’s best to extend your time in Yangshuo by 1-2 more days.

How many days do you need for Guilin?

You’ll need at least 4-5 days if you want to explore both Guilin and Yangshuo. This allows adequate time to experience the unique things both cities have to offer. Guilin is much larger and you’ll need more time to explore its markets, temples, parks, and other attractions.

So if you plan to visit both cities on the same trip, it’s best to leave a few extra days for Guilin!

🚅 Book your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Yangshuo is an amazing place to visit in China. There are so many things to do and see in the area, including hiking, biking, caving, and sightseeing. The scenery is beautiful and the people are friendly, making Yangshuo a great destination for visiting.

🚅 Grab your Guilin/Yangshuo Train Ticket! 🚅

Ready to make your trip to Yangshuo? Check out my travel essentials to make the most out of your trip!

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