20 Unforgettable Things to Do in Yangshuo

One of Yangshuo's newest and most spectacular attractions. You take a scenic cable car up to the karst peaks, walk across a stunning suspension bridge covered in traditional red wish ribbons, and navigate the famous glass-bottom plank road bolted to the side of a sheer cliff.

The quintessential Yangshuo experience. Unlike the motorized rafts on the Li River, these traditional bamboo rafts are hand-poled by local boatmen. You'll drift peacefully past ancient stone bridges, lush rice paddies, and dramatic karst peaks. It's the serenity you came to China to find.Read our complete 2026 Bamboo Rafting Guide

For years, this was a secret spot known only to local photographers. Now, it offers arguably the single best panoramic view of the Li River bend and the karst peaks. The sunrise here is world-famous, painting the sea of clouds and mountains in shades of gold and purple.

A limestone peak with a natural moon-shaped arch that changes phase as you view it from different angles. It's one of Yangshuo's most iconic symbols. The climb takes you through a bamboo forest right up to the arch itself, offering sweeping views of the countryside.

The heartbeat of Yangshuo. This 1,400-year-old marble-paved street transforms from a sleepy heritage walk in the morning to a neon-lit carnival at night. It's a chaotic, vibrant mix of ancient architecture, souvenir shops, beer fish restaurants, and nightclubs.

Yangshuo is the rock climbing capital of Asia, boasting over 1,000 routes on high-quality limestone. Whether you are a complete beginner or a 5.14 pro, there is a crag for you. The views from the wall, hanging above the village and rice fields, are unmatched.

The highest accessible point in Yangshuo town. This is a 'wild' hike (paved but steep) leading to a transmission tower. The 360-degree view from the top is superior to Yangshuo Park and far less crowded. You can see the entire layout of the town and the Li River.

Located in Xingping, this steep climb offers the famous 'bird's eye view' of the Li River curve that photographers dream of. It is a more rugged and adventurous climb than the others, with a ladder section near the top.

The most famous currency view in the world. This is the exact perspective of the Li River printed on the back of the 20 Yuan note. It's located just a short walk from Xingping Ancient Town.

Although a 2.5-hour drive away, this is the #1 day trip from Yangshuo. The 'Dragon's Backbone' terraces are a feat of ancient engineering, carved into the mountains 650 years ago. The layered fields change color with the seasons and are home to the minority Yao and Zhuang people.

Compared to the commercialized West Street, Xingping still retains some of its old-world charm. With over 1,700 years of history, the stone streets, temples, and preserved Ming/Qing dynasty buildings feel like a time capsule.

Yangshuo dominates the 'karst' landscape, which means caves. Silver Cave is the largest and most impressive commercial cave. It's a subterranean cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful (sometimes disco) lights.

Feel like Indiana Jones exploring the backroads in a vintage Commune-era motorcycle sidecar. This is the coolest way to see the 'real' villages, dirt paths, and hidden valleys that buses and cars can't reach.

A 10-mile stretch of road flanked by towering peaks, flower fields, and attractions like the Big Banyan Tree. It used to be chaotic with traffic, but is now a dedicated shuttle/bike lane, making it safer and more pleasant.

Yangshuo food is unique—spicy, sour, and fresh. Taking a cooking class is the best souvenir you can bring home. Most schools include a market tour where you learn to identify strange local vegetables and bargain like a local.

For a glimpse of authentic local life, head here. It's not a big tourist attraction, which is exactly why it's charming. You'll see grandpas playing cards, women square dancing, and kids playing.

Directed by Zhang Yimou (who did the Beijing Olympics opening), this is the largest natural theater in the world. The stage IS the Li River, and the backdrop IS the 12 lighted peaks. With 600 performers, it’s a spectacle of light and sound.

Drive 20 minutes out of town to find rolling hills covered in neat rows of tea bushes. It's a quiet, green escape. You can put on a bamboo hat, pick your own tea leaves, and learn the tea ceremony.

Unlike Silver Cave, this has no neon lights and no paved paths. It is a 'wild' cave experience. You might need to crawl a bit, get muddy, and swim in a mud bath. It is raw, real adventure.

Sometimes the best thing to do is just walk. The path along the Yulong River (away from the road) takes you right through the functioning rice paddies. In spring, they are mirrors; in summer, electric green; in autumn, golden waves.

A tradition dating back 1,300 years. Fishermen on bamboo rafts use trained cormorant birds to dive and catch fish. The birds return to the raft and spit the fish into the basket. It's a dying art.

A hidden gem located along Guiyang Road that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This scenic area recreates the legendary 'Peach Blossom Spring' with traditional architecture, lush gardens, and calm waters.