How to Spend 2 Days in Yangshuo

With two days in Yangshuo, it's possible to tick off all of the town’s core attractions and explore the countryside, which is home to the Li and the Yulong Rivers. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Yangshuo.

Day 1: Active Explorations

Morning: Start your morning with some tai chi by the Li River, and then head out into the countryside for a hiking, biking, or rock climbing adventure; opt for a tour to ensure you don’t get lost on an unfamiliar route.

Afternoon: This afternoon, explore either Silver Cave or Longmen Water Cave. Afterwards, head to Xingping Ancient Town and spend some time in town before taking a motorized boat down to one of the prettiest stretches of the Li River. Watch sunset here, or from the top of Laozhai Mountain.

Night: Head to West Street, the oldest and most famous street in town. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to pick up some souvenirs and grab dinner. Try local favorites such as Guilin noodles, steamed Li River fish, or Yangshuo beer fish.

Day 2: Mountains and Rivers

Morning: Get an early start (try for sunrise if possible) and head out to Xianggong Mountain for some of Yangshuo’s best views. Afterwards, cruise on a bamboo raft down the Yulong River, passing the Yulong and Fuli bridges. Afterwards, explore the scenic Ten Mile Gallery, home to highlights such as the Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill.

Afternoon: Head back to Yangshuo and grab lunch on West Street. Spend the rest of the afternoon in town, exploring attractions such as Green Lotus Peak and Yangshuo Park. Alternatively, try a cooking, calligraphy, fan-painting, or Chinese language class.

Night: Make your final night a memorable one by enjoying a performance of Impressions Sanjie Liu by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou; the show uses the Li River as a stage and the mountains as a backdrop. Opt for a package that includes dinner and transportation for a hassle-free experience.