Yangshuo Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Yangshuo tours and things to do amid China’s dreamlike karst mountains: cruise the Li River past limestone peaks, drift the Yulong River on a bamboo raft, cycle the emerald countryside, visit the classic Xingping fishing village, watch traditional cormorant fishing and take a Guangxi cooking class. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Yangshuo by interest
Whatever brings you to Yangshuo — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Yangshuo
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Li River
Iconic cruise.
Yulong River
Bamboo rafts.
Countryside
Cycling lanes.
Xingping
Ancient village.
Cormorant Fishing
By lamplight.
West Street
Old town buzz.
Rice Fields
Karst valleys.
Karst Peaks
Limestone hills.
Cruise awayLi River
Iconic karst.
Nearby awayYulong River
Bamboo rafts.
Lanes awayCountryside
Cycling.
Li River awayXingping
Ancient village.
Evening awayCormorant Fishing
By lamplight.
Countryside awayWater Cave
Mud bath.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Yangshuo visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Lush, green and mild — a lovely time to visit.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Hot and humid, with the fullest rivers.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and quiet, with misty peaks.
For the rivers
Spring and summer for the highest water.
Best overall
April to June and September to November.
One day
The Li River, cycling and cormorant fishing.
Two days
Add bamboo rafting and Xingping village.
Three days
Add a cooking class and the caves.
For scenery
The Li River and Yulong River.
For nature
Cycling the countryside lanes.
For culture
Xingping village and cormorant fishing.
On foot
West Street and the centre are walkable.
By bike
Cycling is the classic way to see the country.
By boat
Cruises and rafts run the rivers.
Tours
Tours reach Xingping, caves and Guilin.
Where to stay
Stay near West Street or in the countryside.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; carry cash and use apps.
Li River
Book the cruise ahead in peak season.
Bamboo raft
The Yulong River is calmer than the Li.
Cycling
Rent a bike or join a guided countryside ride.
Cormorant fishing
Go at dusk for the atmospheric lamplight.
Beer fish
Try Yangshuo’s signature dish while you visit.
Combos
Some tours pair the river with cycling.
Li River cruises
Cruises fill up — book ahead.
Bamboo rafts
Yulong rafts fill up — reserve early.
Cycling tours
Guided rides fill up — book ahead.
Xingping tours
Village tours fill up — reserve early.
Cooking classes
Classes fill up — book ahead.
Holidays
Chinese holidays are very busy — book far ahead.
Li River cruise
Around €40–70 for a Li River cruise tour.
Bamboo raft
About €37–60 for a Yulong River raft tour.
Cycling tour
Roughly €33–60 for a countryside cycling tour.
Xingping tour
Around €98–140 for a Xingping village tour.
Cormorant fishing
About €70–110 for a cormorant fishing tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Yangshuo through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Green & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Clear skies.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Full rivers.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Quiet & misty.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.