Hotels in Yangshuo

Yangshuo: Karst Peaks and the Li River Plain

Yangshuo sits 65 km south of Guilin in Guangxi province, where the Li River completes its famous 83-km cruise past some 20,000 karst limestone towers. The town appears on the back of the 20-yuan banknote — a recognisable image of peaks reflected in flat water near Xingping village. Most visitors arrive by bamboo raft or ferry from Guilin, stepping off into a compact center anchored by West Street (Xi Jie), a pedestrian lane lined with guesthouses, cycling hire shops, and restaurants serving beer fish (pijiu yu) — a local dish of river carp braised with local lager.

Where to Stay in Yangshuo

Hotels cluster in three zones. West Street and the riverfront suit travelers who want walkable access to bars and tour operators. Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) corridor, 8 km south, offers quieter guesthouses near the 50-metre natural arch. Xingping, 27 km upriver, draws cyclists and photographers after dawn light on the peak formations without town-center crowds.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: High-speed rail from Guilin North to Yangshuo takes 40 minutes; the station sits 3 km east of West Street.
• Best season: April–May and September–October avoid summer flood season and winter haze.
• Cycling: Rental bikes cost roughly ¥30–50/day; the 10-km loop to Big Banyan Tree is mostly flat.