The China of your imagination – Yangshuo

Yangshuo, a small town in China’s south, has long been on the bucket list for visitors to the country, and it’s easy to see why.

Set amongst craggy limestone scenery, on the banks of the River Li, this is the China of your imagination. A well plied route sees travellers take a tourist boat from the nearby city of Guilin, taking visitors up the river to Yangshuo, immersing you in the Chinese countryside. The town is well used to receiving visitors, with many locals speaking English, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants serving food from around the world.

If you’re looking to experience authentic China, then this isn’t it – but don’t let that put you off. Hire a bike, or take a walk or even drive into the surrounding countryside and you’ll soon find small, unspoilt villages and farmers tending their fields with water buffalo – all in the shadow of soaring limestone rock formations. Yangshuo is also a great place to have a cookery lesson, learn about kung fu and generally enjoy being in a smaller, more intimate place than some of the other larger cities you’re likely to visit on a first-time visit to the country.

Make it happen

Check out our China pages for details of what do and see. All our trips are private and can be tailor-made to your requirements and dates.