Yangshuo's Countryside Landscape
About a week ago, my boyfriend and I accompanied a group of 16 students and 4 faculty from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (commonly known in the US as Virginia Tech) to Yangshuo (阳朔), a countryside jumping point and backpackers’ retreat located about two hours outside of Guilin. As I have visited Yangshuo quite a few times previously, I knew exactly what to expect from the trip – that being said, I have yet to be let down by what the town has to offer. Boasting some of the most exquisite scenery seen anywhere in the world, Yangshuo thrives off of both domestic and international tourism; to be certain, there is no shortage of foreigners in this once quaint town. On the other hand, simply because there are more tourists in Yangshuo than other areas of Guangxi, it is also home to some of the best sightseeing, dining, and shopping experiences I’ve had since moving to China.
On Saturday afternoon, we traveled by bamboo raft down the Li River to Xingping, a historic and charming countryside town located only 39 miles from Guilin. That night, we wandered along Yangshuo’s West Street and checked out the restaurant scene – much to my delight, I discovered Kelly’s Place, a Western lounge that serves the most delicious veggie burger I’ve ever tasted in my entire life. The next day, we went on a relaxing 4-hour bike ride through the outskirts of Yangshuo; along the way, we stopped to take a peek inside the Yangshuo Butterfly Scenic Zone, a brilliantly lit stalactite cave and countryside viewing point.
The Striking Lights of Yangshuo's Butterfly Cave
Before returning to Guilin on Sunday night, we bought tickets to see Liu Sanjie, a light show performed only in Yangshuo that was directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou (House of Flying Daggers). 70 minutes long and featuring over 600 performers, most of whom are members of China’s ethnic minority population, Liu Sanjie is a poignant display of Guangxi’s unique cultural heritage and a particularly moving showcase of Zhuang identity.
All in all, I’m extremely pleased to say that the visiting Virginia Tech students tremendously enjoyed Yangshuo and its surroundings. When traveling through southern China, an up-close glance at the breathtaking scenery to be witnessed in Yangshuo is definitely not to be missed!
When I went to Yangshuo a couple of years ago I really had no idea what to expect. It was my first time in China and my (now) wife suggested we took a boat trip up the Li River from Guilin.
It wasn’t until we got off the boat in Yangshuo that I found out that we would be “going to a show” in the evening, so I had no idea what to expect.
Amanda had seen it before, and she knew what was coming. She also knew that I would be blown away by it.
And how !
Liu Sanjie is an incredible experience, especially for someone new to China.
Was it only 70 minutes ?……
Very cool blog. Keep writing!
I like this posting .. for that is beautiful place and ever green .
Excellent information. I have visited china couple of times but never visited this place. Next time if I will get chance than surely visit this place. Photo and posting explanation is exciting me to visit the place.
Just posted my own take on Yangshou, I live in nearby Liuzhou. We escape to Yangshou whenever we feel the need to read a menu in english, and totally feel the same vibe! Keep up the good work!