Yangdi

Gazing across the Li River, can you imagine two colossal sheep hooves hanging upside down? That, my friends, is the namesake of Yangdi Village. Yangdi, meaning “sheep hooves,” echoes the twin peaks rising behind the village, a whimsical touch to this stunning landscape. Yangdi Village sits on the west bank of the Li River, about 50 kilometers from Guilin and 40 kilometers north of Yangshuo County. This location makes Yangdi the heart of the Li River experience. Forget the prelude from Guilin to Ox Village. The true essence of the Li River cruise begins right here in Yangdi. The stretch between Yangdi and Xingping Town showcases the river’s most captivating scenery. Imagine the tranquility of the river suddenly disrupted by white spray slapping against stones at Wave-Stone View. Picture a boy, frozen in perpetual worship before a Buddha-shaped peak. These fantastical formations showcase nature’s artistic prowess. Yangdi also offers adventure. If you’re feeling bold, hop on a bamboo raft between 8:30-10:30 am or 12:00-3:30 pm for a personalized tour. For about 216 CNY, you can drift down to Xingping Town, pausing at your whim to capture the perfect photo. A shorter trip to Mural Hill is also an option. Remember to buy your tickets at the official ticket office. Not only are they cheaper, but they also grant you a free electric car ride from Mural Hill or Xingping Dock to Xingping Coach Station. From there, explore the ancient town of Xingping before continuing to Yangshuo. While hiking from Yangdi to Xingping is no longer permitted, a shorter hike from Mural Hill to Xingping Town is still possible. This roughly one to one-and-a-half-hour walk offers a different perspective on the landscape. Whether by raft or on foot, Yangdi Village unveils the soul of the Li River. It’s a place where misty rains transform the landscape into a wonderland of peace and mystery, a memory you’ll carry long after you leave.