How about a place where positivity meets the new moon? That place is Yangshuo. It is one of the brightest spots on earth. Yangshuo stands as a testament to China’s captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Yangshuo is located south of Guilin. It is under the jurisdiction of Guilin City. The natural scenery of Yangshuo is unique. It is like none other in the world.
Yangshuo’s history stretches back over 1,000 years. It was founded in 265 A.D. during the Jin Dynasty. In 590, during the Sui Dynasty, the county seat moved from Xingping to Yangshuo. It has remained the county town ever since. Though it is under the administrative control of Guilin city.
Yangshuo boasts a large population of English speakers. There are also many foreign expats. Some locals say it rivals Beijing and Shanghai as an international hub. This makes it an easy introduction to the country.
Yangshuo has verdant mountains. It has the rippling waters of the Li River. Yangshuo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Guangxi.
The name “Yangshuo” derives from Chinese. “Yang” symbolizes positivity, masculinity, and light. “Shuo” means “new moon”. So, Yangshuo is one of the brightest places on earth.
Yangshuo is home to native ethnic minorities. These include the Yao, Hui, Zhuang, and Miao people. This ethnic diversity means a varied selection of souvenirs and cuisine. You can find Tibetan silver and Dong embroidered cloth. Miao batik is also available throughout Yangshuo’s streets.
Lonely Island put Yangshuo on the map in 1980. They featured it in their travel guide. The landscape even featured in Star Wars Episode III. It was Chewbacca’s home planet. The Li River image appears on the 20 yuan note.
Yangshuo is a popular cycling and rock-climbing destination. Cycling is ideal for exploring Yangshuo County. You can visit Moon Hill and Big Banyan this way. Mountain bikes are available for rent in the town center.
Todd Skinner popularized Yangshuo for rock climbing in 1992. Now, there are over 200 climbing routes in the vicinity.
Thanks to Western expats, Yangshuo has Western-style restaurants, cafés, and bars. Yangshuo boasts exciting nightlife. Many hostels have their own bars. This makes for a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
There is no airport or train station in Yangshuo. Travel is either by bus or boat. A boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo can take 4 to 5 hours. Express buses run from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo frequently.
In Yangshuo County, there are over 20,000 hills. There are over 250 scenic spits. The clean Li River winds through Yangshuo for 56km. Magical peaks and green bamboo trees reflect on the water. This creates beautiful mountain and water murals. Notable scenic spots include Nine-Horse Painted Hill and Moon Hill.
Considered one of the first counties to be appointed as a national tourism area. Each year 1.5 million visitors come to Yangshuo to explore ancient bridges.
So, as you explore Yangshuo remember its long history. Remember its blend of cultures. Most of all, remember the beautiful scenery. Yangshuo truly offers a unique experience.