3 Day Trip to Yangshuo, China

You've arrived in Yangshuo

Hop on the high-speed train at West Kowloon Station, and get ready for an adventure to Yangshuo! There are a couple of routes you can take – one option is to go through Guilin, where you can marvel at the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces. From Guilin, you can embark on a breathtaking 4-hour cruise along the Lijiang River to Yangshuo. Alternatively, you can travel via Guangzhou, where you'll switch trains and arrive at Yangshuo station a few hours later.

Once you arrive in Yangshuo, you'll have your pick from a range of charming hotels to check into, catering to all budgets. We stayed at the 4-star Yangshuo Shanshuiyao Resort. The views here are spectacular — you feel like you could touch the mountains — but the owner is a spectacular host and also a local celeb geologist! She took us on a personalized hike and unraveled the geological wonders of this stunning area, which was submerged underwater eons ago — legit cool! Yangshuo Sugar House, Banyan Tree and Jora Hotel are also great properties.

After settling into our gorgeous room-with a view, we made our way to the Li River (the hotel has a golf cart, which makes it very easy!). Vibrant bamboo rafts greeted us all set to whisk us away on a mesmerizing river cruise — the breathtaking beauty and vastness of the towering mountains are stunning from the water. After sunset, we dined back at our hotel for dinner for a pre-selected meal. Don’t miss trying everything on the menu — our firm favorites were the smashed cucumber and spicy chicken dish – pure deliciousness!

Post dinner, we ventured back to the river to witness the age-old tradition of Cormorant Fishing. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (especially if you’re sensitive about working animals), but it was sheer fascination to see the cormorants and their fishermen team up to catch fish right on the river.

The sunrise hike to Damian Mountain is the reason most come to this area. It’s one of the most beautiful sights. It does require a very early rise (4 am, anyone?) to catch the sunrise, and even on cloudy days, you’ll be able to see the wonder that is known as the sea of clouds. If sunrise is not your jam (my hand is up!), then an after-breakfast hike is also available to see the gorgeous views of the mountains from 2/3’s up Damian Mountain. Whichever hour you choose, this is one not to miss!

Mid-morning is a great time to see some of the caves in the area, visit a cave temple or join a tour to the Yangshuo Ruyi Peak & cable car for more spectacular views.

We spent a casual afternoon in Xingping's Ancient Village, across the river from the hotel. The charming village is nestled in the picturesque landscape of Yangshuo and is the kind of place that feels like a page torn from a history book. Once an important trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the village boasts a rich history that whispers tales of bustling markets and ancient traditions. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find quaint shops that sell everything from handcrafted souvenirs and tea to traditional bamboo products. The overall vibe of Xingping is laid-back, where the pace is leisurely, and the locals are friendly and eager to have you try out their sweets, teas and snacks. The spectacular backdrop of Karst mountains adds a magical touch that makes every corner a perfect spot for a selfie. Trust me, your social media feeds will thank you for this visual treat!

Speaking of your social media feed, how about booking a sunset photoshoot by the riverside? Picture yourself in traditional attire, floating on a charming bamboo raft. We spotted couples and families basking in stunning views and golden light all along the riverbanks. Perfect for that Insta-worthy shot!

Start the day in a leisurely fashion, soaking in the scenery while savoring breakfast. This area is packed with additional hiking trails, intriguing caves and fascinating temples just waiting to be explored. It’s truly a gorgeous spot to immerse yourself in nature and its geological wonders, making it ideal for a more relaxed getaway. In the afternoon, you can take a two-hour drive back to Guilin and spend a night in the city. That way, you can do a bike tour and marvel at the stunning Longji Rice Terraces or visit the Reed Flute Cave before you make your way back to Hong Kong!

From here, you can venture out into the countryside, immerse yourself in local traditions like crafting bamboo rice and marvel at the region's famous diaojiaolou — those fascinating houses on stilts — during day trips to quaint mountain villages. Grab a bike and pedal through the picturesque rice fields, keeping an eye out for those charming water buffalo. And if you're lucky enough to visit in spring or autumn, don’t forget your camera! The tiered rice terraces transform into a vibrant patchwork quilt of stunning colors that you won't want to miss. Highlights include The Reed Flute Cave, Yao Mountain, offering 360 views of the city, Daxu Old Town, showing off 1000 years of history and Elephant Trunk Hill. When your tummy starts rumbling, treat yourself to the mouthwatering local fare, from beer fish and hearty duck stews to slurp-worthy bowls of mifen (rice noodles). Your taste buds will thank you!