Yangshuo

Yangshuo, located in northeastern par of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, lies south of Guilin and is under the jurisdiction of the city of Guilin. Yangshuo County covers an area of 1,428 square km and has 20,000 hectares of land used for agricultural cultivation. It has a population about 300,000, making up of different ethnic groups such as Han, Zhuang, Yao, Hui, etc. The weather in Yangshuo is subtropical, with sufficient rainfall, sunlight, and heat around the whole year. On average each year the temperature is 19 centigrade, the amount of sunlight is 1,465 hours, the rainfall is 1,640mm. There are about 300 days per year without frost. In general, the weather is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter.

YangShuo has a long history of 1400 year in which the people there have created their own culture, such as long drum dance, song gathering Cai Diao opera, dragon and lion dance, the natural scenery there are gardens mrelics and sites in the history, ancient bridge and other architectures and stone carvings.

As the old saying goes , "Guilin's scenery is the most beautiful in the world, Yangshuo 's scenery is far more superior to that of Guilin's". From this, one can know that the natural scenery of Yangshuo is unique and like none other in the world. In Yangshuo County alone, there are over 20,000 hill and over 250 scenic spits. The clean and clear Li River winds through Yangshuo for 56km. On both sides of the river, magical peaks and push green bamboo trees reflect off the mirror like surface of the water to paint beautiful mountain and water murals. The most notable scenic spots of Guilin are in Yangshuo, i.e, Nine-Horse Painted Hill, Yellow Reflection Point, Xingping Village, Lotus Cave, Young Scholar Hill, Snow Lion Ridge, the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and Dragon River. Moreover, many consider the land scape of the plains and the villages to be like a beautiful picturesque poem. Amongst the mountains and waters are old buildings and old bridges that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Yangshuo. Just by observing these, One can learn much about Yangshuo's history. Yangshuo was one of the first counties to be appointed as a national tourism area. Each year 1.5 million visitors come to Yang shuo.

Sceneries in Yangshuo

Baisha Town: Bridge the Centuries on the Yulong River
The "Meet the Dragon" or Yulong River, which begins in Zouzai Village, is the largest tributary running into the Li Rive. The excellent composition of water, ancient bridges and mountains along this waterway is one of the favorite choices of photographers and artists coming to the area. For those who are looking for a fabulous hike, start at Baisha's Yulong Bridge and stay on the path down river to Gao Tian. You'll pass six unforgettable ancient bridges during the 5-hour walk.

Fuli: Home to the "Third Sister"
Those who know Chinese cinema, will immediately recognize Fuli's distinctive wharf as the backdrop for shooting parts of the now famous film, "The Liu Family's Third Sister".

Like Xing Ping, travelers can experience the lovely "mountain-water" scenery of the area by taking the 50-minute boat ride on the lower reaches of the Li River down to this quaint spot. In the town, visit some of the best local artists and their shops or just sip some tea on the wharf at "Three-Sister's" Restaurant.

Gao Tian: Retreat to the Country
The most popular route for 1-2 day biking trips is the road to Gao Tian. Gao Tian, a predominantly Zhuang minority area, offers some of the most memorable sights and experiences for those who want to encounter China "off the road" Moonhill, a large mountain with a cavity that appears to "change phases" as travelers pass by , is the centerpiece of the area. On a day trip, bikers will usually go first to the Big BanYan Tree, and perhaps do some caving. Many then opt to stay overnight in the county at a farmer's home or better yet, rent a room at the "Riverside Retreat", a very welcoming bed and breakfast run in a renovated mill house beside the "Meet the Dragon"

Xingping: Take me home country roads
The cruise form Yangshuo to Xingping is a "must do" for many adventurous travelers who want to see the mountains and Li River from another vantage point. The fascinating shapes and coloration of the limestone mountains sometimes tell a story. River men eagerly point out such sights as "Nine Horses Painted Cliff", "Monk and Nun's Peak", and "Snail Hill". With bikes loaded onto small riverboats, energetic tourists travel up, enjoy the serenity of the magnificent hills surrounding the town, and then bike back by way of winding country roads.

The "Fish Village" of Yangshuo County-a "time capsule" you shouldn't miss
During the boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, travelers often stop near the halfway point to visit the famous "Fish Village". From the start, visitors notice the authentic and well-preserved structures, which reflect a way of life that has continued for nearly 500 years. What is striking as well, is that this is not a museum, locals still eat, sleep, and work out their lives there.

Historically, the village has enjoyed its moments. Kang Youwei, a Qing Dynasty reformist, publicized his progressive ideas of reform there. Sun Yat Sun visited Fish Village when he made preparations for the war against the warlords of the north.

Elegant, sloping rooftops, ornamental eaves, and narrow lanes set among the famous mountains of Yangshuo, have attracted scholars and notable persons for years. On July 2,1998,American President Clinton and delegation visited Fish Village to enjoy its history and architecture.