Yangshuo—A Journey of Scenery and Freedom

It's actually been over four months since this travel note, and recently many friends have been traveling to Guangxi, so I decided to share my trip to Yangshuo from over four months ago 🚉. We visited Yangshuo during the Chinese New Year. Since it was winter, Yangshuo wasn’t too cold. My husband planned the entire itinerary, and we went with my in-laws. The trip lasted five days, from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. We had daily sightseeing spots, but with elderly and kids in tow, the schedule couldn’t be too exhausting. 📅 Itinerary: **·Day 1** Since it was the first day of the New Year, we started with dim sum at Guangzhou Restaurant before driving to Guangzhou South Station. We live in Tianhe District, so we parked at a nearby lot for just ¥20/day—¥100 for five days, plus gas, which was much cheaper than taking a taxi. The high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Yangshuo took about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The kids, who’d ridden trains before, behaved well without fuss. We hired a local tour agency for the entire trip, including a car and a guide (who also drove), handling all five days of activities. We arrived in Yangshuo around 3 PM. The station was far from our hotel, and with holiday traffic, it took a while. By the time we settled in, it was nearly 5 PM. Dinner was at a nearby spot featuring local dishes—highly recommend the beer fish ⭐️. The first day was mostly travel, so after dinner, we rested. **·Day 2** We headed to **Shangri-La Park** early the next day. The tour involved a boat ride through rural villages and landscapes, plus a traditional welcome ceremony. The ancient town had strong ethnic charm, but March-April is the prettiest time to visit. In the afternoon, we tried the hot air balloon—just 10 minutes up and down, but the kids loved the "flying" feeling. We spent ¥99 on a drone video as a keepsake 💫. **·Day 3** **Ruyi Peak** was the highlight—and the most tiring day. The best way to experience Yangshuo is by hiking and water activities. Ruyi Peak is Yangshuo’s "City in the Sky." We took the cable car up, walked the glass walkway, and enjoyed the crisp mountain air before buying souvenirs and heading back down. With kids and elderly, plus two strollers, it took most of the day. Due to time, we stopped by **Moon Hill** for photos afterward. The kids had a blast with bubble guns by the scenic riverside. **·Day 4** We took a **bamboo raft on the Yulong River** despite the drizzle. The misty landscape was breathtaking—every shot looked like a painting. Next was the crowded **Xingping Ancient Town** and the **20 Yuan RMB background photo spot**. In the afternoon, **Impression Sanjie Liu** took us on a time-traveling spectacle. The show was stunning, though the kids got restless and left for snacks after an hour. Still, it’s worth visiting. **·Day 5** Another travel day. Since we couldn’t get return tickets from Yangshuo, we left from Guilin North Station, scrapping our hotel photo plans. 🚗 **Transport Tips**: Renting a car + guide/driver through a local agency saved us navigation headaches. ⛱️ **Must-Visit Spots**: - Shangri-La Park - Ruyi Peak - Yulong River bamboo raft (perfect for couples in spring—romantic!) - Moon Hill - Impression Sanjie Liu - Xingping Ancient Town (avoid holidays; the 20 Yuan spot gets packed) 🏨 **Accommodation**: We stayed at **Shanshui Shengmei Glamping Tents Resort**—my first tent experience! Cozy with AC, full amenities, and friendly staff. No TV, but we brought a tablet for shows. The kids loved the capybaras, sandpit, and fireworks at night. The mountain view was slightly eerie with lights casting shadows, but overall, highly recommended. 💗 **Extra Tips**: - Visit in good weather; crowds ruin photos. - Stay outside downtown for a more authentic vibe. With kids and elders, it was a great trip—hoping to return someday!