Yangshuo Family Trip: A Journey Immersed in Scenery and Cuisine

A three-generation family trip

It is said that when my parents got married back in 1986, the wedding was quite trendy: my mom spent a month's salary on a wedding dress for herself, and my dad spent a good amount on a suit and rented a car to pick up the bride. After the wedding, they took a plane and embarked on a honeymoon trip to Guilin. I can imagine that it was quite a fashionable wedding process back then. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of my parents' marriage, and I really wanted to take them back to Guilin to see how it has developed and changed, and to relive their sweet memories. As a daughter and a mother, being able to take my parents and my little girl to see the scenery and feel the beauty of the world is definitely a happy thing. So a "family trip" consisting of three generations—me, my little girl, and my parents—just set off spontaneously!

I am Minhua Aimeili, a contracted travel writer for 12 major travel websites and a high-quality travel content creator on 10 self-media platforms. I have traveled to more than 20 countries, specialize in family trips, and volunteer to take my two children on food tours around the world. I focus on writing textbook-style travel guides, and over the past 9 years, I have used more than one million words of original text to showcase the beauty of the world. I handle everything: buying train tickets, booking hotels, arranging itineraries, navigating, taking photos, taking care of kids, writing travelogues—the whole package. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Day 1: Guangzhou → High-speed train to Yangshuo — Yadi Coffee — Check in at Mango Villa — Liu Jie Beer Fish Restaurant — Stroll and eat on Yangshuo West Street — Meet An'an Music Bar

Day 2: Electric bike ride along Ten Mile Gallery — Check in at Fanli Hotel — Xiao Nanguo Restaurant — Guilin Romance Park — Yufu Beer Fish Restaurant — Ming Thai Bar

Day 3: Qingjiangdu Ecological Farm — Check in at Jingranju Hotel — Stroll in Xingping Ancient Town — Yuan Zhi Wei Restaurant

Day 4: Bike ride to Huangbu Reflection — High-speed train back to Guangzhou

Day 1: Accommodation in Yangshuo | Mango Villa - A Fairy Tale World

As the high-speed train slowly pulled into Yangshuo Station, the announcement reminded: "The train has arrived at Yangshuo Station. Passengers please take all your belongings and get ready to disembark." I was still in a daze. I really didn't expect that it would only take 2 hours to travel from the concrete jungle of Guangzhou to Yangshuo. The rainy season in Yangshuo brought a slight chill. Stepping off the train, I saw the poetic scenery surrounded by mountains and rivers. Although we were greeted by an overcast sky instead of bright sunshine, being optimistic—it was already lucky that it wasn't raining.

The special shuttle bus from Yangshuo High-Speed Rail Station is very convenient. Whether going to Yangshuo West Street, Fuli Town, or Xingping Ancient Town, there is a bus about every 30 minutes. On the shuttle, we could enjoy the mountain views of Yangshuo outside the window. After 45 minutes, we arrived at Fengming Parking Lot near Ten Mile Gallery. For the first night of our three-generation "family trip," we chose Mango Villa, which my little girl and I had been longing for. An important reason for choosing Mango Villa is that it is very close to the Guilin Romance Park—only about 900 meters away on foot, very convenient. It's a quiet location in a noisy area, which is exactly what I wanted. It's just the right distance from Yangshuo West Street, so I didn't have to worry about the noise disturbing my family's sleep.

Mango Villa is decorated in a romantic vintage style, with nostalgic beauty in every corner, and a giant teddy bear that my little girl couldn't put down. The dark green tones and the mango trees that catch the eye are very appealing; it feels as if the air is filled with the tempting aroma of mangoes. Vintage alarm clocks, old telephones, old cassette tapes, old televisions, old kettles—these old items are like a time machine, turning back time 20 years and evoking full memories of childhood!

Our room continued the American vintage style, with a cozy 1.5-meter bed. What surprised me most was the few books on the bedside table. My dad was reading with great interest under a vintage glass lamp!

The bathroom is one of my favorite corners, with its fresh style full of literary flair. Toiletries are from the well-known brand Seven Plus, and tissues are from C&S facial tissue—showing their attention to detail.

Mango Villa's butler service gives a warm feeling like home. The butler warmly helped us carry our luggage to the room. After checking in, we added the butler's WeChat, and she answered all our questions and introduced Yangshuo's transportation and activities, helping us better understand the local customs. What exceeded our expectations the most was that free herbal tea, afternoon tea, and supper were provided every day. After check-in, we happened to catch a DIY activity making mugwort cakes. Under the butler's guidance, my little girl made five mugwort cakes—truly learning through fun!

The nutritious breakfast with high appearance also left a deep impression on me. It is said that the breakfast offerings change every day!

Yadi Cafe: A Peaceful Time Overlooking the Li River Scenery

After settling our luggage, we headed for food. Our first stop was the long-awaited Yadi Cafe. Located at Longtoushan Wharf Welcome Gallery, Yadi Cafe is the only restaurant along the Li River in the Yangshuo West Street area. Though it looks low-key from the outside, once you step in, you'll instantly fall in love with its layout—a converted old house with a cozy, bohemian vibe.

I recommend going during lunch or afternoon. Brew a pot of osmanthus tea, the most representative tea of Guilin, and enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Li River while tasting the food. Inside the window is history and art; outside is the Li River landscape.

They say life needs rituals. I specially arranged wine and steak for my parents to celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary and their revisit to this place.

The medium-well Yadi special steak with black pepper sauce was just right—fine and evenly distributed fat, tender meat, full of beef flavor in every bite.

When traveling with parents and kids, ordering is more about nutrition and taste suiting their palates. The pan-fried basa fillet was especially suitable for them—completely boneless, easy to cut with a fork and knife, and confidently put into the mouth. The smooth white flesh was tender and juicy.

My little girl has always been a steak lover. To satisfy her three wishes for steak, fries, and fruit, I ordered a kids' set meal with a filet mignon steak. I secretly took a bite—the filet mignon, with its tender and juicy nature, instantly conquered her taste buds. No wonder this picky eater finished the steak quickly!

Worried about portion size, I casually added a Hawaiian pizza. Unexpectedly, the pizza was also a pleasant surprise—the thin, crispy crust hit my sweet spot!

The lively yellow, the intoxicating fragrance—cup after cup of osmanthus tea added peaceful moments to our Yangshuo trip.

Restaurant name: Yadi Cafe | Recommended dishes: Yadi Special Steak, Pan-fried Basa Fillet, Herbal Tea | Address: Exit of Welcome Gallery, Longtoushan Wharf, Binjiang Road

Bustling West Street: A Paradise for Foodies

As night fell, we stepped into West Street, which I had imagined countless times. Perhaps because it wasn't the weekend, there weren't too many crowds on West Street. Strolling along, we found it novel, interesting, and artistic.

In my opinion, there are two "must-buy" items on West Street. One is the unique vintage Hanfu—good quality and cheap. With some bargaining, you can get a beautiful outfit for 30-50 yuan to take photos. Pair it with 5-yuan necklaces or earrings, and shopping on West Street is really fun!

The other is the food that cannot be missed! Osmanthus cakes, osmanthus pastries, osmanthus sugar, osmanthus tea, osmanthus wine—there is always something for your taste. Bringing some home keeps the travel memories fresh and enjoyable.

At night, Yangshuo West Street, adorned with colorful lights, is full of charm. There are many food choices: Yangshuo beer fish, braised local chicken, stuffed snails, stir-fried beef with sour bamboo shoots, pork ribs and taro clay pot, cured meat rice, Guilin rice noodles, octopus balls, fruit desserts, and more! Whether local Yangshuo specialties or various restaurants incorporating foreign cuisines, every foodie can get lost here and forget to go home!

Meet An'an Music Bar: Intoxicating Cocktails

Although taking my parents and daughter to a bar was one of my small wishes for this Yangshuo trip, I hesitated when I saw many bars on West Street with large-scale acts to attract attention or ear-splitting music. But when I reached romantic Guihua Road, I saw Meet An'an Music Bar—a quiet bar environment with a singer singing with heart—so I dared to enter.

It was just after 9 PM, and there weren't many customers when Meet An'an Music Bar just opened, so we had the place to ourselves, haha! My little girl loved the piano wall inside the bar. Pressing on the "keys" made them light up, which was very fun.

We ordered a few low-alcohol cocktails, sat in the bar, relaxed, and spent a tipsy night, also allowing the little one to experience bar culture.

Meet An'an Music Bar | Recommended: Blue Hawaii, Tequila Sunrise | Address: No. 111, Unit C, Sunshine 100, Guihua Road

Day 2: Accommodation in Yangshuo | Fanli Hotel Overlooking West Street Scenery

The second night of our three-generation "family trip" was at Fanli Hotel, hidden in an alley. We dragged our luggage along the residential alley, feeling a bit anxious. But trust me, once you step into the hotel, you'll find a different world inside!

The five-story hotel guest rooms are ingeniously designed. The first floor is the lobby, the second to fourth floors are guest rooms, and the fifth floor is the restaurant. The floors are arranged in a staggered manner, full of artistic design.

We stayed in a family room on the fourth floor. The designer's ingenuity could still be felt in the room. Smart toilet, Bluetooth speaker, fireplace, high-end toiletries, and other amenities enhanced the stay. The thoughtful hotel also prepared a Yangshuo travel guide and fresh welcome fruit.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let sunlight into the room, allowing us to overlook the day and night views of West Street without stepping out.

My favorite was the Ming Thai Terrace Restaurant on the fifth floor, which offers a panoramic view of West Street. Having breakfast while overlooking Yangshuo's mountains and West Street's charm was definitely a pleasure. The semi-buffet breakfast allowed us to freely choose fruit, coffee, milk, bread, and rice porridge, in addition to a Western-style full breakfast or authentic Guilin rice noodles.

At night, the Ming Thai Terrace Restaurant transforms into a sky bar. Drinking cocktails while watching the night view and having a tipsy night—super romantic!

Electric Bike Ride Along Ten Mile Gallery

On a rainy day in Yangshuo, with misty rain, it had a different kind of beauty. So even the rain couldn't stop us from cycling along Ten Mile Gallery. Around Fengming Parking Lot, there were several rental stalls offering single bicycles, tandem bicycles, and electric bikes. Worried about my parents' stamina, we rented two cool electric bikes—a handsome British-style one for my dad, and a cute pink Hello Kitty one for me. Remember to bargain hard when renting. The original price was 60 yuan per electric bike; I bargained it down to 30 yuan per bike. Good value, and the bikes were in good condition.

The saying "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven" has been imprinted in my mind since elementary school. But reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. To truly understand the landscapes described by literati, personal experience is necessary.

Along Ten Mile Gallery, there are various attractions such as Heavenly Sounds Butterfly Spring, Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area, and Totem Ancient Path. The best viewing spot along the way is near Yulong River, where you can enjoy the mountains and rivers, take bamboo rafts, and get close to the Li River. We had planned to ride all the way to Moon Hill, but unfortunately the rain got heavier, so we had to return the bikes with regrets.

Xiao Nanguo: The Taste of Yangshuo Adapted to Local Customs

Yangshuo West Street, strictly speaking, consists of two parts: the old West Street and the Yitian West Street. The old West Street has a history of over 1400 years, while Yitian West Street is a replica ancient street built in recent years. Walking on both streets felt perfectly harmonious, each with its own characteristics.

Xiao Nanguo is a popular restaurant located in Yitian West Street. Originally a chain restaurant from Shanghai specializing in local dishes, it has "adapted to local customs" in Yangshuo, Guilin. You can taste local specialties like beer fish, Guilin vinegar-marinated chicken, Gongcheng oil tea, and more. The self-service area also offers fruit, sweet soup, and herbal tea. So waiting in line for a table is common. We arrived too late, and several popular dishes were sold out, so we had to settle for a few smaller dishes.

Gongcheng oil tea can be picked up from the self-service area. The brown oil tea looks like soup; adding crispy peanuts gives it more texture.

Lipu taro and braised pork belly: The deep-fried and then steamed taro and pork belly completely fused together. The taro absorbed the meat flavor, and the fat of the pork belly was absorbed by the taro, leaving only a rich but not greasy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

As the heat increased, the bubbling sauce had already seeped into the beef brisket and white radish, with the spiciness of small chili peppers slowly coming through, appetizing and perfect with rice.

Restaurant name: Xiao Nanguo | Recommended dishes: Lipu Taro and Braised Pork Belly, Gongcheng Oil Tea | Address: 2nd Floor, Shop 201, Building A, Yitian West Street

Complete Guide to Guilin Romance Park (Essential for Visiting)

Taking my parents to see a Romance show was one of my big travel wishes. So after booking the high-speed train and hotel, the first thing I did was buy tickets for Guilin Romance. Walking along Romance Avenue, we could see the giant statue of the Song Fairy in the distance, and my parents and little girl were all excited. As we officially entered the Romance Park and walked along Commemoration Avenue, the four-sided statue of the Song Fairy was majestic. Wherever we went, we felt the true, kind, and beautiful smile of the Song Fairy.

The park was packed with tourists. It was hard to find a good moment to take photos for my parents! Surrounded by mountains, it felt like we were stepping onto a time carpet, following the Song Fairy on a time-traveling journey to taste Guilin's eternal love.

After exchanging tickets at the visitor center, we could fully enjoy the park. The visitor center was very popular among tourists because it has AR interactive games. Watching the big screen and playing games, both adults and children enjoyed themselves. The visitor center offers free park maps; I recommend everyone grab one to understand the layout of each attraction and learn about the various performances. Although the entire Guilin Romance Park is not very large, its essence is concentrated here. Below is a schedule of performances I collected (subject to actual performances on the day):

14:00-15:00 Guilin Romance

15:10-15:15 Ethnic Flash Mob

15:30-16:30 Guilin Romance

16:40-16:50 Water Flyboard

17:40-17:45 Song Fairy Welcome

17:45-17:50 Ethnic Dance

17:55-18:00 Mo Chieftain Recruiting Son-in-Law

18:00-18:07 Colorful Tune "A San Teases Master Gong"

18:00-18:07 Return to Yangshuo Ancient Village

18:10-18:15 Ethnic Flash Mob

18:15-18:17 Qin Soldiers Patrolling the City

18:17-18:20 Lingqu Troop Assembly

18:30-19:00 The Great Earthquake

19:30-20:30 Guilin Romance

20:30-20:40 Ethnic Bonfire Carnival

20:40-20:50 Water Flyboard

You can follow this order to visit:

① Song Fairy Square: After entering, it's the Song Fairy Square. The Song Fairy Welcome and Ethnic Dance performances take place here. Important themed events like the Water Splashing Festival and Fishing Fire Festival, as well as various celebrations, are also held here.

② Wealth God Temple and Song Fairy Temple: I never expected to find ancient temples next to Song Fairy Square! Everyone hopes for prosperity, so the Wealth God Temple is bustling with incense. I also clasped my hands and prayed devoutly. The Song Fairy Temple, as the name implies, is built to commemorate the Song Fairy Liu Sanjie. The temple is antique and quaint. Not every place has a Song Fairy Temple, so I definitely had to go in and pay respects to Liu Sanjie's statue.

③ Jingjiang Prince's City Gate Tower: If you want to overlook the entire Romance Park, climbing the Jingjiang Prince's City Gate Tower is the best way, as it is the park's highest point and best viewing spot. According to introductions, the Jingjiang Prince's City Gate in the park is a replica of Guilin's first princely mansion, "Jingjiang Prince's Mansion." In Guilin Romance Park, you won't get bored from morning till night, as exciting programs are continuously offered to visitors.

④ Market Street, Wonder Street, Yangshuo Ancient Village: At the Martial Arts Arena, you can show off your skills and challenge yourself.

I recommend bringing Hanfu to take photos in the Romance Park. If you haven't prepared Hanfu but still want to take ancient-style photos, don't worry—there is a Liu Sanjie Vintage Photography Studio in the park with many clothing options, and professional photographers can guide you to take memorable photos.

Having seen too many skyscrapers, I have a special fondness for ancient-style buildings. Strolling along Market Street and Yangshuo Ancient Village, time seemed to rewind. There were workshops like Grandpa's Wine Jar, Grandma's Pastries, Grandma's Stories, Grandpa's Blacksmith Shop, Dad's Toys—each shop unique.

The ancient village also features Zhuang brocade, Miao silver, prints, kite-making, embroidery, clay sculpture, and blacksmith craftsmanship, allowing us to experience the history and charm of Guangxi's folk culture up close. Wonderful!

If you feel thirsty, you can have a bowl of "throwing bowl wine"—throw away worries and bring good luck. Many tourists after drinking exclaimed that it was a fun and interesting experience.

If you feel hungry, you can have a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles at Qin Yingsao Noodle Shop. My personal suggestion: after watching the wonderful "Guilin Romance" performance, eating will be especially touching and flavorful!

Wearing vintage clothes and holding an oil-paper umbrella, I became like a lilac girl.

The ethnic musical instruments are great for broadening children's horizons when traveling with kids.

If you like novelty and excitement, you will definitely linger on Wonder Street. It gathers strange-shaped houses like haunted houses, tilted houses, mazes, and upside-down houses.

If you are bold, you can challenge the haunted house. A maximum of 5 people can walk together. Since we had elderly and children, we had to give up. I heard from those who played that it is quite thrilling. The haunted house is themed around the mysterious disappearance of hundreds of thousands of soldiers during the construction of the Lingqu Canal under Emperor Qin Shi Huang's command, with restless spirits unable to return home...

⑤ Mo Chieftain's Son-in-Law Recruitment Tower: I still remember watching "My Fair Princess" as a child, with a very strong impression of Emperor Qianlong and his party traveling incognito and encountering the plot of throwing an embroidered ball. I was pleasantly surprised to find that we could personally experience a Mo Chieftain's embroidery tower son-in-law recruitment in the park. If you want to be hit by a good marriage, remember to arrive on time to catch the embroidered ball at the Mo Chieftain Tower!

⑥ Bay 4: Walking along Wonder Street leads to Bay 4, where the water flyboard show takes place! With music playing, trained young men leap into the air from the water, effortlessly performing spins, jumps, and other difficult moves. The skill of "light kung fu on water" is fully demonstrated, and the audience watches with rapt attention.

If you think standing or sitting on the chairs at Lovers' Harbor is the best viewing spot, be careful! Because the water flyboard performer is very playful; without warning, they will spin a few turns and splash water onto the shore, catching you off guard! The audience, caught off guard, burst into laughter—it's both beautiful and fun!

My little girl, whose dress was splashed by the young performer, cleverly put on a "protective cover," haha! At the end of the show, the water flyboard performer throws gifts to the audience from the air, bringing the atmosphere to a climax!

⑦ Secret Realm No. 3: If you are traveling with kids like me, Secret Realm No. 3 is a great place to keep them entertained! Whether it's scorching sun or misty rain, the air conditioning is fully on inside. Stepping in feels like entering a jungle.

The VR theater: when you walk in a designated area, the screen shows you transformed into a cute character. My little girl and I laughed heartily.

This is a children's playground that makes parents applaud and kids jump with joy—it's completely free to play! There are slides, ball pits, climbing structures, and more. In addition, the amusement area has bumper cars, animal parties, and dozens of other rides. Finally, we could rest our hands—yeah!

This is a vivid "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" scene, where the movements of everyone in the painting can be seen clearly, and I felt as if I had stepped into the scroll.

Inside Secret Realm No. 3, there is also a cozy coffee shop. Drinking coffee, flipping through paper books with my fingertips, we waited for the rain to stop before going out to play again.

⑧ Guilin Romance Grand Theater: The grand theater is the highlight and essence of the visit. I won't spoil it here because it's too wonderful—see my detailed introduction in the later section!

Tips for visiting Guilin Romance Park:

Transportation: Self-driving, bus, or shuttle bus to Yangshuo county; navigate directly to Guilin Romance Park. There are clear signs along the way.

Tickets: Auditorium 280 yuan/person, VIP 290 yuan/person, Luxury 380 yuan/person.

The theater has 3600 seats. I recommend choosing VIP Area B, Row 1 for the best position. 2-3 times during the show, performers walk into the seating area and perform up close with the audience.

Address: Romance Avenue, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi.

Suggested visit time: 4-6 hours.

Inquiry phone: 0773-8880777

Guilin Romance: A Must-See Show in a Lifetime

The large-scale song and dance performance "Guilin Romance" is the essence of the entire Romance Park. With unique directorial techniques, heartfelt performances by hundreds of performers, a one-hour show incorporating song and dance, acrobatics, stage drama, and other elements, and using advanced sound, light, electricity, holographic technology, and stage machinery, every audience member is deeply moved and left wanting more! As the fan inscribed with "Guilin Romance" unfolds, the show begins.

Prologue: Ancient Calls

Guilin has always been a city with a long history. Performers in hunting attire use song and dance to show us that from 30,000 to 7,000 years ago, ancient humans lived along the Li River in caves like Baoji Rock and Zengpi Rock, making pottery and hunting, nurturing a brilliant prehistoric civilization. Let us travel through the mist of history and listen to the ancient calls.

Just a few minutes into the show, I was already amazed! There was actually a waterfall on stage—audience in the front rows could feel the cool splash of water. Dancers grabbed ropes and spun in the air, leaving the audience in awe!

First Act: "Songs Flying on Earth"

Guilin is a multi-ethnic region. Ethnic minorities such as Zhuang, Yao, Dong, Miao, and Yi live together harmoniously, leaving behind many beautiful dances and songs. So in "Songs Flying on Earth," we can enjoy dance performances in different ethnic costumes.

The graceful figures dancing under the moonlight were so real.

This act, with its cheerful melody and light dance moves, conveys the ethnic minorities' longing for love and a happy life.

Second Act: "Rice Noodle Love"

"Rice Noodle Love" has a story background. In 221 BC, after unifying the Central Plains, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent 500,000 troops south to conquer the Baiyue tribes. The Qin army encountered strong resistance, and with the miasma of Lingnan and difficulty transporting food, they suffered heavy losses. To unify Lingnan, they needed to quickly open a grain transport channel connecting the Xiang River and the Li River. Emperor Qin ordered the construction of the Lingqu Canal. The story's protagonist, Shi Tou, bids farewell to his mother, Qin Yingsao, and goes to Guilin to build the canal.

Qin Yingsao, missing her son terribly, embarks on a thousand-mile journey to find him, bringing along Shi Tou's favorite noodles. Heaven rewards the faithful; she finally finds Shi Tou, and mother and son are reunited.

However, at that moment, enemies "fall from the sky"—literally from above the audience on wires. After three hundred rounds of battle, many soldiers die. The surviving Qin Yingsao stays in Guilin and cooks Guilin rice noodles for everyone. But Shi Tou can never come back to eat them. Her longing for Shi Tou is as long as the rice noodles. Several meters high, 3000 tons of floodwater suddenly pour down—extremely shocking!

Seeing the performers' emotional acting, I, as a mother, couldn't help but cry... At that moment, rows of 6-meter-high rice noodles suddenly appeared above the audience, descending from the sky, telling a touching story behind a bowl of noodles.

Exotic dancers in gorgeous costumes danced gracefully—very wonderful!

The stage used a hundred-meter-long all-color laser light to create a dreamlike time tunnel, like a dream, yet so real.

Fourth Act: "Liu Sanjie"

Yangshuo is a magical land. Nature's uncanny workmanship has created the beautiful scenery along the Li River: there is Huangbu Reflection in Xingping Ancient Town, mysterious Silver Rock Cave, beautiful Moon Hill, and the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Listen, Liu Sanjie's songs still echo along the Yulong River in Ten Mile Gallery. Time passes, seasons change. Today, millions of tourists from home and abroad come to Guangxi, to Guilin, to this grand song fair, to find Liu Sanjie in their hearts. Who is Liu Sanjie? She is you, she is me, she is her. We are all Liu Sanjie; we are all lovers.

Liu Sanjie rides a flying carpet from the sky.

Thanks to the wonderful performances of all actors behind and on stage, the creative use of space from sky to earth, and the impact on visual and auditory nerves, our eyes were fully satisfied!

Six-Star 5D Live Experience Show "The Great Earthquake"

The Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan on May 12, 2008, at 14:28:04, occurred 11 years ago, but the memory has never faded. Guilin Romance Park's 5D live experience show "The Great Earthquake" uses 5D high-tech means to recreate the tragic scenes of the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake: mountains collapse, houses fall, and 3000 tons of floodwater suddenly pour down... True stories and touching scenes show the great love of the Chinese nation united in earthquake relief.

To help the audience immerse in the plot, volunteers are recruited on-site to play roles such as soldiers, firefighters, medical workers, and ordinary citizens.

Lying on the ground, listening for calls for help.

A bride-to-be in a wedding dress, buried in the rubble.

In times of danger, soldiers sacrifice themselves, showing boundless love.

May the motherland and all Chinese people be safe.

Leaving the Romance Theater, my heart was still unsettled for a long time. The Romance Park under the night sky had a unique beauty.

Yufu Beer Fish: A 15-Year-Old Establishment

After watching the Romance show, foodies started to hunt for food again! Attracted by a lotus pond, we had dinner at Yufu Beer Fish next to it. I had done my homework, knowing that Yufu Beer Fish has multiple branches on Yangshuo West Street, and the one on Chengzhong Road has a history of over 15 years.

Opening the menu, I saw that Yangshuo specialties like beer fish, stuffed snails, and mugwort cakes were all available. Unfortunately, our stomach capacity was limited. Considering my parents' Cantonese tastes, we ordered a few dishes that combined Yangshuo flavor with Cantonese style. The huge portrait of a fisherman at Yufu Beer Fish was so lifelike. The live singer accepted requests and did a great job singing Cantonese songs.

Cantonese people not only love to make soup but also don't forget to drink soup even when traveling. Frankly, I had never tried the combination of pear and pork belly soup in Guangdong. That first sip was truly amazing! The sweetness of the pear completely infused into the soup, making it refreshing and sweet.

I especially love local specialties, so I had to try the beer fish. The fisherman's beer fish with Li River sword bone fish looked tempting—the slight spiciness of small chili peppers and the sweet-sour tomato combined into a strong flavor.

The fisherman's specialty wild duck looked like a signature dish, so we ordered it. The duck pieces were cut small, making them very flavorful and perfect with rice.

To satisfy our cravings, we also ordered dry pot frog with shrimp. Unlike the large shrimp in Sichuan restaurants, the fisherman uses river shrimp. Don't underestimate their small size—the umami burst is powerful. Another great dish with rice!

Sweet and sour pork with pineapple: specially ordered for my dad to satisfy his homesick taste. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, with a sweet and sour flavor, the old man enjoyed it heartily!

I highly recommend the fisherman's fish cakes, which cost only 5.9 yuan in a group deal. The portion is super generous, and it's a must-order at every table. After eating, patting my belly, I couldn't help but think: maybe one day I'll forget the people and scenery I met on the trip, but the imprint of the food remains vivid.

Yufu Beer Fish | Recommended dishes: Beer Li River Sword Bone Fish, Dry Pot Frog with Shrimp, Fisherman's Specialty Wild Duck, Sweet Pear and Pork Belly Soup | Address: No. 15, Chengzhong Road, Yangshuo

Ming Thai Bar: Wine Does Not Intoxicate, People Get Drunk Themselves

Ming Thai Terrace Restaurant is one of Yangshuo's popular restaurants. Its most attractive selling point is the glass booth seating with stunning views, decorated with star lights, creating an amazingly romantic atmosphere, and the photos are unbeatable!

If you come for Thai dinner, I suggest arriving around 5 PM to quietly watch the sunset, then see the moon rise slowly.

From the terrace, you can overlook the entire West Street. Sitting on the bar stool by the railing, enjoying the night view while listening to music and sipping a drink—how pleasant! If someone proposed in such a romantic setting during a trip, I think any girl would happily say yes!

The bar doesn't have live singers, only soft background music, perfect for couples to talk or for a few close friends to chat on the comfortable sofas.

The cocktail prices are reasonable, and the bartenders are quite handsome!

Restaurant name: Ming Thai Terrace Restaurant | Recommended dishes: Tom Yum Kung, Cocktails, Special Breakfast | Address: 5th Floor, go straight from the small road next to Xin Fu'an Hotel, turn left to the end, No. 59, Pan Tao Road

Day 3: Qingjiangdu: Enjoying Natural Delights Surrounded by Mountains

Uncle Sun still loved me! After two days of rain, the sun I longed for finally appeared! Under the sunlight, Yangshuo West Street and the distant mountain scenery radiated a different vitality.

After experiencing the bustling Yangshuo West Street, we decided to go to Qingjiangdu Ecological Farm for a close encounter with nature!

Qingjiangdu Ecological Farm is still a little-known hidden gem, like a paradise embraced by Yangshuo's landscapes. At the ecological farm, the whole family can get close to nature: picking up eggs, fishing, playing in the children's playground, allowing kids to experience a different kind of farm fun. As a foodie, I was amazed by their free-range chickens, pesticide-free organic vegetables, and other delicacies. Overall, it's a great place for city dwellers to relax and hunt for food.

Qingjiangdu's chicken farm is a place full of deliciousness, especially suitable for family trips. Not only can you take kids hiking to exercise their willpower and stamina, but also let them search for eggs laid by hens in the grass like a treasure hunt. The chicken farm is located in a valley surrounded by mountains; every breath of air is exceptionally fresh.

Besides picking up eggs, picking pesticide-free vegetables in the garden is also fun.

Holding my little girl's hand, we walked through the vegetable plots, stone paths, and then arrived at a wooden cabin for lunch—a scene that usually only exists in TV shows or manga, but now right before our eyes.

The outdoor children's playground is a sure winner for kids, with swings, slides, seesaws, rocking horses, and trampolines!

But the most special thing is that Qingjiangdu's playground is set among mountains and lakes, making it like playing with nature!

In my memory, many farm restaurants have an eco-friendly dining environment, while Qingjiangdu's private rooms are full of zen, like an unfolding landscape painting.

Mountain spring chicken is one of the most important reasons why every foodie comes to Qingjiangdu. The free-range chickens run all over the hills; their daily steps would definitely top the fitness leaderboard. Plus, they only eat corn and insects from the grass. Each chicken could compete for Mr. or Miss Fitness! Cantonese people like to pursue the original flavor of ingredients. Qingjiangdu and we share the same idea. The simply prepared free-range chicken is served directly on the table. Pour mountain spring water into the pot, lightly add ginger and salt. When the water boils, add the chicken and cook it on the spot to eat—super simple!

When the chicken is cooked, first take a sip of the clear soup—so sweet, enough to make you squint with enjoyment. As for the chicken, even without any dipping sauce, you can taste the unique fragrant flavor. Even the skin is completely not greasy, almost crispy.

Farm eggs made into steamed egg custard have a particularly rich egg flavor.

Honey-glazed roasted ribs—once you eat them, you become addicted. When facing delicious food, I usually just use my hands to put it in my mouth as a compliment to the chef!

Eating soup dumplings is like racing against time—they must be eaten hot so that when you bite into them, the solidified soup instantly flows on your tongue.

We also had to order greens, because the vegetables here are picked and cooked right away, different from those in the market.

I almost forgot to mention the rice cooked with firewood. The grains are soft, slightly sticky, and fragrant—I haven't had such good rice in a long time. The feeling of returning to simplicity is wonderful!

Restaurant name: Qingjiangdu Ecological Farm | Recommended dishes: Mountain Spring Chicken, Farm's Own Greens, Honey-glazed Roasted Ribs | Address: Baima Mountain, 094 Provincial Road, Fuli Town, Yangshuo

Accommodation in Yangshuo | Jingranju: Secluded in a Landscape Painting

Our Yangshuo trip ended with Xingping Ancient Town as the last stop. This is not only a thousand-year-old ancient town and one of the essence sections of the Li River, but also the location of the 20-yuan banknote background scene. To get closer to the Li River scenery, we stayed at Jingranju Boutique Hotel, 300 meters from the 20-yuan banknote viewing platform.

Environment: Jingranju Hotel is decorated in a classical Chinese style. The hotel has a children's playground, swings, sandpits, etc., which kids love to pieces! I prefer brewing tea, sitting on the balcony, watching the mountains and water, and watching cruise boats slowly ripple on the river. Some room types in the hotel are equipped with outdoor European-style bathtubs. You can choose when booking!

Service: The hotel is very thoughtful. Guests can borrow bicycles for free to ride around and breathe fresh mountain air. The hotel restaurant regularly offers passion fruit juice and fruit for guests to enjoy. Sitting in the lobby, feeling the mountain breeze on your face—extremely pleasant!

Food: No need to search far. The Yuan Zhi Wei restaurant on the first floor serves authentic Yangshuo specialties. If you have dinner early, you can enjoy the sunset over the mountains while eating!

The 20-Yuan Banknote Photo Spot

From Jingranju to Xingping Ancient Town is about 2 kilometers. I recommend walking, so you don't have to worry about your rented bike or electric bike being stolen, and you won't miss the scenery because it goes by too fast. When you see a view you like, just smile and press the shutter.

Along the way, you'll pass four 20-yuan banknote viewing platforms. Every tourist excitedly pulls out a 20-yuan note and takes photos against the beautiful backdrop. Here are practical tips: ① These four viewing platforms might not be officially designated; they seem more like photography studios set up to take group photos for tourists for profit. But even so, tourists can take free photos. Remember to queue and control your time. ② If you really want to take commemorative photos, the photography studios are quite professional. They not only provide "props" but also guide expressions and poses. I saw many families having a great time. Even though we were non-target customers with our own DSLR, the studio staff were happy to help us take a family photo, showing the friendliness of the locals. ③ At the viewing platform near Xingping Ancient Town, you can often encounter a performance of an old fisherman casting a net. The fee for staged photos is about 500 yuan per person (can be shared by multiple people). I heard there is a real fisherman who doesn't charge, but it's rare and depends on luck!