That Year, A Ten-Thousand-Mile Self-Driving Tour Through Hunan, Guizhou, and Guangxi: Watching the Li River in Yangshuo, Guangxi ▏Practical Self-Driving Guide to Yangshuo, Guangxi ▏【May 2021】

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A Ten-Thousand-Mile Self-Driving Tour Through Hunan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangsu: Watching the Li River in Yangshuo, Guangxi ▏Practical Self-Driving Guide to Yangshuo, Guangxi ▏【Yangshuo, Guangxi Chapter】【Stop 23】【May 31, 2021】

Yangshuo Shangri-La

Maling Ancient Village, Lipu County, Yangshuo

Yangshuo West Street Night View

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town

Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area

Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt

Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon

Self-driving from Liuzhou, Guangxi, 160 km on expressway, arriving in Yangshuo after 3 hours, starting a 3-day tour of Yangshuo, Guangxi ▏Yangshuo West Street ▏Xu Beihong's Former Residence in Yangshuo ▏Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area ▏Yangshuo Yulong River Ecological Rural Demonstration Area ▏Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area ▏Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery ▏Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town ▏Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon ▏Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt ▏Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape ▏Yangshuo Shangri-La ▏Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain ▏Maling Ancient Village, Lipu County, Yangshuo ▏

On May 1, 2021, I set off from Qingdao by car. After 40 days, covering 10,200 km, passing through 6 provinces and 30 cities, I successfully completed the ten-thousand-mile self-driving tour through Hunan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangsu.

About This Trip:

I departed by car from Liuzhou, Guangxi at 08:00. The road was smooth, accompanied by the stunning scenery of Guangxi. After 160 km on the expressway and 3 hours, I arrived in Yangshuo, Guangxi at 11:00.

3-Day Itinerary in Yangshuo, Guangxi:

Day 1: Yangshuo West Street, Xu Beihong's Former Residence in Yangshuo, Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area, Yangshuo Yulong River Ecological Rural Area, Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area

Day 2: Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery, Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town, Maling Ancient Village, Lipu County, Yangshuo

Day 3: Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon, Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt, Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape, Yangshuo Shangri-La, Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain

【About Attractions】

Admission: Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area adult ticket 25 yuan per person, 【5 yuan cheaper if booked on Ctrip】. Bamboo raft charter price negotiable. Parking 10 yuan. Many tourist attractions in Yangshuo are free of charge.

【About Accommodation】

Accommodation in Yangshuo: Booked on Ctrip: Home Inn·neo (Guilin Yangshuo Park Yitian West Street) standard room 132 yuan with breakfast for two 【Room clean and tidy, breakfast good】

【About Dining】

Dining: During the self-driving trip, we experienced local cuisines, various noodles, and recommendations from online rankings, each with its own merits. Since some attractions are far apart, it's good to bring snacks and drinks. In the evening, after parking, enjoy some wine and local food, savoring the pleasure of life.

【Travel Equipment Preparation】

Photography gear brought:

Canon 60D kit (18-135mm IS)

For a travel enthusiast, Yangshuo is a must-visit. If you are tired of crowded scenic spots and rows of shops, and want a place to relax your mind, the hidden gem of Yangshuo is worth considering.

Travel needs no reason because the scenery is there!

After retirement, travel has become an important part of my life, a habit. If I don't go out for a while, I feel something is missing, restless, like weeds growing in my heart, unable to sleep or eat well. Strange, but once I go out, everything is fine. During the journey, climbing mountains, crossing rivers, visiting ancient villages, and paying respects to red classics, I deeply feel the grandeur and beauty of our motherland.

About Yangshuo:

Yangshuo, located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is under the jurisdiction of Guilin city. The county seat is 65 km from Guilin city. Its unique and beautiful landscape has earned it the reputation of "Yangshuo's scenery surpasses Guilin's." Yangshuo ranks first in beauty under heaven, with the saying "Yangshuo's landscape is the best in Guilin." The film "Liu Sanjie" made Yangshuo famous overnight, both domestically and internationally. The famous big banyan tree alone generates 8 million yuan in annual revenue for the local area.

Learn Some History of Yangshuo:

In the sixth year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty (111 BC), Yangshuo belonged to Lingling Commandery of Jingzhou.

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, it belonged to Lingling Commandery and was the territory of Shi'an Marquisate.

In the tenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (590 AD), the county seat moved from Xiping to today's Yangshuo town. The county government was built at the foot of Yangjiao Mountain, and the name "Yangshuo" (homophone for "sheep's horn") was adopted. The name has been used ever since.

In the fourth year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (621 AD), Yangshuo County was divided to establish Guiyi County, both under Guizhou.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Jingjiang Circuit was renamed Guilin Prefecture, and Yangshuo County was under Guilin Prefecture.

In the Qing Dynasty, Yangshuo still belonged to Guilin Prefecture, Guangxi.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was still called Yangshuo County, under Guilin Special District. In April 1968, Yangshuo County belonged to Guilin Region.

As a native of Qingdao, a coastal city, I may have grown tired of the sea's beauty; its appeal is no longer strong. I always yearn for the scenery of Yangshuo. I am drawn by its long history, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable cuisine, and the mysterious imagination that transcends time, compelling me to embark on this journey.

Route Map of the Self-Driving Tour Through Hunan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangsu:

On May 1, 2021, from Qingdao → Yueyang, Hunan → Changsha, Hunan → Shaoshan, Hunan → Hengyang, Hunan → Yongzhou, Hunan → Loudi, Hunan → Shaoyang, Hunan → Huaihua, Hunan → Zhangjiajie, Hunan → Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan → Jishou, Hunan → Tongren, Guizhou → Zunyi, Guizhou → Anshun, Guizhou → Guiyang, Guizhou → Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou → Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou → Hechi, Guangxi → Baise, Guangxi → Chongzuo, Guangxi → Nanning, Guangxi → Guigang, Guangxi → Laibin, Guangxi → Liuzhou, Guangxi → Yangshuo, Guangxi → Guilin, Guangxi → Xianning, Hubei → Huanggang, Hubei → Xuancheng, Anhui → Wuhu, Anhui → Hefei, Anhui → Chuzhou, Anhui → Nanjing, Jiangsu → Yangzhou, Jiangsu → Qingdao

Self-Driving Travel Budget:

Based on my experience, for a long-distance self-driving trip, if you don't buy items, stay at budget hotels or farm stays, don't splurge on meals, and minimize admission fees, 400 yuan per day for a couple can cover basic expenses.

Trip Summary: 【Yangshuo, Guangxi】

Time: May 30 to June 1, 2021, 3 days

People: Couple of 2

Mode: Independent travel

Transportation: Self-driving car

Cost: 600 yuan per person (including gas, tolls, accommodation, meals, tickets, etc.)

A Pleasant Journey:

Previously, when visiting Guangxi, time constraints made me miss Yangshuo. This time, the 23rd stop of the self-driving tour through Hunan, Guizhou, and Guangxi was arranged in Yangshuo. Driving from Liuzhou to Yangshuo, the beautiful scenery along the way enchanted me. Thus began my journey in Yangshuo.

This is an ideal place for couples to travel, walking together, experiencing the magnificent and灵动 landscape. Enjoy the surrounding peaks, lush forests, and fine cuisine. At night, stroll along the Li River in Yangshuo and take in the full view of Yangshuo.

I. Origin of the Trip to Yangshuo

After the Spring Festival this year, I planned the self-driving tour through Hunan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. In May, during the most beautiful season, my wife and I headed south to see the beautiful scenery of Yangshuo, breathe its air, taste its cuisine, and release our passion.

II. Preparation

With no attachments, we embarked on a spontaneous trip. We prepared everything, checked the weather, and listed needed items.

III. Itinerary for Yangshuo Stop of the Self-Driving Tour

Day 1: Yangshuo West Street, Xu Beihong's Former Residence in Yangshuo, Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area, Yangshuo Yulong River Ecological Rural Demonstration Area, Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area

Day 2: Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery, Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town, Maling Ancient Village, Lipu County, Yangshuo

Day 3: Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon, Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt, Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape, Yangshuo Shangri-La, Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain

1. Self-Driving 【Liuzhou, Guangxi → Yangshuo, Guangxi】

Depart from Liuzhou, Guangxi on May 30, 2021 at 08:00, arrive in Yangshuo at 11:00, 160 km, 3 hours.

I am a free traveler and photography enthusiast. I usually take landscape photos. In my spare time, I like to travel to various places to capture stunning scenery and local customs. As a photography lover, I never miss any beautiful people or things on the road; the moments frozen in time will become all my memories. To see more of my photography and travelogues, follow me on Ctrip: Leyapai Travel Guide.

If you have any travel questions, feel free to message me.

Highlights of the 23rd Stop: Yangshuo, Guangxi

When you lower your head, you realize the road beneath; the sky leaves no trace of wings, but birds have flown.

Self-driving route from Liuzhou: Liuzhou → Yangshuo 【160 km expressway, 3 hours】

My Yangshuo Sightseeing Route:

Day 1: Yangshuo West Street 【Free】

West Street is the most historic street in Yangshuo. Built in 1674, it faces the Li River to the east, Dongling to the east, Gaoze Peak to the west, and Bilian Peak to its side. The street, about 8 meters wide and 800 meters long, is paved with local betel nut pattern marble, dark and glossy. On both sides are low brick-and-tile houses from the Qing Dynasty, with whitewashed walls and red windows, exuding the simple elegance of Lingnan architecture.

After the stone city wall was built in the Yuan Dynasty (Zhizheng era), the street in front of the county government was called Shufu Street, connecting with a horizontal street from east to west. The south section to Bilian Peak was an alley, and the east section connected to the Li River wall and South Street. This area was collectively called Cross Street, while the longest west section was called West Street.

West Street is a foreigner street full of Western flavor, representing a unique face of Yangshuo.

Because of West Street, Yangshuo is filled with warmth; everyone who visits feels at home.

As the first foreigner street in China, the largest foreign language corner, and a true global village, West Street has been cloned by many tourist cities and attractions.

Stone-paved roads, northern Guangxi residential houses, bars, restaurants, inns, folk artists, souvenirs, climbing gyms, tourists of different skin colors—West Street has everything.

Yangshuo West Street

West Street is a Chinese-style town condensed with Chinese essence.

Yangshuo West Street

Day 1: Yangshuo Zhongshan Memorial Hall 【Free】

Yangshuo Zhongshan Memorial Hall is located on the south side of West Street at the northwest foot of Bilian Peak. On November 29, 1921, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, while leading the Northern Expedition, passed through Yangshuo and gave an important speech at the county primary school, and toured the city and Shouyang Park (now Yangshuo Park).

To commemorate this event, local people donated to build the Zhongshan Memorial Hall in 1931. Originally a two-story brick-wood structure, it was rebuilt into a three-story reinforced concrete building in 1981 due to disrepair.

Yangshuo West Street – Zhongshan Memorial Hall

Day 1: Xu Beihong's Former Residence in Yangshuo 【Free】

Xu Beihong's former residence is located at No. 2, Xianqian Street, Yangshuo town, by the Li River, in front of the county government gate.

It was a gift from Li Zongren when Xu Beihong took refuge in Guangxi from 1935 to 1938.

The exterior features whitewashed walls, small black tiles, and slightly yellow eaves. Under the gatehouse hangs a plaque reading "Xu Beihong Former Residence Exhibition Hall" inscribed by Wu Zuoren, and a marble tablet reading "Xu Beihong's Former Residence."

The house is brick-wood structure with three halls. In the yard stands a tall magnolia tree, fragrant with flowers.

Yangshuo Xu Beihong's Former Residence

Yangshuo West Street

Yangshuo West Street Li River Scenery

Travel is a practice of the mind.

Yangshuo West Street Li River Scenery

Another meaning of travel: discover beauty in places where others are tired of living!

Yangshuo West Street Li River Scenery

Yangshuo West Street Nanxun Gate Pier

Yangshuo West Street Scenery

Yangshuo West Street Night View

The Western-style stalls and shops on West Street display traditional Chinese ornaments, such as cloisonné patterned cloth, hand-embroidered pouches, hanging belts, various Chinese knots, and peace charms.

Connected one after another, in this natural small town surrounded by mountains and rivers, they attract thousands of foreigners eager to understand China. This sentiment is tied like Chinese knots in every corner of the street.

Foreigners open restaurants and coffee shops here, indulging in a warm bohemian atmosphere in the small town of Yangshuo.

Yangshuo West Street Night View

Day 1: Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area 【Free, bamboo raft ticket required】

Yulong River Scenic Area is a new attraction that has only been visited for about three years. Inconvenient transportation is one of its promotional obstacles, but it has preserved the most natural landscape: unpolluted clear water, chickens and dogs everywhere, and children shouting "Hello" at tourists…

Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area

The Yulong River section of the scenic area still has no road access for vehicles; it can only be explored by hiking, cycling, or bamboo rafting.

Yulong River refers to the section from Baisha Shangri-La to Big Banyan Tree Gongnong Bridge, about 16 km long, 38-61 meters wide, 0.5-2 meters deep. The water is clear all year round and flows gently.

On both sides, the peaks are elegant and undulating, with endless variations. The riverbanks are green with grass, bamboo, and trees. The water of Yulong River is like green jade, crystal clear, with fish swimming and rafts drifting.

Yangshuo Yulong River Scenic Area

Day 1: Yangshuo Yulong River Ecological Rural Area 【Free】

The Yulong River pathway is like a ribbon winding along the river. With meandering water, fluttering colors, and picturesque scenery, flowers and trees line the path, offering different colors in different seasons. It feels like entering a fairy tale. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the beauty of solitary peaks rising from the fields.

Yangshuo Yulong River Ecological Rural Area

Day 1: Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area 【Ticket required】

Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area is located in Chuanyan Village, Gaotian, 7.5 km south of Yangshuo town. The Jinbao River flows through it. It is named after a huge banyan tree said to have been planted in the Sui Dynasty, about 1,500 years old.

Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area

Day 2: Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery 【Free】

Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery is located at Moon Hill, Yangshuo. Because the scenery along the road is beautiful and picturesque, it is called the Ten-Mile Gallery.

The road features beautiful scenery, with blue skies and white clouds like a master's painting. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the rural landscape.

Along the way, peaks vie for beauty, rocks contend in strangeness, dense bamboo groves, green fields and villages, and attractions like Baopu Garden, returning to simplicity and recreating ancient civilization.

Moon Hill Scenic Area in the Ten-Mile Gallery has many peaks that are rare rock climbing destinations. Many domestic and international climbers have come here and take pride in it.

Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery

Day 2: Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town 【Free】

Xingping Ancient Street is a stone-paved street over 1 km long. From the southeast of the ancient town to Li River Rongshu Tan and the ancient ferry terminal, it facilitated travel for residents and merchants. Provincial guild halls were built along the street, and most of the brick-and-tile ancient buildings are well-preserved.

On the southeast side of the ancient street, Lion's Den is the site of Xiping County ruins. The city wall outline is still clear, with ancient bricks, tiles, and pottery fragments everywhere. The once bustling county town now presents a quiet scene of green mountains and a few houses.

Strangely, a banyan tree said to have been planted when the county was founded, requiring eight people to embrace it, still thrives. Its roots have engulfed five Buddha statues and a 20-ton rock, as if telling the historical vicissitudes of the ancient town over 1,730 years.

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town – Ancient Stage

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town Li River Pier

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town Li River Scenery

The curved road always attracts you to distant places.

Yangshuo Xingping Ancient Town Li River Scenery

Day 3: Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt 【Free】

The Li River originates from Mao'er Mountain in Xing'an County. The 83 km waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo winds like a jade belt around verdant peaks, forming the world's largest and most beautiful karst landscape.

Boating on the Li River, you can see inverted peaks, clear water, green hills, singing cowherds, idle fishermen, rustic farmhouses, and fresh air—all poetic.

At this point, the river turns sharply and splits into two, forming three islets in front of the mountain. The water hits the three islets, which are covered with green grass and reeds, with occasional leisurely cowherds.

Yangshuo Li River Scenic Belt

Day 3: Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon 【Free】

Nine Horse Painting Mountain is one of the famous attractions of the Li River in Guilin, a natural wonder.

Heading to Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon along country roads

Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain is right ahead

Yangshuo Nine Horse Painting Mountain Grand Canyon is located 4 km northwest of Xingping Town. The mountain is over 400 meters high and 200 meters wide, standing by the river with steep cliffs, colorful, like a huge painting screen. Upon close inspection, the screen shows a group of horses, standing, lying, raising heads, whinnying, kicking, looking back at the clouds, or leisurely grazing...

Song Dynasty poet Zou Hao compared it to the work of a drunk heavenly master: "At the right time, the drunken brush of Heaven, layers of powder and ink still scattered." Qing Dynasty poet Xu Gong praised: "Since ancient times mountains are like paintings, now paintings resemble mountains. The horse image has nine heads, a wonder in the world."

Day 3: Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape 【Free】

Sanqianli Landscape is located on the prime section of the Li River in Xingping, Yangshuo, surrounded by Nine Horse Painting Mountain, Yellow Cloth Reflection, President's Fishing Village, etc.

Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape

Standing on the mountaintop, the beauty of the Li River lies in its reflections; the most intoxicating is the reflection at Yellow Cloth Beach.

Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape

Standing here, looking down, the river is clear and green. On both sides of the beach, there are peaks of various sizes.

Looking at the hazy peaks in the distance, it's like a fairy bathing out of water.

Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape

There is a cave on the cliff with markings that look like a big black horse, said to be the lagging horse among the nine horses of Painting Mountain.

Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape

Standing here, looking at the hazy Li River

Yangshuo Sanqianli Landscape

Day 3: Yangshuo Shangri-La

In the East, Shangri-La is synonymous with an ideal life paradise, equivalent to the Western paradise or heaven.

For thousands of years, perfectionists have been searching for and creating their imagined "Shangri-La."

In the kingdom of Guilin landscape, close to the city, there is a "Shangri-La."

Yangshuo Shangri-La

Day 3: Maling Ancient Village, Lipu County, Yangshuo 【Ticket required】

Maling Drum Village is an original ecological ancient village scenic spot integrating Dong ethnic customs, leisure sightseeing, and folk ecological tourism.

The Dong people, one of the four major ethnic minorities in Guangxi, have lived here for generations. Every household has a silversmith, and their costumes are mainly silver ornaments.

From the Ming and Qing dynasties, many people still live in the village, though somewhat dilapidated. It is not as large as Jiangnan ancient residences, but it is authentic, with scholar-official houses, government offices, pawnshops, etc., whose bricks and stones are bonded with tung oil and rice juice.

Yangshuo Lipu County Maling Ancient Village