Yangshuo

While Guilin serves as the urban hub, the smaller Yangshuo County features a much deeper and more intimate encounter with southern China's striking nature. Here, the pace significantly slows down. The landscape is heavily defined by the Yulong River, a scenic tributary of the Li, where traditional bamboo rafts glide silently through the calm water. It is the first-rate place to rent a bicycle and ride through tiny farming villages and rice paddies located in the shadow of steep karst towers. Yangshuo has also developed into a worldwide mecca for rock climbers due to its challenging limestone crags. After an active day, visitors gravitate to the famous West Street (Xi Jie), where historical architecture mixes with western cafes, lively bars, and restaurants. A must-try local specialty is the beer-braised fish caught from the Li River. The most scenic way to reach Yangshuo is by riverboat from Guilin, though quick bus and bullet train connections are also nearby. The good time to visit is during spring and autumn, when mild temperatures provide fantastic outdoor conditions.

Nearby cities

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a thriving port city renowned for its cutting-edge architecture, traditional Cantonese culture, and exceptional dim sum.

Dongguan

An industrial city in the Pearl River Delta, known as the 'world's workshop'.

Foshan

A city in Guangdong province, famous for its ceramics and furniture industries, and as the birthplace of Cantonese opera.

Bao'an

A modern coastal district in Shenzhen, blending high-tech industry with futuristic waterfront parks.

Haikou

Haikou is the tropical capital of Hainan province, known for its beautiful beaches, historic arcade streets, and lush volcanic landscapes.

Zhuhai

Zhuhai is a romantic coastal city known for its beautiful promenades, hot springs, and close proximity to Macau.

Sanya

Sanya is the "Hawaii of China" at the southern tip of Hainan, famous for its tropical beaches and luxury resorts.

Beihai

A port city in Guangxi, famous for its silver sand beach and well-preserved colonial architecture.

Dali

Dali is known for its beautiful, idyllic location nestled perfectly between Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains.

Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna is a tropical paradise in southern Yunnan, famous for its lush rainforests, Dai minority culture, and exotic wildlife.

Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)

A tropical haven in Yunnan known for its Dai minority culture, lush rainforests, and wild elephants.

Tengchong

A geothermal wonderland in Yunnan, famous for its volcanoes, hot springs, and the charming Heshun Ancient Town.

Longji Rice Terraces

Spectacular, centuries-old rice terraces shaped like a dragon's backbone, combined with rich ethnic culture.

Nanhai

Nanhai is a scenic coastal district in Maoming, known for its extensive sandy shores and protective coastal forest.

Shaba

A charming coastal town in Guangdong Province, known for its tranquil bays and fresh seafood markets.

History & landmarks

Fenghuang

This picturesque ancient town on the Tuo River is famous for its wooden stilt houses and the rich culture of the Miao and Tujia minorities.

Lijiang

Lijiang is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient town crisscrossed by picturesque canals.

Kaili / Xijiang Miao Village

Xijiang Miao Village, the largest Miao village in China, mesmerizes with its traditional stilted wooden houses and vibrant ethnic culture.

Nature

Qiongzhou Strait

The strait that separates the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong from the island province of Hainan.

More places

Zhanjiang Port

A strategic port in Guangdong province, specializing in crude oil, iron ore, and coal handling.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

A massive theme park and aquarium in Hengqin, Zhuhai, which holds multiple world records.

Happy Valley Shenzhen

A large, modern theme park in Shenzhen with nine themed areas and over 100 attractions.

Huaqiangbei Electronics Market

A world-renowned electronics wholesale market in Shenzhen, selling everything from components to finished devices.

Foxconn Shenzhen Campus

A massive manufacturing complex, famous for assembling electronics for major global brands like Apple.

Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

A multifunctional botanical garden in Shenzhen that integrates research, education, and tourism.

Yantian Port

One of the busiest container ports in the world, located in Shenzhen, a key hub for global trade.