Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and want a breath of fresh air? Are you curious about the diverse cultures and exotic flavors of China? Then come to Yangshuo, a small town in the south of China that offers all that and more. In the 1980s, many foreign backpackers were drawn there after it was included in the Lonely Planet travel books. Yangshuo lies in the northeast of Guangxi Province and to the southeast of Guilin.
Even though Yangshuo features an almost constant parade of Chinese tourists who can be spotted wearing red baseball caps and following the flag of their tour leaders, the town has a reputation as an international village because you can get authentic Western cuisine and good English is spoken there. Yangshuo is a great place to base oneself for a few relaxing days of exploring the rivers and surrounding landscape, checking out caves and local temples, or just taking it easy in one of its many cafes and bars.
The streets in Yangshuo are preserved in the original traditional style, presenting the simple and ancient atmosphere of the town. West Street is the most exciting to stroll down. You will find not only many international tourists there but also quite a number of international residents managing caf茅s and restaurants.
Another draw of Yangshuo is the special geography which presents breathtaking beauty, which is combined with 1,400 years of history that imbue Yangshuo with a deep traditional culture. The diverse ethnic minority groups, including the Hui, Zhuang, and Yao, enrich the region with unique folk culture.
The famous Li River traverses the county and irrigates the most beautiful scenery. Along the river, thousands of hills stand in different poses and with different expressions, such as Moon Hill, Mural Hill, and Schoolboy Hill, which is the set of the famous opera Impression of Sanjie Liu. Sanjie Liu is a fairy singer in the legends of the Zhuang ethnic minority group. Big Banyan, a huge tree with a history of over 1,400 years, is said to be the location of the love story of the fairy Sanjie Liu. The Little Li River, also known as the Yulong River, is a paradise for river cruises because of its green hills, silky water, and ancient bridges. You can also go to Xanadu, a tranquil minority village full of folk culture.
Yangshuo also attracts tourists with its delicious specialty foods like beer fish, Niang dishes, and special snacks including rice noodles and glutinous rice cakes. You can buy them from vendors all over the county. Local specialties like shaddocks, which is a fruit similar to a grapefruit, cumquats, and Chinese chestnuts are worth trying. If you want to buy souvenirs, painted fans, embroidered balls, and painted shirts are all good choices. You can buy these articles both in the tourist spots as well as in the local malls.
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