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Alina Mcleod cycles the Shili Gallery outside Yangshuo, using a rented bike and Amap to navigate the countryside. A local woman points her toward Longtan Village, where she sees black-brick homes and stone foundations; later, a grandma guides her to a view of Moon Hill after the scenic area closes. She also visits Xingping's 20-yuan-note viewpoint, eats chicken stew cooked in bamboo and tackles a crowded climb up Lao Shi Hill. Her day ends on West Street, where she advises staying nearby but away from the noisiest stretch.
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Cycling through Yangshuo and nearby villages
Alina Mcleod begins outside Yangshuo on the Shili Gallery, or 10-Mile Gallery, a countryside route she explores by rented bicycle. The bike costs 20 yuan. For directions, she uses Amap, which she describes as the Chinese equivalent of Google Maps and says is available in English. She also recommends arranging an Airalo eSIM before arriving, since regular social media does not work in China without an alternative connection.
Along the way, a local woman gives Alina directions to Longtan Village. There she sees traditional black-brick residences and stone foundations. Another encounter comes after the main Moon Hill scenic area has closed: a local grandma takes her to a view of Moon Hill for 10 yuan. Alina also buys a flower crown from a different woman for 5 yuan. These interactions shape her impression of Yangshuo as a place where locals are willing to help visitors.
Xingping, Lao Shi Hill and West Street
In Xingping Ancient Town, which the source describes as a 1,700-year-old trading post, Alina visits the viewpoint associated with the 20-yuan note. She has chicken stew cooked in bamboo for lunch and finds the broth sweet and flavorful. The meal adds a local food stop to a day otherwise focused on scenery and walking.
Her climb up Lao Shi Hill is harder than expected. She anticipates a climb of roughly 40 minutes, but large crowds make the trip take nearly three hours. The steep rocks and stairs, combined with the congestion, lead her to warn that weekends and holidays can be unsafe and that a weekday morning is a better choice. She still reaches a view she finds worthwhile.
The evening brings Alina to West Street, a busy tourist area with restaurants and shops. She suggests staying within walking distance for convenience, but not directly in the busiest section if nighttime noise is a concern. She concludes that Yangshuo is easy to navigate for first-time visitors because of its tourist infrastructure and the number of English speakers. She especially recommends it to travelers interested in nature, while her account also makes clear that crowds can change how long a walk or climb takes.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the best way to get around Yangshuo?
- A: Biking or using an electric scooter is best to explore the countryside, especially the Shili Gallery. Walking takes too long and cars miss the experience.
- Q: How did you navigate in Yangshuo without Google Maps?
- A: I used Amap, which is the Chinese version of Google Maps. It now has an English version and shows all the small side streets.
- Q: What happened when you tried to climb Moon Hill?
- A: The main scenic area was closed, but a local grandma took me to a beautiful view of Moon Hill for just 10 yuan. I also bought a flower crown from another lady for 5 yuan.
- Q: Was the hike up Lao Shi Hill difficult?
- A: The hike itself is challenging with steep rocks and stairs, but the real problem was the insane crowd. It took almost three hours round trip instead of under two, and it was not safe.
