Guilin and Yangshuo: drifting through a landscape painting

Guilin's scenery is the best in the world, and Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin. Four days and three nights, rafting along the Li River on bamboo rafts, cycling along the Yulong River, among karst peaks and forests, you can understand the deep Chinese passion for mountains and waters.

Taking a boat down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo was the most classic way to open the way. Karst peaks and forests rise from both banks like a slowly unfolding ink scroll. The yellow cloth reflection on the back of the 20-yuan RMB bill is right on this stretch of the river.

When we arrived in Yangshuo, we left the time to the Yulong River. Compared to the boats on the Li River, the bamboo rafts on the Yulong River were quieter. The raftmakers tapped the bamboo poles, and the rafts glided into the emerald river, with phoenix-tail bamboo drooping low on both sides, and in the distance, farmers led cattle across the fields. This is a gentle version of the "Little Li River."

Rent a bicycle or electric bike and ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery. Moon Mountain, big banyan trees, and butterfly spring unfold in succession; the road is flat, few cars, and the scenery is plentiful. When tired, enjoy a bowl of beer fish at a roadside farmhouse—fresh, spicy, and appetizing, paired with the mountain view.

West Street at night is another face of Yangshuo. Bars, cafes, and handicraft shops lining the cobblestone streets are brightly lit, where backpackers from all over meet here. Enjoy a cup of osmanthus wine and listen to street performers singing—Yangshuo at night is livelier than during the day.

What Yangshuo gives people is a sense of relaxation wrapped in mountains and waters. When you stop rushing to scenic spots and instead sit by the river daydreaming all afternoon, watching the clouds and mist gather and disperse at the peaks, you will understand why the ancients said, "I wish to be a Guilin native, not an immortal."