Village of Yangshou – the perfect escape

If you are looking for a place to do some cycling, rock climbing, or cave exploring, the village of Yangshou in China is one tourist destination that serves as the perfect escape. One of the first counties to be appointed as a national tourism area, it is located some 400km northwest off of the city of Guangzhou, making it a quick hop from most parts of Southeast Asia.

Sitting at the heart of the Guangxi province it is a region dominated by limestone karst: steep, tree-covered mounds ranging from 100-300m high. Old buildings and bridges reflecting the cultural heritage of Yangshou are nestled amongst the mountains and waters in the region, and have caused Chinese poets and painters to immortalize its strange beauty for centuries.

Today however, adventurers amounting to approximately 1.5 million yearly are finding reasons to do the same as they explore the area’s rich potential, called by many as paradise on earth.

There are over 20,000 hills and 250 scenic spots in the Yangshuo County alone, with the sparkling waters of the Li River running through the city for 56km. Magical peaks and plush green bamboo trees reflect off of the mirror-like surface of the river’s sparkling water, creating breathtaking murals.

In general, the weather is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. And, with a history spanning 1400 years, its people have created their own culture, as reflected by the long drum dance, song gathering Cai Diao opera, dragon and lion dances.

Another popular tourist destination in the region is the city of Guilin, known largely for the vast quantities of fragrant Sweet Osmathus trees found in the city. Some of the most notable scenic spots that the city boasts of are Nine-Horse Painted Hill, Yellow Reflection Point, XingpingVillage, Lotus Cave, Young Scholar Hill, Snow Lion Ridge, the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and Dragon River. Such is the beauty of these, that many liken the landscape of the plains and the villages to a beautiful, picturesque poem.

However, there is an old Chinese proverb that goes, “Guilin’s scenery is the most beautiful in the world; Yangshuo’s scenery is far more superior to that of Guilin’s”. While it is largely accepted that the natural scenery of Yangshuo is truly unique in its beauty, Guilin can certainly give it a run for its money. True or not? You decide.