Yangshuo sits among karst peaks in Guangxi, with the Li River along one side and a compact town centre built around West Street. The town is small enough to walk across, and most of the guesthouses, hostels and small hotels cluster in the streets immediately around West Street or a short walk from it. Buses and boats connect the town with nearby Guilin.
For a visitor, the key decision is how close to West Street you want to be. The street itself and the blocks around it put you in the middle of shops, restaurants and bars, but the same central location is also the loudest part of town. Quieter options sit a few minutes' walk away, in the lanes near the market, along the river, or in villages just outside town. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and what to expect at different price levels.
Best areas to stay in Yangshuo
1. West Street and the blocks around it
West Street is the focal point of tourism in Yangshuo and is lined with shops and restaurants. Staying within a block of it puts you in the middle of everything, with signs in both Chinese and English and many locals who speak some English. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk out of their door into the busiest part of town, and it is the obvious base if nightlife matters to you.
The practical trade-off is noise: any place within a block of West Street will likely be very loud, as every bar on the street turns its sound systems up until 02:00. If you stay here, expect to be in the middle of that, and choose accordingly.
2. The lanes near the market and the bus station
A short walk from West Street, around Fuqian Lane, Pantao Road and the streets near the bus station and local market, you find a quieter alternative that is still only minutes from the centre. Several budget and mid-range places sit in these alleys, and the area is convenient if you are arriving or leaving by bus.
This suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be close to the action without sleeping on top of it. Note that hotel touts gather around the main bus station, and it is best to avoid them.
3. The riverside and government front area
North of West Street, towards the river and around Government Front Road, the streets are calmer while remaining only two or three minutes' walk from the busiest parts of town. This area suits visitors who want a peaceful base with easy access to the centre, and it is a reasonable choice for families or anyone sensitive to noise.
Some addresses here can be slightly hard to find at first, so it helps to know the street name in Chinese before you arrive.
4. Villages just outside town
A handful of places sit in small villages a short distance from Yangshuo, including near the Li River and in Chao Long Village, roughly 4 km from town. These offer a rural setting with views of the surrounding karst, and some are restored farmhouses or country villas.
This suits travellers who want quiet and scenery and do not mind being outside the centre. You will rely on a bicycle, taxi or local bus to reach town and the sights, and it helps to have the name of the place in Chinese for drivers.
5. Moon Hill village and the outlying crags
Further out, near Moon Hill, you find accommodation in a village setting with views of the local karst scenery, close to Moon Hill, the Big Banyan tree, the Yulong River and several caves. The climbing areas around Yangshuo are accessible by bicycle, public bus or taxi van, and this side of town puts you nearer several of the crags.
This suits climbers and visitors whose main aim is the countryside rather than the town. It is reached by local bus from Yangshuo station, so plan on travelling in for anything you need in the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and simple private rooms, often in hostels and small guesthouses, concentrated in the lanes near the market, the bus station and West Street. Prices are very negotiable in the off season, and the asking price can be many times lower than what is advertised on lobby signs, so do not be afraid to negotiate.
- Mid-range: private rooms in small hotels and guesthouses, some in quiet streets a few minutes from West Street and some in villages outside town. Expect clean rooms, hot showers and staff who can help with tours and tickets.
- Splurge: larger rooms and bungalows, including places with views over the town or the karst scenery, and restored or purpose-built countryside properties. At this level you are paying for space, setting and quiet rather than a central location.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in West Street and the blocks around it. It puts you in the middle of the shops, restaurants and riverfront, with English signage and English-speaking locals close at hand, and everything in town within walking distance. If the noise until 02:00 is a concern, choose one of the quieter lanes a few minutes away rather than somewhere directly on the street.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Yangshuo?
The county is served by bus and by boat from nearby Guilin.
Is it noisy near West Street?
Yes. Any place within a block of West Street will likely be very loud, because the bars there run their sound systems at full volume until 02:00.
Can I negotiate the room price?
Yes. Prices are very negotiable in the off season, and the asking price will often be many times lower than what is advertised on signs in the hotel lobby.
Will I manage without speaking Mandarin?
Many locals speak some English, and West Street signs are written in both Chinese and English. Even so, it helps to know the name of your accommodation and its street in Chinese, since pronunciation can be misheard and writing it down is clearer.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.