Being the first backpackers' destination in China in the 1980s, Yangshuo is a well developed touristy place which, sadly, comes along with many annoyances that are not common in other places in China. Some wikitravelers call Yangshuo the worst place in China for overcharging, persistent touts and tour pimps, and illegal occupancy of a route to extort money from tourists.
On the West street, besides annoying pimps and taxi drivers, prices for clothing and souvenirs could be skyrocketing to up to 100-500%. Unlike other Chinese places that groceries items are usually sold at standard prices, Yangshuo has a two price system - one for local Chinese, another for non-local Chinese and Westerners.
From Yangshuo to Yulonghe, a popular route for biking, you may pass through a Longtan Village (龙潭村) where villagers are known to set up an illegal checkpoint to request Y20 for any entrance. Rock climbers have also experienced similar practices on some hills.
Touts of bamboo rafts for Yangdi to Xingping, a route best known for its landscape printed on the background of a 20-yuan banknote, are notorious for a system to "claim" the ownership of a tourist. Once you talk to the touts on the bus, no one else can discuss the price with you except the touts from their own team. If you want to hassle by yourself instead of reserving a bamboo raft from a travel agency, DO NOT talk to any touts on the bus.
Pickpockets and bag snatching by motorbike are not unheard of although it has not become a phenomenon yet. At nights, Yangshuo is safe but after 1am, the streets are dark and you better carry your torch. In some bars popular with western tourists, boozers can also be disturbing and aggressive. Noise pollution is a major problem in hotels and on streets as in most of China. Pick your location wisely or bring ear plugs if holed up in the entertainment district.
Also be aware of stealing while you are swimming in the river. There have been many times when tourists believe their stuff is safe while they are swimming, even when they watching it, they still will come and take your stuff. Especially at Chao Yang Dock. There is a man takes you on his bamboo boat from one side to the other who charges 5Y per person, be aware that if you want to swim and even if there is no one aware that you are not the first person whose found this place.and they make a living waiting for people to come. be smart. dont bring a lot of money or nice cameras with you.
Traffic regulations, if any, are also practiced half-heartedly. Pedestrians should not expect a restless driver to stop at a green cross-walk sign and motorbikes can come in any directions even on a pedestrian's road. If in doubt, follow the lead of a local when crossing the street. However, Chinese traffic rules tend to protect the rights of pedestrians when accidents happen. When you get hit, a driver will have to cover all your medical expenses and any loss. The negotiation on compensation is often done in a police station.
Thanks to seriously enforced regulations on hotels and hostels, accommodation-related tourist traps practically do not exist but be aware of the sudden surge in prices during the Chinese National Day on 1st Oct and the Chinese New Year in Jan or Feb.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Yangshuo
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Yangshuo - updated May 2024
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Yangshuo Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
