Yangshuo

The 20-yuan bill backdrop is a stretch of the Li River at Huangbu, near Xingping, where a cluster of karst peaks reflects in calm water — the exact scene printed on the back of China's 20-yuan banknote. You can reach it by hiking the riverside trail between Xingping and Yangshuo, or by taking a bamboo raft down the Li River. The Li River Hike tour passes right by this spot, and many travelers hold up a 20-yuan note next to the real view for a memorable comparison photo.

Yangshuo's textured limestone karst cliffs first drew climbers in the 1990s, when a handful of foreign climbers began bolting routes on the crags around Moon Hill. Today there are over 800 bolted routes across more than 30 climbing areas, ranging from beginner slabs to overhanging test pieces, all within a short scooter ride from town. The mild year-round weather and laid-back backpacker culture make it one of the most accessible climbing destinations in Asia. Even first-timers can try a half-day beginner course.

The Li River hike puts you inside the landscape — you walk along the riverside path, pass through small villages, and climb to elevated viewpoints like Xianggong Mountain. A bamboo raft is more passive and leisurely, letting you drift past the scenery without effort. Most travelers agree that hiking gives a deeper, more intimate connection to the karst scenery, while a short bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River makes a lovely complement. The Li River Hike tour covers the best walking sections, and you can easily add a Yulong raft on another day.

Xianggong Mountain sits at the first major bend of the Li River, offering a sweeping panoramic view over a horseshoe curve where dozens of karst peaks rise from the valley floor. As the sun climbs from behind the mountains, golden light first touches the river surface, then gradually fills the valley, creating shifting layers of mist and color that change by the minute. It has become one of the most photographed landscapes in China. The Li River Hike & Xianggong Sunrise tour includes the pre-dawn climb to the viewing platform.

Xingping, at the northern end of the Li River hike, is a 1,500-year-old town from the Ming and Qing dynasties that has retained much of its authentic character despite growing popularity. The old street has stone paving and traditional wooden shopfronts, and the riverside market is where locals still sell fresh produce and handwoven goods. Unlike West Street in Yangshuo, Xingping has fewer bars and more everyday life — you will see elders playing mahjong, women washing vegetables by the river, and children running through the alleys. It makes an excellent stop before or after the hike.