You leave Yangshuo town at 8:30am on an e-bike heading west. The China National Tourism Administration lists Yangshuo as one of China’s top outdoor destinations. Within 10 minutes the town has disappeared and you are alone on a narrow road with karst peaks rising from flat rice fields on both sides. The road surface is good. There are almost no cars.
The Yulong River appears on your right, clear and green, with the peaks reflected in sections where the water is calm. This is what most people come to Yangshuo for and it costs ¥60 and takes a morning. For the Guilin and Yangshuo context: Guilin and Yangshuo Guide.
Key Takeaways
- Rent from your guesthouse. E-bike ¥60 to ¥100 per day. Pedal bicycle ¥30 to ¥50.
- The Yulong River valley loop: 20 to 25 km, flat, 3 to 4 hours with stops.
- Start before 9am. The countryside is quietest in the morning.
- Yulong Bridge (600-year-old stone arch) is the best stop.
- Bring cash. Small village food stalls do not take Alipay reliably.
- Moon Hill (8 km south of town): limestone arch, 800 steps, great view. Add to the route.
The Yulong River Valley Route
The main loop (20 to 25 km)
From Yangshuo town, head west along Chaoyang Road then south toward the Yulong River. The road follows the river west, passing through Jiuxian village, continuing to Gongnong Bridge, then looping back east via Baisha village and returning to town. Total: approximately 20 to 25 km. On an e-bike, 2 to 3 hours riding plus stops. On a pedal bicycle, 3 to 4 hours.
Key stops along the route
| Stop | What It Is | Time |
| Yulong Bridge (遇龙桥) | 600-year-old five-arch stone bridge over the Yulong River. One of the most photographed spots in Yangshuo. | 30 min |
| Gongnong Bridge area | Traditional bamboo raft boarding point. Watch or join. | 20 min |
| Jiuxian village | Quiet traditional village with a market on rotating days. Ask locals which day. | 15 to 30 min |
| Baisha village | Small village with a riverside cafe that is popular with cyclists. | 20 min |
| Riverside rice paddies (any) | Stop wherever the karst peaks are reflected in the paddy water. | As long as you like |
The Moon Hill extension (add 2 to 3 hours)
Moon Hill (月亮山) is 8 km south of Yangshuo on the road to Liugong village. Entry ¥15. 800 steps up to a large natural arch near the summit. The view from inside the arch over the Yulong valley below is the classic Yangshuo photograph. Return to the main valley route the same way, or loop back via different roads.
Tips from Regular Cyclists
- Avoid West Street tour operators. They charge more and the bikes are sometimes poorer quality. Your guesthouse is a better source.
- Early morning is the best time. By 10am tour groups on e-bikes and scooters fill the main routes.
- Take the small roads. The main Yulong River road is well-known. The parallel lanes through villages 200 metres off the main road are quiet.
- Villages have small shops selling water, sugarcane juice, and basic food. You do not need to carry much.
- Do not ride ATVs. Some operators offer ATV tours through the Yulong valley. These damage the riverbank bamboo root systems and are an environmental problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the full Guilin and Yangshuo guide: Guilin and Yangshuo Guide.