Fuli Bridge in Yangshuo: A Guide to Exploring This Hidden Gem

**Overview** Fuli Bridge, located in Baisha Town, Yangshuo County, about 8 km from the county seat, is a single-arch stone bridge dating back over 500 years to the Ming Dynasty. Its ancient and weathered appearance, set against the backdrop of karst peaks, rice paddies, and bamboo groves along the Yulong River, makes it a secluded and poetic hidden gem in Yangshuo. **Getting There** - **By car/taxi**: Navigate to "Fuli Bridge, Yangshuo." It's about a 20-minute drive from the county seat, with free parking available near the bridge. - **By bike**: Cycle along the Yulong River trail, enjoying the charming countryside scenery. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the bridge. - **By bamboo raft + walking**: Take a bamboo raft down the Yulong River to the Jiuxian pier, then walk for 15 minutes. **Best Time to Visit** - **Season**: Fuli Bridge is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming rapeseed flowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn paints the rice paddies gold, and winter shrouds the landscape in mist. - **Time of day**: Early morning (6:00–8:00 am) or dusk (5:00–6:30 pm) offer soft light, fewer crowds, and picturesque reflections. **Recommended Activities** 1. **Bridge Photography** - Capture the perfect circle formed by the bridge's arch and its reflection in the water. Low-angle shots with symmetrical composition are recommended. - Wear *hanfu* or a plain long dress to create a striking contrast with the ancient bridge. 2. **Bamboo Rafting** Take a bamboo raft from the Fuli Bridge pier and drift downstream for about an hour, immersed in the picturesque scenery. 3. **Countryside Stroll** Walk along the riverbank to Jiuxian Village, explore the ancient houses with their grey tiles and green bricks, and savor local delicacies like bamboo rice and stuffed river snails. **Nearby Attractions** - **Yulong River Trail**: Cycle or hike along the most scenic section of the "Ten Mile Gallery." - **Jima Ancient Village**: Experience traditional Zhuang ethnic culture, such as tie-dyeing and ancient oil pressing techniques. **Tips** - The bridge surface can be slippery due to moss, so wear non-slip shoes. Bring mosquito repellent in summer. - There is no entrance fee. Bamboo rafting costs about CNY 160 per raft (can be shared by two people). - Please protect this historical site. Do not carve or climb on the bridge. Fuli Bridge is like a collection of landscape poems forgotten by time. It's a place to slow down and experience the most pristine pastoral scenery of Guilin.