Ten years in Guilin, I’ve compiled a list of "niche and advanced" experiences in Yangshuo

Having traveled to Yangshuo more than a dozen times each year over the past decade, I’m practically a local. I’ve put together a deep-dive guide that avoids crowds and pitfalls—not just sightseeing, but stepping into a landscape painting 🏞️ ▪️ Golden Dragon Cruise I’d call this the greatest cultural tourism project in Yangshuo in recent years, frequently making major news headlines. At dusk, a golden dragon winds along the Yulong River, and seeing it in person is truly breathtaking, sending chills down your spine. You can watch from the bridge or ride a bamboo raft to become part of the golden dragon. ▪️ Via Ferrata Yangshuo is a world-class rock climbing paradise, and Via Ferrata offers a beginner-friendly, safe, and thrilling experience. The Long Village base was created by climbing expert Yan Bang, featuring tightrope walking, ladder climbing... When I went, even a 5-year-old was playing. Overlooking the karst landscape, your heartbeat and view both open up. ▪️ Coffee Map In recent years, Yangshuo’s coffee scene has exploded. These spots are worth a special visit: 【Mingyuan Coffee】 The longest-standing shop on West Street, run by a couple with over 30 years of dedication to coffee, embodying true craftsmanship. 【Xiangyueting】 A small courtyard blending the rural charm of northern Guangxi, with a particularly soothing blue hour vibe. 【Intercontinental Rice Field Coffee】 Surrounded by rice paddies, with a small train slowly passing through 🚂 Compared to trendy cafes, this place has a more refined aesthetic. Whether you want to quietly savor a special coffee blend or take great photos 📸, this is the perfect spot! This time I stayed at the Yangshuo VOCO Hotel 🏨 As InterContinental Group’s first venture into Yangshuo, it has been highly popular among frequent travelers since opening. The hotel consists of six staggered buildings, with flagship-level scale, facilities, and views. It met all my expectations for a Yangshuo vacation: picturesque scenery, warm service, and meticulous attention to detail. From the moment I arrived, the butler naturally took my luggage and escorted me to the room. In the lobby, I saw staff patiently crouching to talk with a lonely child—unlike a guesthouse, VOCO conveys a reassuring sense of reliability through its details. The room offers an excellent view, with mountains visible right outside the window. From the balcony, layers of green peaks stretch out. Even after seeing Yangshuo’s landscapes many times, lying in a beautiful room and taking it all in feels different—so peaceful and relaxing ☁️ The amenities are carefully selected, welcome fruit is thoughtfully provided, and the minibar is complimentary 🆓 The basic room is 75㎡, and I highly recommend the open-plan suite; the price difference is small but the experience is upgraded. Whether traveling with friends, as a couple, or with family, this is a reliable choice.