3. Trek to Moon Hill
It’s hard to pick a favorite peak, but Moon Hill is so special it seems to top everyone’s list. This craggy karst mountain has a distinctive crescent shaped cut-out in it that makes it stand out amongst the rest. Whether you bike or hike here, you must make it to Moon Hill at some point in your trip to Yangshuo. The winding path and 800-odd steps are manageable for any reasonably fit traveler in less than an hour, and there are even 14 rock-climbing routes on the northwest side for more adventurous challenges. There’s a nominal charge to enter Moon Hill Scenic Area, but the trek up to the peekaboo arch and the panoramic views from high up are worth the token expense. You’ll find drink, snack and souvenir vendors along the route, but rather than be annoyed by the commercialism try to support these local “man in the moon” entrepreneurs.
4. Raft Along the Yulong River
Another must-do activity in Yangshuo is taking a scenic bamboo rafting trip along the Yulong River (Dragon River). Drifting through through the magnificent countryside is such a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours, passing by small villages, mountain vistas, lumbering water buffalo and terraced farmland along the way. The Yulong river has plenty of guides ready to take you on a bamboo rafts, usually fit for two or three passengers. Some let you bring bikes with you, so you can float one way and ride the other way back. Other routes drop you off in a town where you can then hop a bus back to Yangshuo. Soaking in the scenery may take on another meaning here. Many bamboo rafts are equipped with water pistols so your leisurely float may turn into a friendly water fight at some point.
