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  • Favorite Yangshuo Hotels

    Favorite Yangshuo Hotels

    Find the perfect property for your visit

    There are now over 2,000 Yangshuo hotels, most of them built in the last five years. Yet there are enduring names that are responsibly run, with options for every budget and type of experience.

    Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

    The China insider riverside retreat since 2001

    Situated on the banks of the Yulong River, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a favorite getaway for foreign executives, diplomats and ecotourists. The 34-room ecolodge has many different room configurations, for families, couples and solo travelers. The average room price is $120 USD, but there are budget rooms for around $60. Most of the rooms at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat have balconies or terraces facing the river and mountains. Thre are two restaurants, the main room for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a private dining room for groups of up to 40 guests. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining year round, with a wide selection of local and western favorites. Unusual among Yangshuo hotels is the Mountain Retreat’s farm, where the property raises its own chickens, fish and organic vegetables. Much of the restaurant’s other ingredients come from family farms of the hotel staff.

    What makes this property unique is its long-serving family of local staff, the majority women from nearby villages. There are no outside people working at the property, so it feels very much like a local family inn. The owner has collected antiques and artwork from around China, which are displayed throughout the property and all furniture is locally made, some from bamboo cut on the property. Unlike newer Yangshuo hotels, the Mountain Retreat does not have a swimming pool, but features a natural waterfall pool which is perfect for cooling off in Summer, and the pool is also heated in Winter. There is a full service bar offering imported and local beers, as well as cocktails and a large selection of excellent wines from around the world.

    The hotel is located a 15 minute taxi, Didi or scooter ride from Yangshuo city center, preserving its rustic and peaceful environment. The nearest village is just 500 meters up the road where more local food options are available. There is also a riverwalk that runs 9km North along the Yulong River, starting at the Mountain Retreat’s parking area. It is a stunning and peaceful way to experience the beautiful environment that surrounds Yangshuo Mountain Retreat. Staff can provide professionally designed maps of hidden trails and complimentary bikes are available as well.

    Getting to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat requires an hour car or bus from Guilin. There is also taxi or private car service from Yangshuo Train Station, which takes 45 minutes to the hotel. From Guangzhou the high-speed rail trip is around 2.5 hours, from Hong Kong direct to Yangshuo is 3.5 hours.

    Li River Retreat

    Just a 20 minute walk from the top of West Street, The

  • Yangshuo’s best bars

    Yangshuo’s best bars

    The Groove

    The newest and coolest Yangshuo bar

    Located just off West Street, the Groove is run by Patrick and Aki and their Chinese partners. Originally The Brew, which moved to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat riverside location, these two longtime Yangshuo expat friends created a winning formula for Yangshuo bars that has become a favorite of foreign residents.

    You can find the Groove behind Guihua Lu on Chengbei Lu, a quiet pedestrian street that’s perfect for people watching. The bar is tucked away between a music bar and Impression Gangga, the best Indian food in Yangshuo. Outside on the deck is a foosball table and ample seating, while inside there’s a dart board, DJ station, booth and bar seating. Often there are Hollywood movies playing on a big screen or European football. The Groove has a couple of Guilin-brewed craft beers, an IPA and a lager which are both excellent. In the cooler are a few German imports, Cronona, Budweiser and some local craft beers in cans.

    Be sure to try the spicy peanuts if you come for a drink. There are also numerous good food choices, from nachos to burgers or Indian dishes from next door. The Groove is a must-visit Yangshuo bar, even if you’re only in town for one night.

    Mojo Rooftop Bar

    Located down West Street on the 6th floor of the Alshan Hotel, you take an elevator to the top and can enjoy the best city views among Yangshuo bars. At Mojo there is a pool table, cold beer and very reasonably priced cocktails. Staff are friendly and the vibe is chill. Weekends can be busy especially after 9pm, but it’s a fun crowd, sometimes enjoying a game of beer pong. Good music and nice atmosphere, a great choice among Yangshuo bars since 2015.

    DEMO

    Originally located on West Street, this jam bar has moved to Binjiang Lu, heading North along the river toward Longtou Shan. There is a quize night on Thursdays, a jam band on Fridays or Saturdays and some of the best pizza among Yangshuo bars. Out on the patio, there are stunning views above the bamboo looking across the Li River to the karst mountains beyond. The bar no longer has taps, but they have a good assortment of craft beer from TripSmith brewing in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, as well as some great canned beers from Guilin and the region. Friendly owners, good music and reasonably priced, DEMO is a perfect choice for those seeking a hidden away spot with great views and craft beer. A favorite among local musicians and expat residents.

    TK Pub

    One of the few taprooms in Yangshuo, this new bar located on Pantao Lu next to the Green Lotus Hotel has several high quality local craft beers on tap. The bar is located upstairs from the main road on the 2nd floor, featuring limited seating at the bar and patio tables. There are not many Yangshuo bars offering this selection and quality of local draft beer, so if you’re a fan, TK pub is an excellent choice. It’s just a 10 minute walk from West Street.