Yangshuo’s stunning karst mountains and laid-back riverside charm have made it one of southern China’s most popular destinations. However, as tourism has boomed, the area has been plagued by overcharging, pushy touts, and elaborate scams targeting foreign visitors.
This honest guide, based on recent 2024-2025 traveler reports, will help you navigate Yangshuo safely while avoiding the most common tourist traps. We’ll show you how to protect yourself, where the problems typically occur, and how to ensure you get fair value for your money.
The Current State of Yangshuo Tourism
Yangshuo has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. What was once a peaceful foreign backpacker haven has transformed into a mass tourism destination, primarily serving domestic Chinese tour groups. According to recent visitor reports , the foreign expat community that once gave West Street its international character has largely departed, and many foreigner-owned businesses have closed. There are now just a handful of foreigner-run small pubs and restaurants and just a few hangouts for these “local” westerners. See our Best Yangshuo Bars for more.
The tourism industry here now operates on high volume and quick turnover, which unfortunately has led to increased reports of overcharging and aggressive sales tactics. Understanding this context helps you recognize situations where you’re likely to encounter problems.
West Street: Tourist Pricing
West Street remains Yangshuo’s main tourist pedestrian street, but modern visitors describe it quite differently than guidebooks from a decade ago.
Current Reality of West Street
West Street today is extremely commercialized, packed with souvenir shops selling identical items, restaurants with inflated prices, and loud nightclubs competing to see which can blast music the loudest. Recent travelers report that the street feels more like a Chinese tourism theme park than an authentic cultural experience.
Price Inflation: Expect prices on West Street to be 100-300% higher than elsewhere in Yangshuo. A meal that costs ¥30-40 in local areas jumps to ¥80-150 on West Street. Souvenirs marked ¥50 on West Street sell for ¥10-20 just two streets over.
What You Should Know:
- Initial asking prices are always inflated—haggling is expected and necessary
- The first price quoted to foreigners is typically double what Chinese tourists pay
- Restaurants on West Street serve overpriced, mediocre food aimed at tour groups
- Tea shops on West Street charge exorbitant prices (more on this scam below)
A better bet: A single walk down West Street gives you an idea of what’s available, but eat and shop on parallel streets like Hospital Road (Shenshan Lu 神山路), Chengbei Lu 城北路 or Guihua Road 桂花路 where locals actually go. You’ll find better quality at half the price. See our Recommended Yangshuo Restaurants post.
The Tea House Scam
This remains one of China’s most widespread scams and is still very active in Yangshuo as of 2025.
How It Works
A friendly local approaches you (often a young woman or student) speaking English: “Do you speak English? I’m practicing my English. Do you have time? I was just going to get some tea, would you like to join me?”
This feels like a genuine cultural exchange opportunity. The person seems friendly, asks about your travels, and casually suggests visiting a nearby tea house to continue the conversation.
Once inside the tea house, you’re presented with various teas to sample—10-year aged tea, 15-year aged tea, served in tiny traditional cups from miniature teapots. It feels like an authentic cultural experience.
Then comes the bill: ¥300-800 (sometimes over ¥1000) for what you thought was just trying a few samples.
Why It Works
The scammer uses social pressure. You’ve been chatting for 30 minutes, they’ve been friendly, and now you’re in the tea house with staff watching. Refusing to pay feels awkward or rude. They may show you a book with “donations” from foreigners worldwide to prove legitimacy. Don’t fall for it.
Simple rule: Never follow a stranger you just met to a tea house, bar, or restaurant—no matter how friendly they seem or how much you want cultural exchange.
If you genuinely want to experience Chinese tea culture, visit tea houses on your own terms, ask prices upfront, and choose establishments with posted price lists. Legitimate tea houses exist, but they don’t recruit customers through street approaches.
Red flag phrases:
- “Do you speak English?”
- “I’m practicing my English”
- “I was just going to get tea/coffee”
- “Let me show you a traditional Chinese tea ceremony”
Notable exception: There are language schools in Yangshuo (Omeida) and they will send their Chinese students out into places popular with foreigners. These are college-aged kids who legitimately only want to practice English. It’s sometimes awkward but they are thrilled if you chat with them a little. These students will NEVER ask you to go with them or pay any kind of donation. These students usually have a foreign teacher with them.
Fake Tour Guides and Commission Scams
The Problem
At tourist sites, ferry docks, and bus stations, you’ll encounter men offering tour guide services. They speak a bit of English, offer the “lowest prices,” and promise to help you arrange tickets, hotels, and transportation.
These are not licensed tour guides. Recent reports indicate these touts work on commission from overpriced restaurants, hotels, and shops. Your “bargain” tour ends up costing more because everything you’re directed to pays the guide a kickback.
Specific Yangshuo Examples
“The Attraction is Closed” Scam: Taxi drivers and touts tell you your planned destination is closed today. They offer to take you to an “even better” alternative—which just happens to pay them commission. This is particularly common for people heading to Moon Hill or Xingping.
2026 UPDATE: Moon Hill has actualy been closed all of 2025. Please check with Yangshuo Village Inn or Yangshuo Mountain Retreat reception to see if it’s open yet. Don’t pay more than 13 yuan for a ticket, this is the harmonized local price.
Impression Sanjie Liu Ticket Scam: Touts outside the venue sell “cheap” tickets to this popular light show. The tickets are real, but you get seats so far from the stage you can’t see or hear anything. The ¥198 tickets sold through official channels provide much better value.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always book tours through your hotel or established companies with online reviews
- Ignore anyone approaching you at bus stations or tourist sites offering “help”
- If someone claims an attraction is closed, verify independently before changing plans
- Use established platforms like Trip.com for tour bookings
- For the Impression Liu Sanjie show, buy tickets from your hotel or official tourism offices. There are many different types of seating.
About Liu Sanjie: The very top level ticket only offers a shelted seat with some tea and and some simple fruit. Not a great value. The next level down is partially sheltered, much cheaper and has the same great views.
Taxi and Didi Scams
Transportation scams remain common in Yangshuo as of 2025.
Taxi Meter Tricks
The Problem: Drivers “forget” to start the meter, then quote an inflated price at your destination.
Example: A legitimate taxi ride from Yangshuo bus station to West Street costs ¥15-20. Without a meter, drivers quote ¥50-100 to foreigners.
How to Avoid it: Before the car moves, point to the meter and say “请打表” (qǐng dǎ biǎo – “please use the meter”). If they refuse, get out and find another taxi. It’s required by law.
Didi Route Inflation
Didi (China’s Uber) generally works well, but recent reports from Yangshuo area describe drivers taking unnecessary detours to inflate fares.
Example: A driver took a 30-minute detour around Moon Hill, adding ¥150 to what should have been a ¥80 fare.
Protection:
- Follow your route on your phone using the Didi route map you booked through (Didi App, Alipay or Wechat)
- Use the in-app “路线问题” (route issue) complaint feature if you notice detours
- Screenshot your route before the trip starts
Black Taxis at Transport Hubs
Unlicensed “black taxis” (黑车 hēi chē) swarm the Yangshuo train station and Guilin airport. They quote ¥200-300 for trips that official taxis charge ¥50-80.
How to Identify Black Taxis:
- Driver approaches you inside the station (official taxis wait in designated areas)
- No official taxi license displayed
- Meter is “broken” or they refuse to use it
- They claim official taxis are “all busy”
Recommendation: Only use official taxi queues or book Didi (recommended) before you arrive.
Bicycle Rental Scams
Cycling through Yangshuo’s countryside is a highlight for many visitors, but bicycle rental scams still occur.
The Passport Deposit Scam
How It Works: A rental shop demands your passport as a deposit instead of cash. You go cycling, and when you return, they claim the bike has damage that wasn’t there before. They refuse to return your passport until you pay ¥500-2000 for “repairs.”
Some shops have a spare key and actually move or damage the bicycle themselves while you’re away.
How to Avoid It:
- Never give your passport as a bicycle deposit—ever!
- Use cash deposits only (typically ¥200 for basic bikes, ¥400-500 for mountain bikes)
- Reputable shops on West Street charge ¥10-20 per day with ¥200 cash deposit
- Take photos of the bike before departing to document its condition
- Inspect the bike thoroughly before paying—check brakes, tires, and pedals (take a photo).
Recommended Rental Approach
Rent from your hotel/hostel (often no deposit required for guests) or established shops with posted rates. Giant bike stores and hotels like Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offer reliable rentals without the passport demand. Bike rental is complimentary at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
Fair 2025 Prices:
- Basic bike: ¥10-20 per day
- Mountain bike: ¥20-50 per day
- Electric scooter: ¥80-120 per day
- Tandem bike: ¥20-30 per day
The “Attraction is Closed” Redirect
This remains one of Yangshuo’s most frustrating scams.
How It Operates
You tell a taxi driver or local guide you want to visit Moon Hill, Xingping, or another attraction. They inform you it’s “closed today for renovation” or “there’s no access right now.” They offer to take you somewhere “even better” or to a tea house while you wait.
The attraction isn’t closed—they just want commission from the alternative destination they’re suggesting.
See above Note: Moon Hill was actually closed in 2025 due to government litigation. Verify with your hotel or check recent online reviews before changing plans.
Prevention
- Book activities directly with your hotel
- Check recent reviews (within past month) on Trip.com before going
- If told something is closed, call ahead to verify or check social media
- Insist on going to your original destination anyway to confirm
Counterfeit Money Scams (less common)
Counterfeit bills remain a problem in China, including Yangshuo.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1 – The Switch: You hand a taxi driver or vendor a real ¥100 note. They palm it, quickly switch it for a fake one, and hand it back claiming you gave them counterfeit money. They demand a “real” note while keeping your authentic bill.
Scenario 2 – Fake Change: You pay ¥100 for a ¥20 purchase at a street market or small shop. Your change includes counterfeit ¥50 or ¥20 notes.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use electronic payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) whenever possible—counterfeit risk is zero
- If using cash, pay with smaller bills when possible
- Feel the texture—real RMB has a distinct rough texture from raised printing
- Look for the watermark, security thread, and color-shifting ink
- Never let bills out of your sight during transactions
- If accused of using fake money, don’t accept their “replacement”—insist on checking at a bank
Overpriced “Local” Restaurants
West Street restaurants have terrible reputations for overpriced, mediocre food, according to consistent TripAdvisor reviews.
The Beer Fish Problem
Yangshuo’s signature dish, beer fish (啤酒鱼), has become a tourist trap. Restaurants on West Street charge ¥80-150 for versions that locals describe as bland and overpriced. The same dish costs ¥40-60 in authentic local restaurants.
Why It Happens: West Street caters to tour groups who eat there once and never return. There’s no incentive for quality—just volume.
Where Locals Actually Eat
- Hospital Road (Shenshan Lu 神山路): Perpendicular to Diecui Lu, has authentic Chinese restaurants at better prices.
- Guihua Road (桂花路): Better food, lower prices, popular with domestic travelers who know better. We recommend Chongqing Sisters at the end of Guihua Lu next to the footbridge.
- Outside the touristy center: A 20-minute walk or bike ride in any direction finds genuine local eateries
- Yangshuo Mountain Retreat top recommendation for great authentic local food outside the main tourist strip. There is a very local eatery called Xin Xing Private Kitchen 新兴私房菜馆 (new happiness), which is located a 10 minute scooter ride south of town on Kangzhan Road (the old 321 provincial road toward Mountain Retreat and Moon Hill). Here in addition to excellent beer fish and youcha (oil tea soup – worth a try!) their overall quality is outstanding and not expensive. You own’t find English here but there are picture menus and staff are friendly. A legitimate truly local experience.
Tip: If a restaurant has a bilingual menu with pictures and English descriptions aimed at foreigners, you’re paying tourist prices. Look for places full of Chinese families with Chinese-only menus—food will be better and cheaper.
Bargaining: When and How Much
Everything in Yangshuo is negotiable except restaurant meals and services with posted prices.
General Bargaining Rules
First quoted price to foreigners: Expect it to be 100-300% above what locals pay
Realistic bargaining:
- Souvenirs: Start at 30-40% of asking price, settle around 50-60%
- Silk items on West Street: A dress quoted at ¥470 can often go to ¥200-250
- Bicycle rentals: Some flexibility on daily rate or multi-day discounts
- Bamboo rafting: Fixed price, government run. Buy directly from the ticket office at the jetty or through your hotel. Bring your passport or ID!
When NOT to bargain:
- Restaurants with menus (you just pay listed prices—or eat elsewhere)
- Official ticket counters
- Chain stores
- Transportation with meters
Bargaining Tactics
- Ask the price, show mild interest, walk away. Sellers often call you back with a better price
- Show cash – Having money ready sometimes gets better deals
- Buy multiple items – Volume discounts are common
- Stay friendly – Aggressive bargaining gets worse results
- Be willing to walk away – The real price reveals itself when you’re leaving
What Yangshuo Gets Right
Despite these warnings, it’s important to note what works well in Yangshuo:
Legitimate Activities That Deliver Value:
- Yulong River bamboo rafting (book directly at the river or hotel)
- Countryside cycling (with proper bike rental)
- Rock climbing with established schools
- Li River cruises from Guilin (book through hotels)
- Impression Sanjie Liu show (with proper tickets)
The countryside remains genuinely beautiful, and most local people are honest. The scams concentrate around tourist hotspots—particularly West Street, transport hubs, and major attractions.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Trust your instincts. Walk away immediately if:
- Someone you just met invites you anywhere for tea, coffee, or drinks
- A “student” practices English then suggests going somewhere together
- Anyone claims an attraction is closed without you verifying independently
- A shop demands your passport as deposit for anything
- Taxi drivers refuse to use the meter
- Tours or services are suspiciously cheaper than posted rates elsewhere
- You’re being rushed to make a decision
- Anyone pressures you with guilt or social obligation
How to Complain and Seek Recourse
If you experience scams or problems:
Immediate Action:
- Call 110 (police) for serious issues
- Call 12301 (national tourism hotline) for tourism complaints
- Document everything with photos and receipts
- Get business names, taxi numbers, exact locations
Online Recourse:
- Post on Chinese social media (Weibo, Douyin/TikTok) with hashtags #黑店 (black shop) or #骗子 (scammer)
- Tag the business location—businesses hate public backlash
- Leave detailed reviews on Trip.com and TripAdvisor to warn other travelers
For Larger Losses:
- Contact your embassy for legal assistance (typically for losses over $500)
- Use WeChat Pay or Alipay complaint functions to dispute charges
- Didi has in-app complaint options for route issues
Smart Traveler Strategies
Do Your Research: Read recent reviews (last 1-3 months) before booking anything. Tourism in Yangshuo changes rapidly.
Book Through Hotels: Your accommodation has reputation to protect and usually offers fair pricing on tours and activities.
Use Electronic Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay eliminate counterfeit money risk and provide transaction records. Foreigners can now link these payment apps to a foreign credit card, no need for a Chinese bank account.
Travel Light on Documents: Carry photocopies of your passport for deposits. Keep the original in your hotel safe.
Learn Basic Phrases:
- 多少钱？(duō shao qián) – How much?
- 太贵了 (tài guì le) – Too expensive
- 请打表 (qǐng dǎ biǎo) – Please use the meter
- 不要 (bù yào) – Don’t want / No
Staying at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat: Your Scam-Free Base
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers honest, straightforward service without the tourist trap hassles. Located on the peaceful Yulong River away from West Street’s chaos, we provide:
- Transparent pricing – All rates clearly posted, no hidden fees. Our private cars cost about the same as a regular taxi.
- Honest activity booking – We help arrange tours at fair prices without commission
- Free bicycle use – No passport deposits, no scams, just bikes for our guests
- Local knowledge – We’ll tell you the real story about where to go and what to avoid
- Direct booking benefits – Book directly with us (no third-party markups) for the best rates
Our riverside location gives you access to Yangshuo’s beauty while keeping you away from the tourist scam hotspots.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Scams Ruin Yangshuo
Yes, tourist scams exist in Yangshuo. Yes, some practices can be frustrating. But understanding what to watch for transforms your experience from potentially stressful to genuinely enjoyable.
The karst mountains are still breathtaking. The countryside cycling is still magical. Most local people are wonderful. The Yulong River is still peaceful. Yangshuo remains worth visiting—you just need to navigate it wisely.
Stay aware, trust your instincts, book through reputable sources, and don’t let fear of scams prevent you from experiencing what makes Yangshuo special. Most interactions will be positive if you know what to watch for.
Travel Smart, Stay Safe. Book your Yangshuo stay at Mountain Retreat where honesty and transparency are our foundation—no scams, no commissions, just genuine hospitality and local expertise to help you navigate Yangshuo like a seasoned China traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yangshuo safe for tourists?
Yes, Yangshuo is generally safe in terms of violent crime or personal safety. The main issues are financial scams and overcharging rather than physical danger. Petty theft (pickpocketing, items stolen from bicycle baskets) does occur in crowded areas like West Street, so keep valuables secure. Overall, Yangshuo is as safe as any major tourist destination if you stay aware and follow basic precautions.
What are the most common scams in Yangshuo?
The most common scams in Yangshuo include: the tea house scam where friendly locals invite you for tea then charge ¥300-800, West Street price inflation (expect 100-500% markups), fake tour guides working on commission, taxi drivers who refuse to use meters, bicycle rental passport deposit scams, counterfeit money in change, and the “attraction is closed” redirect to commission-paying alternatives.
How much should I expect to pay for things in Yangshuo?
Fair 2025 prices include: bicycle rental ¥10-20/day for basic bikes, ¥20-50 for mountain bikes. Electric scooter rental ¥80-120/day. Taxi from bus station to West Street ¥15-20. Local restaurant meals ¥30-50 per person. West Street restaurants ¥80-150 per person. Yulong River bamboo rafting ¥160-320 depending on route length. Budget ¥100-200 per day for basic expenses outside accommodation.
Should I give my passport as a deposit for bicycle rental?
Absolutely not! Never give your passport as a deposit for bicycle rental or any other service in Yangshuo. This is a known scam where shops claim damage to the bike and refuse to return your passport until you pay ¥500-2000 in “repair fees.” Legitimate rental shops accept cash deposits (typically ¥200-500) or no deposit at all if you’re staying at their hostel. Your passport is too valuable to risk.
Are prices negotiable in Yangshuo?
Yes, almost everything except restaurant meals and official ticket prices is negotiable. Souvenirs, clothing, bicycle rentals, and some tour services expect bargaining. Initial prices quoted to foreigners are typically 200-500% above what locals pay. Start at 30-40% of the asking price and settle around 50-60%. Always be willing to walk away—the real price reveals itself when you’re leaving. Stay friendly during negotiations for better results.
How can I avoid the Yangshuo tea house scam?
Never follow anyone you just met to a tea house, bar, or restaurant, regardless of how friendly they seem. The scam starts with someone approaching you to “practice English,” then casually suggesting tea. If you want authentic Chinese tea culture, visit tea houses on your own terms, check prices before ordering, and choose places with posted price lists. Red flags include strangers initiating conversation in English and suggesting going somewhere together.
Is West Street worth visiting?
West Street is worth a brief walk-through to see Yangshuo’s main tourist area, especially at night when it’s lit up and lively. However, don’t expect authenticity—it’s extremely commercialized with overpriced restaurants, identical souvenir shops, and very loud nightclubs. For better food at half the price, try parallel streets like Shenshan Lu or Guihua Lu where locals actually eat. West Street is more “tourist theme park” than genuine cultural experience.
Can I use credit cards in Yangshuo or do I need cash?
Most places in Yangshuo now accept Alipay and WeChat Pay (mobile payment apps), but foreign credit cards have limited acceptance outside major hotels. You’ll need cash for bicycle rentals, street food, small restaurants, and markets. However, be aware of counterfeit money scams with cash transactions. If possible, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your credit card before arriving—this eliminates counterfeit risk and provides transaction records.
What should I do if I get scammed in Yangshuo?
If scammed, immediately document everything with photos and receipts. For serious issues, call 110 (police) or 12301 (national tourism hotline). For electronic payment disputes, use WeChat Pay or Alipay complaint functions. Post on Chinese social media (Weibo, Douyin) with hashtags like #黑店 (black shop) or #骗子 (scammer) and tag the location—public backlash pressures businesses. Leave detailed reviews on Trip.com and TripAdvisor. For losses over $500, contact your embassy for legal assistance resources.
How do I know if a tour guide is legitimate?
Legitimate tour guides have visible licenses, work for established companies with physical offices and online presence, and never approach you randomly at bus stations or tourist sites. They provide written quotes with company letterhead, accept electronic payment, and have verifiable reviews on platforms like Trip.com or TripAdvisor. Red flags include: approaching you unsolicited, offering suspiciously low prices, demanding cash only, rushing you to decide, or lacking company identification. Always book through your hotel or established platforms.