Tag: Trains from Guilin to Yangshuo

Your 2026 month-by-month guide to seasonal information

Based on 25 years of Yangshuo Mountain Retreat guest feedback and our wealth of local knowledge, each season in Yangshuo offers different experiences and challenges. Our insider’s guide breaks down what to expect each month, For detailed temperature and rainfall data, visit our complete Yangshuo weather page.

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January: Mystical Mist & Solitude

Temperature: 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Crowds: Very Low
Best For: Photography, hiking, biking

January brings misty mornings that swirl around the karst peaks—absolutely magical for photographers. Yes, it’s cold (especially at night, down to single digits), but crisp, clear days are perfect for outdoor activities without the summer heat and humidity. We light our hearth daily and serve mulled wine to warm guests after river walks.

Insider Tip: Pack layers! Days can reach 18°C in the sun, but mornings are chilly. This is our quietest month, meaning lower prices and the trails to yourself. Have a waterproof shell for drizzly days.

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February-March: Perfect Climbing Weather

Temperature: 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Crowds: Low (except during Chinese New Year/Spring Festival)
Best For: Rock climbing, bamboo rafting, cycling

February and March offer ideal conditions for rock climbing—dry, cool weather with low humidity. The Yulong River flows slowly, making bamboo rafting peaceful and less crowded, (but also slower)! Rice fields begin flooding in late March, preparation for planting, creating mirror-like reflections of the mountains, especially in the Longsheng Rice Terraces.

Festival Alert: Chinese New Year (late January/early February) brings higher prices and crowds. Book well in advance or avoid this week entirely.

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April: Blooming Beauty

Temperature: 18-25°C (64-77°F)
Crowds: Moderate
Best For: Cycling, photography, all outdoor activities

April is arguably Yangshuo’s most beautiful month. Flowers bloom everywhere, temperatures are comfortable, and the landscape explodes with green. It’s before the heavy rains and heat of summer, making it perfect for exploring by bike. At Mountain Retreat, we see guests spending full days cycling to Moon Hill, the Ten Mile Gallery footpath, and ancient villages like Jiuxian.

Book Ahead: Qingming Festival (early April) drives prices up slightly and fills hotels.

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May: Pre-Summer Rush

Temperature: 22-30°C (72-86°F)
Crowds: HIGH (especially during May Day, May 1-5)
Best For: River activities, early morning hikes

May starts warm and gets hot quickly. Labor Day holiday (first week of May) is one of China’s busiest travel periods—expect crowds and premium prices. After May 5th, things calm down, but humidity begins climbing alongside temperatures.

Insider Tip: If visiting in May, come after the 7th. You’ll save money and avoid the holiday crowds while still enjoying mostly pleasant weather.

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June: Rain Arrives

Temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Crowds: Moderate
Best For: Cave exploration, indoor activities

Before the start of Summer school holiday, June marks the real start of rainy season. Humidity hits 100%, and afternoon thunderstorms become regular. The upside? Fewer tourists and the landscape is lush and vibrant. Swimming in the Yulong River or exploring cool caves becomes essential.

Skip If: You’re planning extensive hiking or don’t handle humidity well. Bring quick-dry clothing for outdoor adventures, which are best when humid days make dry laundry more challenging.

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July-August: Peak Season Heat

Temperature: 28-35°C (82-95°F)
Crowds: VERY HIGH
Best For: Swimming, cave adventures, air-conditioned cafés

Our busiest months. Chinese summer holidays bring families from across Asia, and temperatures soar into the mid-30s with steamy humidity. At Mountain Retreat, guests spend mornings on activities and afternoons in our waterfall pool or under the shade of our osmanthus trees by the Yulong River. The air conditioning runs constantly, and cold beers sell out daily.

Real Talk: If you have flexibility, avoid July-August. It’s hot, crowded, and expensive. But if you must come, book months in advance and embrace the heat with water activities.

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September: Transition Month

Temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Crowds: Moderate (except Mid-Autumn Festival)
Best For: Post-rain landscapes, outdoor activities resume

Early September still feels like summer—hot and humid. But by mid-month, things begin cooling down. The Mid-Autumn Festival (usually mid-September) brings another price spike and crowds, but the full moon celebrations are beautiful.

Insider Tip: Late September is underrated. Weather improves, crowds thin, and the countryside is stunning after months of rain. Be careful if your late September booking runs into the first week of October and the chaos that is Chinese National Day “Golden Week” (October 1-7).

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October: Peak Season Returns

Temperature: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Crowds: HIGH (especially first week, National Day)
Best For: Hiking, cycling, rock climbing, all outdoor activities

October is Yangshuo’s second peak season, and for good reason—the weather is nearly perfect. National Day holiday (October 1-7) brings massive crowds and top prices. After October 7th, weather remains excellent but crowds ease significantly.

Local Secret: Late October is when serious climbers arrive. Cool, dry conditions make it the best climbing month of the year.

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November-December: Hidden Gem Season

Temperature: 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Crowds: Very Low
Best For: Everything—without the crowds!

Here’s where I’ll be blunt: November and December are Yangshuo’s best-kept secret. The weather is crisp and comfortable, rock climbing conditions are perfect, bamboo rafting is peaceful, and hiking is ideal. Yes, you’ll need a jacket for mornings and evenings (nights drop to 5-8°C), but daytime temperatures reach 15-20°C in the sun.

At Mountain Retreat, we light our hearth daily, serve mulled wine, and offer our lowest prices of the year. The landscape may not be as green as summer, but the clear air, stunning light for photography, and empty trails more than compensate. Some days can be drizzly, but plenty are crisp and clear.

Why Visit Now:

• 30-40% lower accommodation prices
• No crowds at scenic spots
• Perfect hiking/biking/climbing weather
• Cozy atmosphere at hotels (hearths, warm drinks, comfort food)
• Best photography light of the year
• Bamboo rafting without queues

What to Pack: Layers! Thermal base layers for mornings, but you’ll strip down by midday. Rain jacket is a must for occasional drizzle.

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Quick Reference: When to Visit by Interest

Rock Climbing: Late October-November, February-March
Cycling/Hiking: October-December, March-April
Photography: November-January (mist and clear light), April (blooms)
Swimming/Water Activities: May-September
Bamboo Rafting: November-March (slower river, fewer people)
Budget Travel: November-February (excluding Chinese New Year)
Avoiding Crowds: November-February (excluding Chinese New Year), June, September

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Festivals That Impact Prices & Availability

• Chinese New Year/Spring Festival: Late January or early February
• Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival: Early April
• May Day (Labor Day): May 1-5
• Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwujie): Late May/June
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Mid-September
• National Day: October 1-7

During these periods, expect 50-100% price increases and hotels booking out months in advance. Be advised, Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and other folk holidays fall on different days each year. Look ahead to get the days you want to avoid holiday crowds.

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Final Recommendation from 24 Years of Hosting

If you have flexibility, come in November, early December, late March, or April. You’ll experience Yangshuo at its best—comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and authentic local experiences.

If you must travel during peak season (July-August, October), book 2-3 months ahead and embrace the energy of high season. Just know what you’re getting into.

For detailed weather statistics and what to pack, visit our Yangshuo weather page.

FAQ

What is the best month to visit Yangshuo?

October and November offer the best combination of weather and experience. October has perfect temperatures (18-28°C) but crowds during National Day (Oct 1-7). November has similar weather with far fewer tourists and 30-40% lower prices. For rock climbing specifically, late October through November is ideal.

What’s the weather like in Yangshuo in winter?

Winter (November-February) is cool and comfortable for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures reach 12-20°C, perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing. Nights drop to 5-10°C, so pack layers. November and December have the clearest skies of the year, though January can be misty (great for photography). Rain is minimal compared to summer.

When should I avoid visiting Yangshuo?

Avoid July-August if you dislike extreme heat and humidity (28-35°C with 100% humidity) or crowds. Also skip National Day week (Oct 1-7), May Day week (May 1-5), and Chinese New Year if you want lower prices and availability. These periods see 50-100% price increases.

Is Yangshuo too hot in summer?

Summer (July-August) is very hot and humid. Temperatures reach 28-35°C with near-100% humidity and regular afternoon thunderstorms. Most visitors spend mornings on activities and afternoons swimming or in air-conditioned spaces. If you can’t handle heat and humidity, visit in spring (March-May) or autumn (October-November) instead.

When is rock climbing season in Yangshuo?

Peak climbing season is late October through November and again in February-March. These months offer cool, dry conditions (15-25°C) with low humidity. Summer (June-September) is too hot and humid, while winter can be chilly but still climbable for dedicated climbers.

Does it rain a lot in Yangshuo?

Rainy season runs from mid June through early September, with June being the wettest month. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and 100% humidity. Spring (March-May) has occasional rain but mostly sunny days. November through February is the dry season with minimal rain and clear skies—best for outdoor activities.

When is the cheapest time to visit Yangshuo?

November through February (excluding Chinese New Year week in late January/early February) offers the lowest prices—typically 30-40% cheaper than peak season. June and September also have moderate prices with fewer crowds. Avoid major Chinese holidays (May Day, National Day, Chinese New Year) when prices double.

What should I pack for Yangshuo in autumn?

The Ten Mile Gallery runs 14km along the Yulong River from Gongnong Bridge to Yulong Bridge. From Yangshuo Town, take Kangzhang Lu and turn right before Gongnong Bridge. The route passes through scenic villages like Chaolong, Xiatang, and Jiuxian, ending at Yulong Bridge Scenic Area with its riverside restaurant and evening dragon boat lantern show.

For autumn (October-November), pack layers: light long sleeves for daytime, a warm fleece or jacket for mornings/evenings, and comfortable clothes for outdoor activities. November gets cooler (12-20°C), so bring thermal layers for early mornings. Always pack a light rain jacket year-round.

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See more about Yangshuo Weather here.

Your complete transportation guide to insider routes, rates and tips from locals

Getting around Yangshuo is easier than ever in 2026 with the abundance of ebikes, scooters, and ride hailing apps. Here are our top recommendations based on Yangshuo Mountain Retreat’s most common guest queries.

How to get to Moon Hill

Moon Hill is located opposite Yangshuo VIllage Inn in Li Cun (Li Village or Moon Hill Village). There is a ticket price of 13 yuan for locals, but the foreigner price is 20. If you have a student card or resident visa you can show them and try for the local price, especially if you are friendly, polite and speak a little Chinese. As of December 2025, the park has been closed due to an unresolved conflict between the County Government and a private tourism company that ran the park for a few years. Check with Yangshuo Mountain Retreat reception to see if it’s resolved when you visit.

Getting There: Follow Kangzhang Lu out of town if you are on a scooter or bike for 7.5km, past the Gonnong Bridge and Fenglou Village anout 500m. The Moon Hill park entrance is just opposite and down the road 200m from Li Cun and Yangshuo Village Inn.

Getting to Xingping from Yangshuo

You can take a taxi or Didi from town for 45 minutes or 29km. The price varies but should be between 70-100 RMB depending on point of departure. Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers a private car half-day round trip for 250 RMB, including a photo opportunity of the famour 20 yuan note mountain and a motorized boat trip on the Li River. Departure times are flexible. The Xingping old town is worth an hour or two wandering around and having a coffee. Note that the route to Xingping is mostly busy motorway and not recommended by bike. Travel by scooter is possible but a car is by far the best option.

How to get to Liusanjie

By car from town or Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, the Liu Sanjie show (opposite Mushan Village on Tianyuan Lu) is about the same distance of 4km and 15 minutes drive. Mountain Retreat offers private round-trip cars for 110 for a sedan, 150 for a van. A didi will cost 30 yuan each way. The crowds at this show are enormous (over 1,000 people) and it may be difficult for cars to get in and out for pickup and dropoff, so it’s recommended to have our hotel car and driver drop you and wait for you.

How to get to the Li River in Yangshuo?

Yangshuo is a rural county but the town of Yangshuo sits along the Li River, with access to riverboats from Guilin. There are some hotels set back above the Li River across from the town or upriver a few kilometers, but to get to the Li River from Yangshuo, just walk up West Street (the main pedestrian street in Yangshuo) until you come to Binjiang Lu. Binjiang Lu, which runs along the Yangshuo Town side of the Li River, is also accessible from Die Cui Lu, a busy commercial street with banks, personal care shops and small food outlets. Not far fro here you’ll find our favorite places such as The Groove See our Yangshuo Bars post or Yangshuo bars website page) and Ganga Impression Indian Cuisine. See our Yangshuo Restaurants post or Yangshuo Restaurants website page.

Also upriver 500m from the junction of Diecui Lu and Binjiang Lu is our favorite pizza and craft beer spot DEMO, with views of the river from their deck. Keep going another 2km up river and you will reach the Li River Resort, perched high on an embankment.

Can I bike to Moon Hill from Yangshuo?

Moon Hill Yangshuo is easily accessible by bike, just 8km from Yangshuo Town or or 3.5km from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat. From town it’s 40 minutes by bike, but from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat there are back roads through scenic Fenglou Village that make the trip just 20 minutes by bike or 45 minutes pleasant walking. The park is on the old 321 National Road, which is busy but has bike lanes. A scooter or ebike is faster and can rented at Mountain Retreat.

Where can I rent a bike in Yangshuo?

Bikes are available at most hotels and at Bike Asia as part of their tours. Bike rental is complementary at Yangshuo Mountain Reteat and we have the newest ebikes available as well as electric scooters for guests. Check out bike and scooter rentals along Pantao Lu, just down Die Cui Lu from Yangshuo Park. Guests of Yangshuo Village Inn also have access to complimentary bike rental.

How do I get to 10-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo?

Yangshuo 10-Mile Gallery lies along the Yulong River from Gongnong Bridge also called “Lansheng Qiao”to the Yulong Bridge, almost 14km in total distance. Entering from Yangshuo Town along Kangzhang Lu (old 321 National Road), turn right just before the Gongnong Bridge toward Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, which is 1.5km up the road. From the Mountain Retreat you have the option to follow a footpath along the Yulnog River (recommended for scenery) or continue on the main road. Follow either up river with stops in Chaolong Village, the park near Xiatang Village, Jiuxian Village where you will also find the Secret Garden guesthouse, listed on our Yangshuo Hotels post. From here, carry on upriver to Xianggu Qiao, an ancient bridge, and another 4km to the Yulong Bridge Scenic area, which has a nice riverside restaurant on the opposite side of the river. In the evenings there is a dragon boat lantern show.

FAQ

How do I get to Moon Hill from Yangshuo?

Moon Hill is 8km from Yangshuo Town, accessible by bike (40 minutes) or scooter. Follow Kangzhang Lu past Gongnong Bridge and Fenglou Village for 7.5km. The park entrance is opposite Yangshuo Village Inn. Note: As of December 2025, the park is closed due to a lawsuit – check with local hotels for updates.

How do I get to Xingping from Yangshuo?

Xingping is 29km from Yangshuo, best reached by taxi or Didi (70-100 RMB, 45 minutes). The route is busy motorway, not recommended for bikes. Private car services offer half-day round trips including the famous 20 yuan note photo spot and Li River boat trip.

How do I get to Impression Liu Sanjie from Yangshuo?

The Liu Sanjie show is 4km from Yangshuo town (15 minutes by car). A Didi costs about 30 yuan each way. Due to large crowds (1,000+ people), having a private car wait for you is recommended as pickups can be difficult.

How do I get to the Li River from Yangshuo?

The Li River runs through Yangshuo town. From West Street, walk north until you reach Binjiang Lu, which runs along the river. You can also access the river via Die Cui Lu. Popular riverside spots include The Groove bar, DEMO craft beer restaurant (2km upriver), and Li River Resort.

Can I bike to Moon Hill from Yangshuo?

Sure! Moon Hill is easily accessible by bike – 8km from Yangshuo Town (40 minutes) with bike lanes on the old 321 National Road. From nearby guesthouses like Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, scenic back roads through Fenglou Village make it just a 20-minute ride.

Where can I rent a bike in Yangshuo?

Bikes are available at most hotels in Yangshuo, including complimentary rentals at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat and Yangshuo Village Inn. You’ll also find bike and scooter rentals along Pantao Lu (off Die Cui Lu near Yangshuo Park), and through Bike Asia tours.

How do I get to the Yulong River from Yangshuo?

The Yulong River is 4.7km southwest of Yangshuo Town on back roads – an easy 20-minute bike ride to Jima Village. By car, take Pantao Lu to Kangzhang Lu (5.7km, 15 minutes) to Gongnong Bridge, then turn right and follow the river road. The scenic 13km riverwalk path begins at various access points along the route.

How do I get to Ten Mile Gallery from Yangshuo?

The Ten Mile Gallery runs 14km along the Yulong River from Gongnong Bridge to Yulong Bridge. From Yangshuo Town, take Kangzhang Lu and turn right before Gongnong Bridge. The route passes through scenic villages like Chaolong, Xiatang, and Jiuxian, ending at Yulong Bridge Scenic Area with its riverside restaurant and evening dragon boat lantern show.

See more about Things to Do in Yangshuo here.