Favorite places for music, craft beer, cocktails and sports
Yangshuo’s nightlife isn’t the thumping club fest you might expect from Guilin—it’s more like a mellow jam session with the mountains as backup singers. With craft beer imports up 25% this year (thanks to eco-tourists shying away from mass brews), Yangshuo bars are leaning into sustainable local beverages. But the best? They’re tucked away from West Street’s neon chaos, where loud music and bright lights can be overwhelming. Ready to explore? Here are my top five.
The Groove
Located just off West Street, the Groove is the newest and coolest Yangshuo bar run by old friends 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, formerly Black Pepper, 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, the Bobcat IPA and a nice pale 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 outstanding 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 at the Li River end of 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. Mojo isn’t your average rooftop—it’s Yangshuo’s elevated heartbeat, with 360-degree panoramas of the Li River and karst spires. In 2025, their “Karst Cooler” (lychee gin fizz, ¥45) stole the show.
What sets it apart? The vibe: a mix of chill house beats and live acoustic sets that draw climbers fresh off the crags. Affordable Western pours (beers from ¥25) make it welcoming, but it’s the crowd—expats, artists, and river rafters swapping tales—that feels like family. One evening, I watched a group of Dutch hikers turn a quiet corner into an impromptu sing-along.
Sabrina’s pro tip: Arrive by 6 PM for the golden hour—start off with their truffle fries (¥30). If you’re basing at Mountain Retreat, it’s a 20-minute scooter ride. Skip if crowds aren’t your jam. 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 Bar
If riverside recovery is your love language, Demo’s your spot. Hugging the Li River’s edge, this open-air bistro-bar serves up thin-crust pizzas (beef and burrata, ¥65), baked on a wood-fired oven with views of fishing cormorants gliding by. Originally located on West Street, this jam bar has moved to Binjiang Lu, heading North along the river toward Longtou Shan. There is a quiz night on Thursdays, a jam band on Fridays or Saturdays and some of the best pizza among Yangshuo bars, as well as tacos or pasta (all under ¥50). 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. 2025 highlight: Their seasonal “River Rat IPA” collab with local brewers, clocking in at a very drinkable 5.5% ABV. Friendly owners, good music and reasonably priced, DEMO Yangshuo bar 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.
It’s foreign-friendly, with English menus and a playlist blending reggae and indie folk. Try their mojito as sunset turns the river into a misty dreamscape.
Killer Value: Brunch specials (avocado toast and Bloody Mary, ¥40) draw early birds. From our retreat, it’s an easy and scenic 20-minute scooter ride to the Li River.
TK Pub
This is an amzaing find! One of the few high quality taprooms in Yangshuo, this new bar (2025)located on Pantao Lu next to the Green Lotus Hotel has several high quality local craft beers on tap. Tip: go for the hazy NEIPA! 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 entrance on Pantao Lu just past Green Lotus Hotel. Sit out on the upstairs terrace and witness the chaos and ballet that is Yangshuo traffic.
Kaya Reggae Bar
Off West Street down the lantern-lined Xianqian Jie overlooking a canal next to Shuangyue Qiao (Double Moon Bridge), Kaya’s your bohemian bolt-hole that feels like it’s been here forever because it has. Bob Marley murals, rattan swings, and rum punches (pineapple-infused, ¥40) that sway like the river current. 2025 upgrade: Vegan bar bites (jackfruit tacos, ¥35) to match the chill island vibes.
Why it hooks? The soundtrack—live reggae Fridays draws a diverse crew for sunset jams. Feels like a secret society. Go midweek for quieter chats. It’s our grunge favorite.
BONUS LISTING: Lucy’s
Tucked off West Street’s frenzy at the top of Guihua Lu, Lucy’s is the hideaway you didn’t know you needed—think fairy lights, creaky rattan chairs, mismatched cushions, and a chalkboard menu of value craft cocktails. It’s more of a cafe than a bar, but everyone loves Lucy and her enduring charm. 2025 twist: They’ve added “Zero-Waste Nights,” where bar scraps become garnishes, nodding to Yangshuo’s eco ethos. Lucy is a warm and knowledgable host, running the cafe with her family for almost 20 years.
It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm: a neighborhood feel with homemade apple crumble (¥25) that melts like butter. The food is backpacker fare upgraded, and most travelers come here for a simple but hearty breakfast.
FAQ
What are the best bars in Yangshuo?
The best bars include The Groove (Chengbei Lu for local craft beer, cocktails and DJ music), DEMO (craft beer with river views on Binjiang Lu), TK Pub Taproom (wide beer selection, next to Green Lotus Hotel), and MOJO Rooftop (sunset cocktails at the top of West Street). Prices range from ¥35-50 for craft IPAs and cocktails.
Is West Street nightlife too crowded and touristy?
West Street can be very crowded with loud music and tourist-focused bars. For a more relaxed atmosphere, look for rooftop bars in side alleys like MOJO, on a backstreet like the Groove, or enjoy drinks with a stunning view at quieter spots like Yangshuo Mountain Retreat’s riverside garden bar away from the crowds.
Where can I find craft beer in Yangshuo?
The Groove, DEMO, and TK Pub all serve quality craft beers including IPAs, stouts, and local brews. Expect to pay ¥35-50 per pint. The Groove is particularly popular as a local hangout and TK Pub dominates the local craft brew scene for its rotating tap selection and knowledgeable local staff.
Are there bars with live music in Yangshuo?
DEMO hosts Saturday Jam Night with local and traveling musicians. The Groove occasionally features live bands, and several West Street bars have performances on weekends. Check schedules as they vary seasonally.
What time do bars close in Yangshuo?
Most bars on West Street stay open until midnight or later if busy. The Groove typically closes around midnight. Quieter neighborhood bars close around 11 PM. Hours may vary during peak tourist seasons and Chinese holidays.
See more about Yangshuo Bars here.