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. The extensive riverside garden is perfect for weddings and other special events. 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 environmentally responsible and 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.
Xingping Autumn Inn
For those wishing to spend a night in Xingping Town, this is the best value option. Located in the middle of the old town in a traditional shophouse building, the Autumn Inn offers simple guesthouse accommodation with a nice western breakfast. The owner Rachel is an excellent host and can provide helpful inside travel information for guests.
Yangshuo Village Inn
Built in 2007, Yangshuo Village Inn is an actual homestay, with the family owners staying in the attached building. The sisters who co-manage, Gloria and Little Fish, are experts in the area and have a combined 30 years experience running local hotels. The Village Inn overlooks Moon Hill, with an easy 10 minute walk to the park entrance. There is a rooftop restaurant, Luna, serving Italian and local cuisine. Behind Village Inn is The Farmhouse, refurbished from an original mud brick barn-style local house in 2008. It features five traditional guestrooms with modern amenities, including heat and A/C. This authentic property, with an ancient pomelo tree garden as it’s outdoor dining area and cooking school, is the best value accommodation in Yangshuo. #26 Li Cun Moon Hill Village, Gaotian Town, Yangshuo.
Li River Resort
Just a 20 minute walk from the top of West Street, The Li River Retreat is Australian-owned and locally run. It offers excellent views from high above the Li River. The restaurant features Chinese and western favorites. This hotel was completely rebuilt in 2016, so it offers more updated amenities than most Yangshuo hotels. There is a nice swimming pool in front, which is great for families with children. For guests who want to be closer to town, the Li River Retreat is a great choice. Find the resort here.
Secret Garden Hotel
One of the best examples of traditional house restoration as a repurposed guesthouse, the Yangshuo Secret Garden has been copied by many but it is still the best place for guests who want an authentic Yangshuo countryside living experience. The rooms are rustic but clean and comfortable. Make your way upthe wooden staircase to the sheltered teahouse built on a sheer limestone wall and gaze over the paddy fields and mountains across the way. The food is very good and service is friendly. It’s a perfect place to bicycle to and enjoy lunch or a coffee. Find it in the heart of Jiuxian Village, just up from the bamboo raft jetty at Yulong Bridge.
Aroma Tea House Hotel Guilin
Perfectly situated on the park around Rongshanhu Lake scenic area, the Tea Aroma offers easy access to the city in a secluded quiet location. The street nearby features lively craft beer bars and small restaurants. It’s a perfect place to stroll around the lake. In the evenings there are groups of older people singing songs and practicing traditional dance. There is a glassed-in rooftop breakfast area with beautiful views. Breakfast is buffet-style and is included with the room price, but best to check for details. The staff are very friendly and English-speaking. Rooms are immaculate and Chinese traditional style with excellent amenities. Wumei Rd, just off Xinyi Rd.
FAQ
What are the best riverside hotels in Yangshuo?
The best riverside hotels in Yangshuo include Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (direct Yulong River access with karst views from $65/night), Li River Resort (swimming pool, closer to West Street), and Banyan Tree Yangshuo (high-end luxury villas with riverfront pools). Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is located in the scenic 10 Mile Gallery and offers complimentary bicycles and eco-friendly rooms for an authentic riverside escape.
What are the best family-friendly hotels in Yangshuo?
Top family-friendly hotels include Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (playground, spacious rooms for 4, from $65/night), Yangshuo Resort (river views), and Yangshuo Yuyuan Resort (children’s activities). Yangshuo Mountain Retreat provides free bikes, a children’s playground and a safe riverside path perfect for family adventures.
Where should I stay in Yangshuo for the best views?
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers stunning 360° karst mountain and Yulong River views from $65/night, Banyan Tree Yangshuo features limestone peaks from high-end luxury suites, and Zen Garden provides bamboo forest panoramas, far from town. Mountain Retreat’s riverside location includes riverside access and a direct 10km walking path with breathtaking scenery.
How far is Yangshuo Mountain Retreat from West Street?
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is located about 20 minutes from West Street in the peaceful countryside along the Yulong River. We offer complimentary bicycles for the scenic ride and can arrange transportation if needed.
What makes Yangshuo Mountain Retreat different from other hotels?
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Yangshuo and offers direct Yulong River access, complimentary breakfast with riverside garden views, free bicycle rentals, spacious family rooms, a children’s playground, and an organic restaurant. Located in the 10 Mile Gallery scenic area, it combines comfort with authentic countryside experiences away from tourist crowds.