How much do I want to go to Yangshuo?!
 

The mountains look incredible! http://www.iloho.com/landmarks/801-M.../pictures/1065

It's not easy to get there.

Wikitravel

Actually, it's VERY easy to get to Yangshuo. It's much harder to get up into the mountains that are well above the town.

The town of Yangshuo itself is extremely easy to get to by either bus (less than 2 hours trip) or river boat cruise (takes much of one day) from Guilin. And it's a bustling tourist destination, with many dozens of small hotels, and very tourist oriented shopping and dining all over the place. Li river cruises from Guilin to Yangshuo are one of China's major tourism destinations.

FYI, There are probably more counterfeit watches and leather goods sold in Yangshuo than anywhere else in China other than Hong Kong, Macau, Beijing and Shanghai.

We had a great time there. I was there this summer with my two daughters and husband. Stayed at a very basic guest house on the outskirts. We really enjoyed it but caution it is changing very fast and will barely be like its former self in not too long a time. Hong Kong to Guilin - 1 1/2 hours- very basic to get there.

I'd better get my skates on then! Thanks for the tips all.

While the pictures are beautiful, I think that this is better suited for discussion in the China forum.

sbm12
Moderator, Travel Photography

I would go to Guilin first. Schedule a boat trip for the next day down the Li River. That night take a night trip by boat around Guilin. There are many colored lights along the river it is very beautiful.

The next day, when cruising down the Li River look at the back of a 5 RMB bill.
I would stay the night at Yangshou. Tell the tour operator you want to get off at West st. That's where the hotels and shops are Bargain hard.
The next day a short walk to the bus station and you can go back to Guilin.
Note: no taxis in Yangshou when I was there a few years ago

correct, no taxis...either walk or ride on one of the many motorbikes that will offer you a ride....v cheap, but not for the faint hearted!

I read not to bother trying to spend time in Guilin, and I actually was able to get off my bus in Yangshuo without going to Guilin and backtracking. However, when done, I had to get to Guilin for my next bus...and I hated it after about 10 minutes. There may be some good areas, but from what I gathered in a couple of hours there: more touts, more pollution, less hills and scenery, and more crowded. It was almost as crappy as a lot of Beijing.

As for a taxi in Yangshuo...I don't know where anyone would take it. The bus station is walkable for most everyone...and sort of on the edge of town. I walked a lot around town, and aside from the main drag, there wasn't much for an outsider to do except leave town for exploring the countryside and rivers...and then you'd probably just want to ride a bike.

That link in the original post is of Moon Hill. When I was there it was a little wet at the top due to water dripping down from the top. So be careful and wear some shoes with good traction.

Also, its the 20 Yuan note that has the picture of Yang Shuo. I could never find the exact view that matched the picture on the note; I found some that were close but not an exact match.

Renting a bike in Yangshuo is a great wayto spend half a day. Some routes are evident in some of the tourist maps they sell. Getting out to the rice paddies is wonderful by bike. Also we did two rafting trips on bamboo rafts that were fantastic. I would stretch to at least two nights there. Guilin was awfull and the touristy boat on the river to Yangshuo is actually a must.

Is there any way to rent a motorcycle/scooter/moped in either Guilin or Yangshou?

Yes, they do have them in Yangshuo.

I noticed the moon hill when I opened it. I never got out there, but did some other stuff that was amazingly fun (sunset hot air balloon over the area).

The 20 Yuan was what I thought they were talking about. It is on the Li river, partway (1/3?) of the way from Yangshou to Guilin, looking towards Guilin. The big (motorized) river cruises go past it.

Do you need a special license or permit? I have a US driver's license.