PICKS OF THE MONTH: CHINA Edition Part 1

TOWN: YANGSHUO

Yangshuo is a lovely little town in Southern China with some of the most extraordinary scenery I have ever seen. It is the China of yesteryear that we have dreamt about, with classic styled buildings, farmers picking rice, bamboo rafts floating down river and lush green limestone hills shooting out of the ground as far as the eye can see. It is part of the old world China that is quickly being replaced with 6 lane highways and skyscrapers. Allow yourself the pleasure of visiting this special place before it disappears.

Sightseeing: Hike and take a Li River cruise

By small raft which departs from the dock below the tourist market

It’s time to get up close and personal. Yangshuo is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in the world so what better way to see it than on foot. Hike up its most famous limestone mountain, half-moon peak, to get a great view of the landscape and to work off that extra serving of sweet and sour pork you took when no one was watching. And if you are lucky, and I can pretty much guarantee that you will be, a sweet and very enthusiastic Chinese woman will insist on leading you up the hill, carrying chilled drinks and a fan to keep you cool. She won’t take no for an answer so go with the flow and give her a few Yuan for her troubles at the end. It’s all part of the experience.

Another great way to experience the limestone peaks is on a relaxing cruise along the Li River on a traditional bamboo raft. It is a great way to lose the horde of tourists in town and you to enjoy the serene peacefulness of the limestone backdrop against the calm river. You will never want to leave the magical place!

Shopping: Explore the many shops on West Street and the nearby market by the Li River

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When you booked your trip to China everyone you know and their grandmother probably supplied you with a list of must-have items to bring back that they just had to have. Although Yangshuo is no big city, its stores sell almost anything you will be looking to buy. From silk, to leather goods, hello kitty cell phone accessories, chopstick sets and (I hate to encourage this but whatever) knock-off everything; you can buy it all here and for the same price as in any market in China. There are lots of little shops along this street, which comes to a crescendo in the evening. Just don’t forget to bargain, bargain, bargain! Although they may not look it, shopkeepers will respect you for it. Don’t pay more than a quarter of the starting price they give you and be nice but firm. And remember, if they can profitably sell it to you at your price, they will. It’s like playing a game – have fun!

Culture: “Impression on Sanjie Liu” theatre production

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangxi/yangshuo/impression-sanjieliu.htm

Now you say that you are more than happy eat Chinese food and shop all night long as your evening entertainment. After all, you are on vacation...it doesn’t count, right? You might even make brief appearance at the karaoke bar down the street. But did you know that there is a first class outdoor performance just on the other side of town. More specifically, it is a music, singing, dancing and lights show performed on water with the cascading hills lit up in the background. Created by the same man that is putting together the production of the Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing this August, this show took over 5 years to produce and has a cast of thousands. Like nothing you will have seen before, it will leave you amazed and exhilarated. Believe it.

Cafe: Sanpin Coffee Yangshuo Store

No. 9 West Street, Yangshuo (Old Town), sanpincoffee@163.com

After an afternoon of shopping or a big lunch it is nice to seek refuge in a calm, cozy coffee shop. My favourite is Sanpin Coffee on the main shopping street. They have a large selection of teas and coffee (I like the milky jasmine green tea), comfy chairs, friendly staff, internet access and, luxury of luxuries, a western toilet upstairs!

Restaurant: Try local cuisine in small side street restaurants

I have no specific recommendation for where to dine but I would suggest avoiding the larger, hipper looking places lining the main street and try a simpler looking restaurant on a side street instead. It might not look like much but the food will be authentic, better quality, dirt cheap and absolutely delicious - a real Chinese experience. If you are unsure, ask a local where to go.