Location:
In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southwest China, around 60km south of Guilin.

Population:
Around 300,000 inhabitants of Han, Zhuang, Yao, Miao, Hui and other ethnic groups.

History:
Established as a county in Shui Dynasty (AC 590).

Area:
Yangshuo County covers an area of 1,428 square km and has 20,000 hectares of land used for agricultural cultivation.

Physical features:
More than 20,000 limestone karst hills ranging from 100 to 300 meters rise from rice fields where Li River, Yulong River and Jinbao river nestle.

CLIMATE: Located in a subtropical zone, Yangshuo receives abundant rainfall from April to September with an annual average temperature at 19'c.

Tourism:
Most tourists still stay in Guilin, the well-known and expensive city. They only appear in Yangshuo for a short visit in the late afternoon after the famous Li river cruise. Otherwise Yangshuo remains untouched by mass tourists.

With clean, simple hotels, cheap restaurants and cafes, friendly English-speaking guides and waitresses as well as the leisurely atmosphere in Xijie, Yangshuo is a top destination for backpackers in China.
However parks and caves in the Yangshuo area charge stunning fees for entry: Big Baiyan Tree Park: Y18. Buddhism temple opposite Big Baiyan Tree Park: Y25; Buddha cave: Y80; Shangri-La Park: Y40. Moon Hill Park charges a moderate fee: Y9. These sites are mainly built to attract group tourists.

Backpackers can enjoy a more picturesque landscape in the countryside for free. See the TRAILS proposed by this site. Other tourist service: travel agency, money, post and telecommunications, check information at Yangshuo government site.