Just got back from Yangshuo, here's your must-read guide to avoid tourist traps!

Folks, I just returned from Yangshuo, and its beauty truly lives up to the hype—though the crowds are insane. To help you enjoy your Yangshuo trip, I've compiled some key tips to dodge the pitfalls! Yangshuo's attractions mainly cluster along the Li River and Yulong River areas. Xingping Ancient Town, the 20 RMB background scenery, and Xianggong Mountain belong to the Li River route; while Yulong River bamboo rafting, Ten-Mile Gallery, and West Street are part of the Yulong River route. **Itinerary Tips** • Day 1: Take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo to soak in the stunning Li River views. • Day 2: Experience bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, then cycle through Ten-Mile Gallery. **Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Guide** • Top pick: Shui’edi Dock → Comprehensive Dock (200 RMB/raft, 4 drops). This section offers breathtaking scenery in Ten-Mile Gallery. • Second choice: Jima Dock → Comprehensive Dock (320 RMB/raft, 9 drops). Equally stunning views. • Backup option: Xiatang Dock → Jima Dock (200 RMB/raft, 4 drops). *Pro tip:* Book raft tickets a day in advance at 8 PM sharp. If sold out, try buying onsite around 5 PM (mornings are crowded). Skip tipping the raft operators. **Transport** Rent an e-bike (bargain for ~20 RMB/day)—it’s the best way to explore compact Yangshuo. **Scenic Cycling Route** Ten-Mile Gallery (North Gate) → Gongnong Bridge → Big Banyan Tree → Moon Hill → Back to Gongnong Bridge → Yulong Water Rhythm → Jima Dock → Chaoyang Dam → Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion → Opposite Huayue Restaurant (photo spot: "Yangshuo" wooden hut & rice fields) → Guilin Romance Park **Other Pitfalls to Avoid** • Skip "Haruki Murakami & One Foot Rice Field"—overpriced coffee, crowds, and poor photo ops. • Start cycling after 4 PM: cooler temps + golden sunset views. • Avoid West Street: overcrowded and overly commercialized. • Always confirm prices before ordering to prevent scams (check group deals too). • Skip taxis: traffic jams and driver surcharges are common. • Midday break: Chill at a scenic café instead of braving the heat. • Ride safely—narrow roads and heavy traffic demand caution (and sunscreen!). • Beware of slippery, algae-covered riverbank paths—seriously hazardous! **Accommodation** Stay near Ten-Mile Gallery for tranquility and gorgeous surroundings. **Food Recs** • *Xie Sanjie’s Beer Fish:* Authentic Yangshuo dishes, including stellar beer fish. • *Qiongda Zaopo Cu:* Spicy-sour fermented broth perfect for seafood hotpot. • *Grandma’s Coconut Chicken:* Tender chicken in fragrant broth, elevated by dipping sauces. • *Guiba Mianmian Ice:* Creamy mango shaved ice—a summer lifesaver!