Yangshuo West Street

Historical Overview

First established during the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE), West Street thrived as a trading post on the ancient tea Horse Road, linking Yunnan to Southeast Asia. By the Ming Dynasty, it became a haven for foreign missionaries, including Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci, who documented its multicultural charm. The 1980s saw a surge of Western travelers, earning it the nickname "Earth Village." Designated a "National Cultural Tourism Demonstration Street" in 2013, it now preserves historic buildings like the 1915-era "Yangshuo Hotel" while embracing global trends.

Structural Layout

The street follows a grid-like pattern with:

Central Spine: A 517-meter-long, 8-meter-wide pedestrian zone lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.

Historic Alleys: Branching lanes like "Diejia Lane" (Butterfly Alley) feature Ming-era residences with wooden eaves and stone carvings.

Key Gates: The East Gate (Dongmen) and West Gate (Ximen) mark the street’s entrances.

Water Features: Moon Hill Creek runs beneath, visible through glass floors in some cafes.

Supporting Structures: Ancient wells, temples (e.g., "Guanyin Temple"), and the 1937 "Yangshuo Post Office" building.

Major Attractions

Xijie Ancient Archway: The stone gateway at the East Gate, inscribed with "West Street" in Chinese and English.

Diejia Lane: A photogenic alley with butterfly murals and traditional Zhuang embroidery shops.

Café del Moon: A 1990s-era backpacker favorite known for live music and Western dishes.

Kali Mirror Maze: A quirky art installation with infinity mirrors and neon lights.

Yangshuo Cultural Center: Hosts calligraphy workshops, tea ceremonies, and minority dance performances.

Moon Hill Art Museum: Features contemporary paintings and sculptures by local and international artists.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery: The only Starbucks in China with a terrace overlooking karst peaks.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 Hours):

East Gate → Xijie Ancient Archway → Café del Moon → Diejia Lane → Yangshuo Cultural Center → West Gate

Highlights: Iconic landmarks, coffee, and local art.

Extended Route (4–5 Hours):

East Gate → Moon Hill Art Museum → Kali Mirror Maze → Starbucks Reserve → Bike Rental Shop (for Yulong River) → West Gate

Highlights: Art, caffeine, and a scenic bike ride.

Comprehensive Route (Full Day):

Morning: East Gate → Cultural Center (tea ceremony) → Diejia Lane (shopping).

Afternoon: Bike to Yulong River → Return for sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Evening: Night market (street food) → Live music at Café del Moon.

Highlights: Immersive cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and nightlife.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Free entry; book workshops (e.g., calligraphy) via Dianping or Meituan.

On-Site: Pay-as-you-go for food, drinks, and attractions.

Prices:

Cultural Workshops: ¥80–¥150 (tea ceremony, calligraphy).

Mirror Maze: ¥30.

Bike Rentals: ¥10–¥30/day.

Night Market Snacks: ¥5–¥30 per dish.

Transportation

Bus: From Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo (1.5 hours, ¥25), then walk 10 minutes.

High-Speed Train: Guilin North to Yangshuo Station (30 mins), then taxi (¥20).

Taxi: Direct from Guilin (¥150–¥200).

Local Transport:Electric Scooters: ¥10–¥15/hour (rent near East Gate).

Shuttle Buses: Free within Yangshuo County.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 8–10 PM (night market crowds); visit weekdays.

Crowds: Golden Week (October) and summer holidays are busiest.

Weather: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Avoid monsoons (June–July).

Essentials:

Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones can be slippery).

Bargain at street stalls (start at 50% of the asking price).

Try local specialties: Beer Fish, Osmanthus Cake, and Sticky Rice Balls.

Photography allowed (avoid flash in temples).

Prohibited items: Littering, smoking in non-designated areas.