Yangshuo Cycling Tour: 3 Scenic Routes Along the Yulong River
Discover the beautiful countryside around Yangshuo by bicycle on one of these scenic cycling routes. Ride through peaceful villages, rice paddies, bamboo groves, and dramatic karst landscapes while enjoying a closer look at local rural life.
Route A: Yangshuo / Big Banyan Tree / Moon Hill / Moon Hill Village / Fushan Temple / Yan Village / Tianjia River / Yangshuo
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Feature: Classic route featuring karst landscapes and rural scenery
Start from Yangshuo and cycle toward Lipu for approximately 20 minutes to reach Gongnong Bridge. From the bridge, enjoy beautiful views on both sides of the river. One of the distinctive karst formations is known as “Camel Crossing the River,” while nearby you can see the confluence of the Yulong and Jinbao Rivers.
Continue cycling for about 500 meters to reach the Big Banyan Tree. If you wish to enter the scenic area, an admission fee of approximately CNY 18 applies.
About 1 kilometer beyond the Big Banyan Tree is Moon Hill, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Yangshuo. Turn right and cycle to Moon Hill Village, where several local restaurants are available for lunch. The village is also an excellent place to enjoy views of Moon Hill.
After lunch, return to the main road and continue cycling past Fushan Temple. Cross a traditional stone arch bridge and arrive at Yan Village, where you can take a short break at a small local stall near the entrance.
Continue toward Tianjia River and explore the scenery around the riverside dam. In the late afternoon, the area becomes particularly peaceful, with gently flowing water, green fields, and small herds of water buffalo moving slowly through the countryside.
After enjoying the scenery, cycle back to Yangshuo.
Route B: Yangshuo / Gongnong Bridge / Riverside Villa / Yangshuo Sheng Di / Tongmenyan / Fenglou Village / Moon Hill / Big Banyan Tree / Yangshuo
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Feature: A scenic route centered around the Big Banyan Tree and Yulong River
Cycle from Yangshuo to Gongnong Bridge and turn right toward the Riverside Villa, a former pumping station that has been converted into a small hostel. The peaceful Yulong River flows directly in front of the villa, offering beautiful views of the steep-sided river valley.
Bamboo rafts can often be seen floating gently along the river, while simple riverside tables provide a pleasant place to stop for a cup of tea and enjoy the scenery.
Continue cycling along the right bank of the Yulong River, passing through bamboo forests and peaceful countryside until you reach Yangshuo Sheng Di, where you can stop for lunch.
After lunch, take a short bamboo raft ride across the river. Then continue by bicycle for approximately 1 kilometer to Tongmenyan, a popular rock-climbing area where you may see climbers from different parts of the world.
Turn left and cycle for another 500 meters or so to reach Fenglou Village, located behind Moon Hill. After exploring the village and surrounding countryside, return to Yangshuo County along the main road.
Route C: Yangshuo / Baisha / Yulong Bridge / Jiuxian Village / Xinglong Village / Jima / Gongnong Bridge / West Street / Yangshuo
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Feature: Enjoy beautiful scenery along the Yulong River
Begin your cycling tour from Yangshuo and follow the main road for approximately one hour to reach Baisha. Continue cycling for another 15 minutes until you reach the Yulong River, where you will see the historic Yulong Bridge spanning the river.
Yulong Bridge is an old single-arch stone bridge with a history of several centuries. Take a short break here and enjoy the peaceful river scenery before continuing your ride.
Cycle for approximately three hours toward Jiuxian Village, an ancient village with a history of more than 1,400 years. During your visit, you can explore historic sites such as the General’s Mansion and the Li Family Ancestral Hall.
After a break in Jiuxian, continue cycling toward the surrounding villages and countryside. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of rice paddies, green karst mountains, traditional villages, and water buffalo grazing in the fields.
Continue riding along the Yulong River, where you can enjoy views of the calm flowing water and graceful phoenix-tail bamboo. Cross Gongnong Bridge, then cycle for approximately 40 minutes to return to Yangshuo West Street, where your cycling tour ends.