Yangshuo is a place that invites exploration—its towering karst mountains, lush rice paddies, and lively streets create a perfect backdrop for memorable tours. Whether you want to watch a stunning performance, bike through countryside, or cruise along the Li River, Yangshuo offers a wide array of options. We especially enjoy the Impression Sanjie Liu Show for its breathtaking natural setting and vibrant storytelling, and the full-day private bike tour for those who love slow-paced, immersive experiences. With so many choices, you can tailor your trip to match your interests, fitness level, and time constraints.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 15 best tours in Yangshuo. From cultural spectacles to outdoor adventures, each offers unique ways to see and experience this stunning region.
1. Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket
Rated a perfect 5/5 by 32 reviews, the Impression Sanjie Liu Show is a must-see for its dramatic use of the natural landscape. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this show features 600 performers on a stage carved into the landscape itself, with performances cast against the surreal backdrop of Yangshuo’s limestone peaks. You can pre-book tickets for this 70-minute spectacle, with options for VIP and standard seats. Plus, upgrades for round-trip transfers from your Yangshuo hotel make it easy to enjoy without hassle. Guests love how the show combines visual effects, folk culture, and a lively atmosphere—”a great experience overall” says one reviewer. Perfect for families or anyone looking to see Yangshuo’s culture expressed through dance, music, and breathtaking scenery. Bottom line: An unforgettable way to end a day or kick off your visit.
2. Yangshuo Ruyi Peak & Round Way Cable Car Ticket
For around $55, the Ruyi Peak & Round Way Cable Car Ticket offers a scenic ride with spectacular views. The highlight is the 2.3 km cable car ride aboard advanced French equipment that whisks you over the mountains with panoramic views of the surrounding karst formations. The journey includes stops at the glass skywalk, love-ring bridge, cliff dwellings, and other scenic points, making it a comprehensive experience. Many reviewers mention how the cable ride delivers “fantastic views” and a thrilling experience, especially with the glass bridges and skywalks. The tour typically lasts about 2 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a love of landscapes. Bottom line: A scenic, activity-rich experience that feeds your camera and your sense of adventure.
3. Yangshuo/Guilin: Full- or Half-Day Xianggong Hill Sunrise
Rated 4.7/5 by 22 reviews, this sunrise tour to Xianggong Hill is perfect for early risers and photography lovers. The private tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the climb up Xianggong Mountain rewards you with a stunning view of the dawn light illuminating the sea of clouds and peaks. Many travelers praise guide Alonso for making the experience special. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day, the tour provides excellent opportunities to capture the region’s dramatic scenery at its most magical moment. With flexible start times, it fits easily into most itineraries. Bottom line: A photographer’s dream and a peaceful way to start your day in Yangshuo.
4. Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip
If you want a taste of local life along with your meal, this cooking class is a winner. For $35, you’ll meet an expert guide and explore Yangshuo’s lively market, selecting fresh ingredients like vegetables and live fish. Then, you join a hands-on class to prepare dishes like beer fish, a local specialty. Reviewers consistently mention how much fun and how delicious the experience is, with one saying, “Hans was punctual and knowledgeable.” After cooking, enjoy your creations with family tea, making it a cultural, culinary, and social highlight. It’s perfect for food lovers or those who want to learn how to cook authentic local dishes. Bottom line: A fun, tasty, and educational experience blending food and culture.
5. Half-day Tour: Largest Tea Plantation & Amazing Xianggong Hill
At number 5, this half-day tour combines a visit to the largest tea plantation with a trip to the stunning Xianggong Hill. For about $107, you get to try on a traditional Chinese reed hat, pick your own tea leaves, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. The tour also includes a walk up Xianggong Hill for panoramic views of the Li River valley. Many reviewers highlight the “spectacular scenery” and the opportunity to learn about tea-making customs. It’s an excellent option for travelers wanting a mix of culture and scenic beauty without the full-day commitment. Best suited for those interested in local agriculture and panoramic vistas. Bottom line: An enriching half-day experience with authentic cultural insights.
6. Yangshuo: Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket
Rated 4.5/5 from 28 reviews, this Impression Liusanjie Show offers a similar visual spectacle as the Sanjie Liu show but with its own unique flair. Priced at $47, it provides admission with optional private transfers. The show runs between 1 and 3 hours, featuring a mix of dance, folk culture, and impressive staging against the Li River backdrop. Reviewers praise the “incredible” production and the “helpful” guide who made the experience smooth. It’s a good choice if you want a shorter or more flexible evening entertainment option. Suitable for families and culture enthusiasts. Bottom line: A captivating evening performance that showcases Yangshuo’s folk traditions with stunning visuals.
7. Full-Day Private Biking Activity in Yangshuo
For lovers of active exploration, the full-day private bike tour is a standout. Costing around $99, it gets you off the beaten path, cycling through rice paddies, across ancient bridges, and past scenic villages. Tour guide David is known for sharing lesser-traveled paths and local stories, making it both an active and authentic experience. Many reviews mention how the ride allows you to discover Yangshuo’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace. It’s perfect for fit travelers wanting to see the countryside intimately and avoid overly touristy spots. The tour typically lasts 6 hours, including breaks. Bottom line: A great way to combine sightseeing and exercise, with plenty of local flavor.
8. Guilin: 1-Day Yangshuo Bird’s Eye View Mountains Private Tour
This private mountain view tour provides a quick yet comprehensive glance at Yangshuo’s most iconic sights without the climb. For $181, you’ll enjoy views from Xianggong Mountain and the exterior of Ruyi Peak, with stops at Moon Hill. The guide supports you in capturing photos of the landscape and learning about the region’s geology. Many travelers mention how the guide supports a “supportive and kind” experience, perfect for those short on time but eager for memorable vistas. Best suited for travelers who want scenic highlights with a private touch. Bottom line: An efficient, scenic overview for busy days.
9. Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo
Rated 4/5 by 49 reviews, this Li River cruise is a classic way to see Guangxi’s famous karst landscape. With options for 3-star or 4-star boats, you can enjoy a 4-hour cruise with a meal onboard—boxed lunch or buffet, depending on your choice. Travelers laud the “marvelous” scenery and relaxing atmosphere. The cruise is a great option for those who enjoy leisurely sightseeing from the water. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to combine with other activities. Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxing, scenic experience. Bottom line: A timeless way to enjoy Yangshuo’s spectacular scenery from the water.
10. Full-day Tour: Cycling, Rafting & Sanjie Liu Outdoor Water Theatre
Rated 5/5 from just 2 reviews, this full-day adventure is perfect for active travelers. It includes cycling through lush landscapes, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and watching the Sanjie Liu outdoor water theatre. The tour covers about 8 to 10 hours and costs $128. Reviewers mention how the activities “amaze with sound and lighting effects,” making it both exciting and visually stunning. The combination of outdoor adventure and cultural performance makes it ideal for those wanting a full day of diverse experiences. Bottom line: An all-in-one adventure for active, curious travelers.
11. 4 Day: Yangshuo and Guilin Private Tour from Yangshuo
For those with ample time, this 4-day private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region. Including stops at Guilin airport, Xianggong Hill, Yulong bamboo boat, Liusanjie show, and Elephant Hill, it provides a deep dive into culture, scenery, and history. The tour costs $480, but the personalized service and detailed itinerary ensure you won’t miss anything. Reviewers highlight how guides like Peter make the experience memorable with their support. Best suited for travelers seeking a fully customized, stress-free adventure. Bottom line: A luxury option for a thorough immersion into Yangshuo and Guilin.
12. Private Day Tour to Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo
This private full-day trip costs about $180 and takes you to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces. Starting early, you can hike or drive through terraced fields, viewing the “Stars & Moons” and “Dragons & Tigers.” It includes a visit to Ping’an Village for authentic local culture. Reviewers mention how guide Hans is “punctual and knowledgeable,” making the day both enjoyable and informative. It’s best for those interested in landscapes and ethnic minority villages, with a flexible schedule. Bottom line: A scenic, culturally rich day for nature lovers.
13. Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages
Rated 5/5, this tour offers a full day exploring rice terraces and minority villages, including the Zhuang and Yao cultures. Starting early, it includes hikes, cultural visits, and scenic viewpoints like “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers.” Reviewers appreciate the guide’s local knowledge and ability to customize. It’s perfect for those wanting a deep cultural experience alongside stunning landscapes. The tour lasts around 11.5 hours. Bottom line: A comprehensive cultural and scenic journey.
14. Guilin: Cave, Yulong Rafting, Glass-bottomed Skywalk & Show
This full-day private tour combines natural wonders and cultural entertainment. Highlights include the Reed Flute Cave, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and the Impression Liu Sanjie Show. For $101, you get a personalized experience with a private driver-guide. Travelers comment on the “breathtaking” glass skywalk and the stunning cave formations. It’s a great choice for groups or families who want a mix of adventure and spectacle. The detailed itinerary ensures you see the region’s highlights comfortably. Bottom line: An immersive day of natural beauty and cultural entertainment.
15. Yangshuo Classic Private Day Tour
Our final pick offers a full-day private tour for about $106.25. It includes biking past villages and rice paddies, visiting West Street, and possibly taking a bamboo raft cruise along the Li River (own expense). Many reviewers mention how guide David introduces lesser-known spots and shares local stories, making it authentic and memorable. It’s suitable for travelers who want a flexible, active day with personalized attention. The tour lasts around 8 hours and offers an excellent way to see Yangshuo’s countryside at your own pace. Bottom line: A customizable, active day perfect for curious explorers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Yangshuo Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love spectacular shows and cultural performances, the Impression Sanjie Liu Show or the Liusanjie Show will impress. For outdoor lovers, the full-day biking or Li River cruise offer immersive scenery, while photographers might prefer the sunrise tour to Xianggong Hill. Those interested in local culture and agriculture should check out the tea plantation or cooking class. Remember to book early, especially for popular shows or tours during peak season, to secure your spot.
Yangshuo offers a stunning variety of tours, from breathtaking performances to active adventures and cultural immersions. Whether you want a luxury private tour or a budget-friendly group experience, there’s something for all. For the best experience, match your choice to your travel style and interests, and don’t forget to reserve ahead—these tours fill up fast. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and start looking forward to your trip.