One of the best weekends ever

by Kevin Lapin
(New York, NY)

I've been to China several times for business and each time have managed to do a little tourism. Of all the places I've been, Shanghai, Beijing, Huangshan, Hangzhou, the Wall, Yangshuo is probably the most amazing. It's a great weekend retreat and one could probably spend at least a week there exploring. I certainly plan on going back.

A couple of suggestions:

1. Skip Guilin and jump right on a river boat to Yangshuo. It takes about 4 hours and may be a little crowded, but you'll get some great views (you can take the cheap buses when you go back).

2. Book a bicycle tour with Bike Asia (http://www.bikeasia.com/yangshuo/). You'll find them at Bar 98. We booked a day of riding with Will who was great. He knows the area and will take you on paths (through rice paddies etc.) that will keep you away from the tourist throngs and give you an amazing day. If you book a local (and slightly cheaper) tour you will end up with junky bikes and not really getting off the main roads and main spots.

3. When you take a "bamboo" ride, which is kind of a must and really nice, ask the driver to pull over when he gets up the river so you can spend some time splashing around in the lake. In Sep. of 2008 a 40 minute ride cost 40 RMB and you can offer them an extra 20 or something to go a little further and/or stop for a while.