Yangshuo West Street
Yangshuo West Street, often dubbed the "Foreigner Street" of China, is a 1,400-year-old pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Yangshuo County, Guangxi. Blending Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture with modern global influences, it’s a vibrant hub where cobblestone lanes meet trendy cafes, art galleries, and bustling nightlife. A UNESCO-recognized cultural melting pot, West Street has inspired backpackers, artists, and foodies for decades, offering a unique fusion of Chinese tradition and international flair.
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.
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.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Что такое ночные мероприятия на Яншуо Уэст-стрит?
Яншуо Уэст-стрит оживает ночью! Не пропустите шумные ночные рынки, живые музыкальные выступления в местных барах и культовую прогулку по реке с фонарями. Для искателей приключений попробуйте ночной бамбуковый рафтинг на реке Ли.
Достаточно ли полудневного тура, чтобы исследовать Вест-стрит?
Полудневная экскурсия охватывает основные моменты, но для того, чтобы насладиться местными закусками, магазином ремесел и пообщаться с уличными художниками, рекомендуется полный день (или два).
Какие местные закуски стоит попробовать на Западной улице?
Не пропустите пивную рыбу Яншуо (пивной карп), рисовые торты османтуса и жареные речные улитки с базиликом. Чтобы быстро укусить, возьмите варенье, которое вы едите (мелкий блин) от уличного торговца.
Является ли ходьба или езда на велосипеде лучше для изучения Западной улицы?
Прогулка идеально подходит только для пешеходов на главной улице, но арендуйте электровелосипед (40-60 иен в день), чтобы исследовать окружающие деревни, такие как Джима или Фули. Всегда носите шлем и соблюдайте правила дорожного движения.
Семья на Вест Стрит дружелюбна? Какие мероприятия подходят детям?
Да! Дети любят кормить бакланных птиц на реке Ли, рисовать керамические сувениры в студии DIY Pottery и смотреть ночные кукольные шоу в Театре магии Яншуо.
