Yangshou is one of the most popular destinations in China due to its riverboat tours, unique hilly landscape and countryside charm.
Here you can take a leisurely raft trip along the Li River among bamboo tree groves, mammoth sized Karst cliffs and rice fields.
These caves are popular for their unique limestone stalactites and stalagmites and are located 18km outside of the center.
Similar to the Li River, in this area you can either travel by the standard bamboo raft or cycle along the waterfront to pass through traditional farming villages.
This hill with the natural moon-shaped cut-out is a perfect spot to view the city of Yangshou from above.
Yangshou is the perfect place to learn martial arts from one of many good Tai Chi schools for foreigners in the region.
The best time to visit is during the spring after the rainy season, when the weather best accommodates bamboo rafts along the Yulong and Li Rivers.
The Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the nearest airport, with connections from other big Chinese cities. One way tickets from London cost roughly CNY4,000.
There are two train stations near Yangshou: Guilin and Xingping. Tickets from Shenzhen cost around CNY212 and the trip takes 3 hours.
The G4, S15 and S55 highways will bring you from Shenzhen in just under 5 hours.
Long-distance overnight buses from Shenzhen cost between CNY100-CNY250 and terminate in nearby Guilin.
The Xi Town Riverside Resort hotel is located right along the river with mountain views. Room rates start at CYN260.
Guilin - This area is the starting point for most tours as well as the area with most accommodation and restaurant options.
Liugong - Here you can explore the quaint old town, gate, houses and temple, with beautiful views to the mountains and excellent, locally sourced farmer food on offer.
Fuli - Every 3-4 days there is a huge farmers market held here comprising of crops from around the Yangshou region. It's a great place to shop and taste local cuisine.
Local buses serve some destinations but are generally unreliable. To explore the region, it's suggested that you either rent a bike or take one of the many guided tours in Yangshou.
Taxis in Yangshou are among some of the most expensive in the country, with a ride from 100 meters up to 2 miles costing around CYN25-CYN30.
Motorbikes and cars can be rented from some guesthouses, with daily prices starting at CYN120.
Many tourists shop for souvenirs and food at the local stalls along West Street or at the Night Market in Gui Hua Lu.
There are no chain supermarkets in the city, however, West Street is a great place to buy food from local farmers stalls. A dozen eggs costs around CYN12.
MeiJie Restaurant serves fresh-caught Li River fish cooked in the popular beer batter fashion. Meal prices start at CNY100 per person.