A new life in China

Yangshuo by Chinese standards is a small town.
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I left Perth, Western Australia on a cold and stormy winters day.  After an overnight stop over in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia I arrived at Guanzhou, I was in China at last, I am now home.  From Guanzhou  I caught a connecting flight to Guilin then a one hour taxi trip to Yangshuo and my School.

My first impression of Yangshuo the morning after my arrival was of the awesome and iconic Karst mountains that surround the town.  I also discovered in my first few days here that Yangshuo is small and compact, particually by Chinese standards.  It only takes a short walk or bike ride and you are in spectacular countryside with rice paddies, rustic scenery and of course the mountains.

I was in China at last, I am now home

Karst mountains are everywhere.
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The main focus of Yangshuo amongst domestic and foreign tourists alike is Xi Jie or West Street.  West Street is a pedestrian mall of overpriced nick nacks, tacky souvenirs and knock off clothing.  The most important thing to do on West Street is bargain and believe me you have to bargain hard.  If you find the hassle of West Street too much a short 10 minute stroll will get you into the realm of every day China with saner prices and better service.  For example the local beer in Yangshuo, Liquan, will cost you at a normal locals shop away from Xi Jie Three Yuan, on West street the same beer will cost between 12 and 15 Yuan.

Just a short walk out of town you are amongst some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. You just can't take a bad photo in the countryside around Yangshuo.
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Of course the best thing about Yangshuo is the surrounding countryside and the Li and Yulong rivers, thats what most people love about this town.