West Street (Xijie), located in the heart of Yangshuo County, Guangxi, is the vibrant epicenter of this picturesque town, renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and laid-back charm. Often called “Foreigner Street” due to its popularity among international travelers, this 517-meter-long, marble-paved thoroughfare is over 1,400 years old and serves as Yangshuo’s main hub for tourism, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks and the serene Li River, Xijie offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture, global influences, and modern vibrancy. This guide will help you plan a memorable visit to Yangshuo’s most iconic street.
A Travel Guide to Yangshuo Xijie
Why Visit Xijie?
Xijie is the cultural and social heartbeat of Yangshuo, offering a lively mix of ancient architecture, bustling markets, and cosmopolitan flair. The street is lined with historic buildings now housing cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops selling everything from local handicrafts to international cuisine. Its proximity to the Li River and attractions like Green Lotus Peak makes it an ideal base for exploring Yangshuo’s natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking street food, souvenirs, nightlife, or simply a place to soak in the atmosphere, Xijie delivers a dynamic experience that captures the essence of Yangshuo’s global appeal.
How to Get There
Yangshuo is about 65 km southeast of Guilin, the nearest major city with an airport and train connections. Xijie is centrally located in Yangshuo town, easily accessible once you arrive.
From Guilin to Yangshuo: By High-Speed Train: Take a bullet train from Guilin Station, Guilin North (Bei), or Guilin West (Xi) to Yangshuo Station (30–40 minutes, ¥20–30). From Yangshuo Station, a taxi or bus to Xijie takes about 15–20 minutes (¥20–30). By Bus: Express buses from Guilin’s main bus station or railway square to Yangshuo South Bus Station take 60–90 minutes (¥18–35). From the bus station, Xijie is a 5-minute walk or short taxi ride (¥10). By Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is 85 km from Yangshuo. Airport buses to Yangshuo run at scheduled times (e.g., 09:30, 13:30, 17:00) and take about 1.5 hours (¥50). Alternatively, a taxi costs ¥200–250.
Within Yangshuo: Xijie is pedestrian-only, but you can reach it by foot, bike, or motor tricycle from most parts of Yangshuo town. Renting a bike (¥10–20/day) is a popular way to explore the area. Taxis or Didi rides from Yangshuo Station or hotels cost ¥10–20.
Tip: Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use Baidu Maps or Apps like Trip.com for navigation, or rely on English-speaking staff at hostels for directions.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Mild weather (15–25°C) and blooming landscapes make this ideal for exploring Xijie and nearby attractions. Hotel prices are lower, but book early for deals. Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures (20–28°C), and the pomelo harvest add charm. November is particularly recommended for fewer crowds and vivid scenery.
Summer (June–August): Hot (30–35°C) and humid with frequent rain, but Xijie’s nightlife thrives. Avoid peak season (July–August) for fewer tourists and better prices. Winter (December–February): Cooler (5–15°C) and misty, offering a quieter experience. Some attractions may be less vibrant, but Xijie remains lively.
Crowd Tip: Xijie is busiest in the evenings, especially on weekends and during Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day in October). Visit in the morning for a calmer experience.
Tickets and Costs
Xijie itself is free to explore as a pedestrian street. However, nearby attractions or activities may have entry fees:
Li River Bamboo Rafting: ¥150–250 per person (book via hotels or agencies on Xijie). Impression Liu Sanjie Show: ¥150–400, depending on seat type. Book through hostels or Trip.com. Green Lotus Peak Climb: ¥30–50 for access to trails. Souvenirs and Food: Bargaining is common. Expect to spend ¥20–100 for snacks, ¥50–200 for meals, and ¥50–300 for handicrafts like batik or fans.
Tip: Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at night. Use WeChat or Alipay for payments, as cash is rarely used.
What to See and Do
Xijie is a compact street packed with activities, dining, and cultural experiences:
Shopping and Souvenirs: Browse stalls selling Miao batik fabrics, embroidered balls, painted fans, and silk scarves (¥100–300). The Miao batik technique, using wax and dyes to create vibrant patterns, is a highlight. Haggle politely—vendors expect it. Prices can often be reduced by 20–50%. Visit side alleys for quieter shops with unique crafts like calligraphy pens or fish baskets.
Dining and Street Food: Try beer fish, Yangshuo’s signature dish, made with carp, ginger, garlic, and local Liquan beer (¥50–100). Popular spots include Lucy’s Cafe or Mei Jie Beer Fish. Explore the night market for street food like fried tofu, rice noodles, grilled snails, or glutinous rice cakes (¥10–30). Be ready to point or use translation apps, as vendors may not speak English. For Western options, Xijie has Starbucks, KFC, and pizza joints, alongside cafes serving coffee and pancakes.
Nightlife: Xijie transforms at night with bars and clubs blasting music. Monkey Jane’s Cafe (now relocated to Pubutang village) and Showbiz Inn offer rooftop vibes with karst views. Enjoy live music or karaoke at bars along Xian Qian Lu or Guihua Lu. Drinks cost ¥20–50.
Cultural Experiences: Book a ticket for Impression Liu Sanjie, a spectacular outdoor show on the Li River, directed by Zhang Yimou. It celebrates Zhuang folklore with lights, music, and karst backdrops (1 hour, evening). Visit the Green Lotus Peak at the end of Xijie, a karst hill with a short climb to see cultural carvings and river views (¥30, 30–45 minutes). Arrange a cormorant fishing tour through Xijie hostels (¥50–70, 90 minutes) to see traditional fishermen and their birds on the Li River at dusk.
Nearby Attractions (Accessible from Xijie): Li River Cruise or Bamboo Rafting: Book through agencies on Xijie for a 4–6-hour cruise (¥400–500) or rafting on the Yulong River (¥150–250). Moon Hill: A 1-hour bike ride (8 km) or taxi (¥30) from Xijie, this hill with a moon-shaped hole offers stunning views (¥15 entry). Ten-Mile Gallery: Rent a bike on Xijie to cycle this scenic route with rice fields and karsts (free, 1–2 hours).
Where to Eat
Local Restaurants on Xijie: Cloud 9 Restaurant and Pure Lotus Vegetarian offer authentic Guangxi dishes like beer fish and rice noodles (¥50–100/meal). Cafes: Ryley’s Cafe serves Western breakfasts and coffee (¥30–60). Many cafes have English menus. Night Market Stalls: Affordable snacks like kumquat juice or roasted chestnuts (¥10–20). Bargain for better prices.
Tip: Avoid overpriced tourist traps by checking reviews on Trip.com or asking hostel staff for recommendations.
Where to Stay
Xijie is surrounded by accommodations for all budgets, from hostels to boutique hotels. Book early during peak seasons (July–October).
Budget: Yangshuo Sudder Street Guesthouse (¥80–150/night): A quiet hostel with a pool, free bike rentals, and a relaxed vibe, slightly outside Xijie. This Old Place Hostel (¥50–100/night): Central, with a rooftop terrace and helpful English-speaking staff.
Mid-Range: Rockabond Inn (¥150–300/night): Clean, near Xijie but quiet, ideal for families or couples. Tea Cozy Boutique Hotel (¥200–400/night): Charming, with karst views, 10 minutes from Xijie by bike.
Luxury: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (¥500–800/night): Riverside, eco-friendly, 15-minute taxi from Xijie, perfect for tranquility. Banyan Tree Yangshuo (¥1,000+/night): A 5-star resort with karst views, 20 minutes from Xijie.
Tip: Avoid hotels directly on Xijie if you prefer quiet nights, as bars can be noisy until late.
Tips for a Great Visit
Language Barrier: Many vendors and staff speak basic English, but carry a translation app (e.g., Pleco) for smoother interactions. Bargaining: Negotiate prices for souvenirs and tours, but be respectful. Start at 50% of the quoted price and settle around 70%.
Safety: Xijie is safe, but secure valuables in crowded areas. Use WeChat/Alipay for payments, as cash is uncommon. Weather Prep: Bring sunscreen and hats for summer, and light layers for winter’s cool mornings. Raincoats are handy in spring/summer.
Explore Beyond Xijie: Rent a bike or e-bike (¥20–50/day) to visit nearby villages, rice fields, or Yulong River for a quieter experience. Combine Your Trip: Pair Xijie with a Li River cruise, Xingping’s ancient town (30 minutes away), or Longji Rice Terraces (2.5 hours) for a fuller Guangxi adventure.
Final Thoughts
Yangshuo’s Xijie is more than just a street—it’s a vibrant gateway to one of China’s most breathtaking regions. From savoring beer fish to browsing Miao batik, watching cormorant fishermen, or simply soaking in the karst-lined atmosphere, Xijie offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Plan your visit for spring or autumn, embrace the lively crowds, and use Xijie as your base to explore Yangshuo’s natural wonders. Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Xijie’s charm will leave you enchanted.
Happy travels!
