Boat Trip to Yangshou

Today, we took a boat to Yangshou. It's super popular to sail from Guilin to Yangshou. There are several types of boats to choose from: a private boat for four people costs 220 yuan per person, while a bamboo raft costs 120 yuan per person. This type of boat is quite small, but it's definitely preferable in the summer when the breeze is warm. A bamboo raft allows you to glide right up to the shore whenever you feel like it. There's also a closed boat that holds 150 people, which costs 360 yuan per person and includes a pretty decent Chinese lunch. Along the way, you get to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You pass by a mountain that looks like a woman with her child, gazing out for her husband. There are also two peaks that resemble cat ears. The most beautiful view of all is the painting featured on the back of the 20 yuan note. It shows a spot on the Li River where the mountains reflect in the water. Unfortunately, it doesn't look quite as stunning this time of year since the trees are lacking their green color, and the sun isn't shining down into the water. At this time of year, there's not enough water in the river to sail all the way to Yangshou. So, the boat stops in Xinping Town, from where we took a bus the rest of the way. Yangshou is beautifully situated by the Li River, with mountains visible from almost everywhere in the town. Right now, there aren't many tourists—you almost have to search for one! But in the summer, it’s a huge attraction. Even off-season, all the shops, restaurants, and bars are open, just waiting for guests to return with the sun in the spring. It's a great time to snag some good deals. A two-layer North Face jacket and a windbreaker from Mammut only cost 450 yuan. Of course, they’re copies, but the price is still really good! :o)