Yangshuo Cycling: 10-Mile Gallery Road

Yangshuo is a beautiful little town situated near Guilin, China, and is famous for its scenic Yangshuo cycling routes. While West Street is well known for its Western food and cafés, the real highlight is cycling in Yangshuo’s countryside, especially along the popular 10-Mile Gallery biking route. This flat, paved path is perfect for all levels, with plenty of opportunities to explore unpaved roads for a more adventurous Yangshuo bike tour. As you ride along Kangzhan Road, you’ll find several tourist spots—some with entrance fees—like the large Banyan tree (14 yuan when I went), but the main cycling route itself is free, allowing you to enjoy the best of Yangshuo by bike at your own pace.

How to Get to Yangshuo

Yangshuo is about an hour and a half car ride away from Guilin and is easily accessible by both train and bus that run frequently throughout the day. Another scenic option is to travel part of the way from Guilin to Yangshuo by cruise ship or bamboo raft along the Li River.

Guilin to Yangshuo

By Train: Guilin has three railway stations—Guilin Train Station (central), Guilin West, and Guilin North—offering high-speed trains to Yangshuo Train Station. The train journey takes about 25–30 minutes. Note that Yangshuo Train Station is actually closer to Xingping than to Yangshuo town itself, so you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for the remaining 25 kilometers to reach Yangshuo.
A high-speed rail ticket to Yangshuo costs around 24 yuan. From the train station, clearly marked buses are available to Yangshuo or Xingping, with tickets to Yangshuo costing about 10–15 yuan.

By Bus: Buses to Yangshuo depart frequently—about every 20 minutes—from Guilin South Bus Station. The ride takes around 2 hours and drops you at the Yangshuo Bus Station, which is about a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the popular Yangshuo West Street.
Ticket prices can vary, as fares are not always posted; for reference, I paid 35 yuan for a one-way trip from Yangshuo to Guilin.

Guilin South Bus Station is about 30 minutes by public bus from downtown Guilin Train Station and is served by several lines, including the K99 bus. All city buses in Guilin have a flat fare of 2 yuan. Alternatively, you can take a Guilin taxi directly to the South Bus Station for your trip to Yangshuo.

Note: There is now only one main Yangshuo Bus Station (formerly Yangshuo South Bus Station); the Yangshuo North Bus Station is no longer in use.

By Boat or Raft: For a more scenic journey, consider taking a Li River cruise or bamboo raft from Yangdi Pier to Xingping or Mural Hill. From these points, free shuttle buses or local buses can take you the rest of the way to Yangshuo. If you want to organize a river cruise or rafting experience, consult your hostel or hotel for the best options and prices, as costs vary depending on season, duration, and quality.

Xingping to Yangshuo

By Bus: Buses from Xingping Bus Station to Yangshuo depart every 15 minutes until 18:00. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around 10 yuan. You can simply board the bus and pay your fare directly to the driver, making it a convenient option for travelers exploring Yangshuo cycling routes or returning from a Li River adventure.

In Xingping area for a bit? Check out my post on doing this off-the-beaten-path hike. 

Renting a Bike in Yangshuo

To explore the best Yangshuo cycling routes, you’ll first need to rent a bike. Bike rentals are widely available throughout Yangshuo, especially around West Street, on Pantao Road, and along Kangzhan Road—though some shops may be tucked away in side alleys.

Bear in mind that Yangshuo is quite a sleepy town. I had been accustomed to getting up at around 8:00 a.m. while traveling and went to find a café  -- much to my amusement (and dismay), there was literally nothing open on West Street. I strolled around and couldn’t find a single bike rental spot, either. So, unless you like early morning walks (it was actually really nice to see a quiet, closed-up West Street), sleep in and look for a bike around 10:00 a.m. or so – you’ll have a lot more options to choose from. 

I rented a bike off of West Street for 40 yuan for the day, with a 200 yuan deposit. Like most places in China, you can pay by cash or by WeChat. For better deals, explore rental shops away from the main tourist area—bikes can often be found for around 30 yuan per day. I recommend renting a mountain bike if you plan to explore Yangshuo cycling routes that include gravel or unpaved roads, as it offers much better comfort and control for off-the-beaten-path adventures. Stick to a standard bike only if you’re sure you’ll stay on the paved 10-Mile Gallery biking route.

Getting to 10-Mile Gallery Road

While Kangzhan Road is the most popular and offers the most attractions, I highly recommend cycling the entire loop to enjoy both the lively and tranquil sides of Yangshuo bike routes.

The less-traveled section along the Yulong River is especially beautiful, passing through peaceful villages where you can stop for lunch or a break. Although the roads are generally well-marked, directions can be less obvious as you approach Jima Town. I suggest following the riverside path for a while, then backtracking to Jima and taking the clearly labeled left turn to return to Yangshuo. If you find yourself off the main route, simply check your phone’s map app—getting a little lost is part of the adventure when biking in Yangshuo!

Tips on Cycling Yangshuo

• Stop along Kangzhan Road

The main highlight in Yangshuo is truly the cycling itself, but there are plenty of attractions to enjoy along the way. As you explore the 10-Mile Gallery biking route, you’ll pass numerous scenic spots and points of interest on Kangzhan Road. For inspiration on what to do while cycling in Yangshuo, check out Travel China Guide's succinct list of places to see on the 10-Mile Gallery Road. 

• Go off the Main Road

For a more adventurous Yangshuo cycling experience, try exploring the unpaved dirt or gravel paths branching off the last stretch of Kangzhan Road. Most of these side routes loop back to the main road and some lead to charming small towns worth a visit. While biking in Yangshuo’s countryside, you may pass homes with unleashed dogs—just stay on the public path (I accidentally road onto a driveway once as it looked like the road to me) and they’ll usually ignore you, as both cyclists and walkers are a common sight.

• Stop at Local Stands

One of the best parts of cycling in Yangshuo is stopping at the many local stands along the bike routes. You’ll find numerous strawberry farms offering fresh strawberries—typically 20 yuan for 1 jin—which are a delicious treat during your ride. There are also stands selling real, locally produced honey; I picked up a bottle of orange blossom honey for 60 yuan and enjoyed sampling several varieties made from different flowers. Supporting these local vendors adds a unique and tasty highlight to your Yangshuo cycling adventure.

• Find a Town to Eat Lunch

As you explore Yangshuo cycling routes, consider venturing into nearby towns for lunch—these off-the-main-road options are often more affordable than those on Kangzhan Road. Qiqiushu Village is a great choice, offering beautiful views and several outdoor eateries where you can relax and enjoy the stunning karst mountain scenery during your biking adventure.

Conclusion: Experience the Best of Yangshuo by Bike

Cycling in Yangshuo is the perfect way to discover the region’s breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and unique local culture at your own pace. Whether you stick to the popular 10-Mile Gallery biking route or venture onto quieter country paths, Yangshuo offers endless opportunities for adventure and memorable experiences. No matter your route, biking in Yangshuo will leave you with lasting impressions of China’s natural beauty.

Next up: Check out these posts on nearby Guilin and Xingping:

Xingping to Shawan Hike

Best Hiking Spots in Guilin