A Foodie’s Guide to Yangshuo: 3-Day Itinerary

Yangshuo, nestled in the heart of Guangxi’s karst mountains, is a dream destination for travelers who crave stunning landscapes and unforgettable food. This 3-day itinerary is designed for food lovers who want to explore the best local flavors while soaking in the region’s natural beauty. From street food stalls to riverside restaurants, here’s how to eat your way through Yangshuo like a pro.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring West Street

Morning: Settle In & Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a strong cup of coffee and a light breakfast at one of Yangshuo’s cozy cafés. Riverside Café offers a mix of Western and Chinese breakfast options—try their guilin mifen (rice noodles) with a side of fresh fruit.

Afternoon: West Street Food Crawl

West Street (Xi Jie) is the heart of Yangshuo’s food scene. Wander through the bustling alleyways and sample these must-try bites:
- Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu): A Yangshuo specialty made with fresh river fish cooked in local beer and spices. Head to Master Chef’s Beer Fish for an authentic version.
- Stuffed Li River Snails (Tianluo): These spicy, flavorful snails are a local delicacy.
- Oil Tea (Youcha): A savory tea-based soup with crispy rice puffs—perfect for a quick energy boost.

Evening: Dinner with a View

For dinner, book a table at Cloud 9 Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the karst mountains. Order their bamboo rice (sticky rice cooked inside bamboo stalks) and stir-fried water spinach for a true taste of Guangxi.

Day 2: Countryside Cycling & Farm-to-Table Feasts

Morning: Bike Ride Through the Yulong River Valley

Rent a bike and pedal through the scenic countryside, stopping at small villages along the way. Don’t miss:
- Fuli Bridge: A picturesque spot for photos.
- Local Farm Stands: Pick up fresh lychees, pomelos, or sugarcane juice from roadside vendors.

Lunch: Farmhouse Cooking Class

Join a farm-to-table cooking class at a local family’s home. Learn to make dishes like:
- Yangshuo Stir-Fried Duck with Ginger
- Steamed Taro Pork
- Sticky Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)

Evening: Sunset Drinks & Riverside BBQ

Head to Moon Hill Village for a relaxed evening. Many guesthouses offer riverside BBQs where you can grill fresh fish and veggies while watching the sunset. Pair it with a cold LiQuan Beer—the local brew.

Day 3: Adventure & Hidden Food Gems

Morning: Sunrise at Xianggong Mountain

Wake up early for a short hike up Xianggong Mountain. The sunrise over the Li River is breathtaking. Reward yourself afterward with a hearty breakfast of congee (rice porridge) with pickled vegetables at a nearby stall.

Afternoon: Secret Spots & Street Eats

Explore lesser-known food spots:
- Hidden Noodle Shops: Ask locals for their favorite luo si fen (snail rice noodle) spot.
- Yangshuo Mango Desserts: Cool off with a refreshing mango sago drink from Sweet Tooth Dessert House.

Evening: Farewell Feast at a Local Hot Pot Spot

End your trip with a communal Guilin-style hot pot at Spicy Girl Hot Pot. Choose from a variety of broths and fresh ingredients like river fish, mushrooms, and leafy greens.

Yangshuo’s food scene is as vibrant as its landscapes, and this 3-day itinerary ensures you won’t miss a single delicious bite. Whether you’re slurping noodles on West Street or learning to cook in a countryside kitchen, every meal here is an adventure.