Guilin Yangshuo Anti-Scam Guide: Three Days to Conquer the Finest Scenery Under Heaven

Day 1: Li River Panorama + Yangshuo Hidden Gems🌊 ☀️ Morning ❶ Guilin → Yangshuo Li River Cruise (4-star upper deck ¥360 | Departs from Mopanshan Pier) 🛳️ Cruise duration: ~4 hours, passing famous spots like Yellow Cloth Reflection and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill ⚠️ Scam alerts: ✖️ Avoid onboard photographers! ¥200/set for poor quality—use your phone to capture "Yellow Cloth Reflection" ✖️ Beware of "free fruit" traps! Hidden high tea fees follow 🛵 Afternoon ❷ Yulong River Cycling (E-bike rental ¥30/day | Navigate to "Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion") ✅ Hidden route: Chaoyang Dam → Jiuxian Pier (less crowded, crystal-clear water, perfect for free splashing) 🚫 Watch out for "friendly guides"! They’re actually promoting overpriced farmhouse restaurants 🌃 Evening ❸ West Street Light Experience 🐟 For beer fish, trust "Xie Sanjie" (5 Diecui Road, Yangshuo)—open kitchen, no scams 🎵 Visit quiet bars after 22:00 for live music, avoiding tourist crowds Day 2: Mountain Hiking + Ancient Town Sunset⛰️ 🌅 Dawn ❶ Xianggong Mountain Sunrise (¥60 ticket | Depart by chartered car at 4:30) 📍Location: Xingping Town, Yangshuo ✅ Book a local driver (¥150 round-trip) a day prior—cheaper and hassle-free 🏯 Morning ❷ Xingping Ancient Town In-Depth Tour 💰 20-Yuan Background Spot: Navigate to "Wangwang Fish Restaurant" for best access 📸 Bargain Miao ethnic costumes to ¥30/hour—inspect outfits before paying! 🌄 Afternoon ❸ Silver Cave (¥65 | Enter at 14:00 to avoid crowds) ❄️ Cave temperature: 18°C year-round—bring a jacket 🚶‍♂️ Exit through a shopping street—walk fast, don’t look back! 🌇 Dusk ❹ Laozhai Mountain Adventure (Free | 30-minute climb) ❗️ Dangerous trail! Avoid rainy days or flip-flops Day 3: Iconic Landmarks + Secret Meadows📷 🌄 Dawn ❶ Elephant Trunk Hill Exclusive Shoot (Arrive at Gate 1 by 7:00 for solitude) 📍Location: 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin 📸 Best angle: Shoot reflections from Shuiyue Cave’s bank 🌿 Morning ❷ Guihai Qinglan (¥25 | 15-minute taxi from downtown) 🏞️ Swiss-style meadows + karst peaks—morning light is perfect for photos 🍱 Bring a picnic mat—food prices are 3x higher inside! 💣 Ultimate Scam Avoidance List: 🍽️ Food Traps: ✖️ Confirm "jin" unit (500g or 1kg) for beer fish ✖️ At noodle shops, say "5¥ for 2-liang rice noodles"—silence invites ¥28 scams 🚕 Transport Tricks: ✖️ Yangshuo Station black taxis charge ¥50/person → Didi costs ¥35 ✖️ "Free shuttle" to Yulong River → Actually lures shoppers 🏨 Accommodation Picks: Guilin: Li River Waterfall Hotel (next to Elephant Trunk Hill) Yangshuo: "Paddy Field" Homestay by Yulong River (hidden paradise) 🍜 Local Food Secrets: ✔️ "Renli Rice Noodles" (Shijiayuan Road): 5¥ for 2-liang noodles ✔️ "Auntie Xu Desserts": 5¥/cup for peach syrup ✔️ "Victory Rice Noodles" (Wayao Road): 12¥ for fried lung noodles ✨ Pro Tips: ✅ Water fun in morning, mountain views at dusk, caves + desserts at noon ✅ Always ask prices first—reject "free" traps ✅ Must-dos: Elephant Trunk Hill, Yulong River, 20-Yuan photo spot