Yangdi Village, Guangxi, China
The hike started in Yangdi, China, a small fishing village on the banks of the Li River, about 45 minutes from Yangshuo town proper.
Despite the rainy conditions, we decided to go through with the hike.
Chinese hawkers are ALWAYS prepared – they have mastered the business strategy of having exactly what you need, when you need it. When it’s cold they’ll sell something warm, when it’s raining they’ll be standing next to you selling umbrellas and rain coats.
I bought a cheap rain coat to counter the misting rain.
Selection of Chinese Baozi
One of my favorite things about hiking, walking, or doing any sort of outdoor exercise while traveling is that it heightens the hunger, and one can feel better about devouring gigantic feasts afterwards.
I often try to walk as much as possible so I can justify things like eating as much Hong Kong street food as possible in 3 days or engorging myself on a stunning Chinese meal.
Before beginning the hike, we enjoyed a little mini feast of steamed buns, known as “boauzi.” The cinnamon roll looking bun, filled with sticky rice and beans was delightful!
Small Ancient Chinese Village near Yangdi, China
Due to maintenance on the trail that day, we had to do things are little different from the normal route.
The first part of the hike was to cross the Li River on a ferry. From there we started walking before coming to a small ancient village where we had to cross back over the river on a bamboo raft and reconnect with the normal trail.
Big Rooster Comb
We passed quite a few old small villages, houses and farms – and of course I stopped to take loads of photos of cool things like the bright redness of this rooster’s comb.
Scenery on the Hike from Yangdi to Xingping
The views from the main trail were spectacular. We navigated our way on small garden paths, attempting to ingest as much of the gorgeous scenery as possible.
Hike From Yangdi to Xingping
In every direction, the views were mind blowing. We were nested in the Li River valley, so there were dramatic stone formations on all sides of us.
Sesame Seed Plants
Walking through small villages and local farms presented an awesome opportunity to analyze some of the crops. Rice was everywhere to be seen, but other vegetables and spices were scattered along the fertile banks of the river.
Fresh Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are perhaps my favorite little seed. Their distinct flavor is marvelously complementary in food, especially on top of things like grilled chicken or in sesame seed candy.
View of the Li River, Guangxi Province, China
The views along the trail continued to leave me holding my breath in amazement, the reaction that can only result from seeing something like the Batad rice terraces.
It felt like I was tossed into the midst of an ancient Chinese water color landscape painting. The mystical karst limestone peaks, the eerie water and the soft lofty clouds added to the peaceful natural setting.
The beauty of the region was first hand evidence of how so many Chinese artists over so many dynasties have been inspired to create masterpieces around that exact area.
9 Horses Rock, Guangxi, China
About 3 hours down the trail we came to a giant rock mountain known as 9 Horses Rock. You are supposed to be able to see 9 horse faces within the face of the stone, though I could only really pick 1 out. It might take a stretch of imagination to find them all!
Bamboo Raft Salesman, China
At 9 Horses Rock we boarded another ferry to get across the Li River once more and continue on to the final stage of the hike from Yangdi to Xingping.
Ancient Xingping Village, China
By mid afternoon we had completed all 25 kilometers of the hike and arrived in the charming ancient town of Xingping.
Hike From Yangdi to Xingping
Here’s how to take the hike:
- Bus from Yangshuo to Yangdi (9.5 CNY) – the bus will drop you off on the banks of the Li River, right where you begin the hike.
- There are signs that direct you where to go (when I went we had to take a small detour, due to construction, though hopefully that will be cleared up), or you can ask a local there to show you the way.
- Follow the river upstream. Some parts of the trail are garden paths while other parts involve walking along the banks of the river or even following a dirt road. When you arrive at 9 Horses Rock, you know you are heading in the right direction and not too far from Xingping.
- You may need to take 1 – 2 ferry rides to cross the river depending on what route you take. Ferry rides can cost 4 – 10 CNY per person.
- Once you arrive in Xingping, head to the bus station, near the old quarter of town and catch a bus back to Yangshuo (9.5 CNY)
- The hike takes around 4 – 6 hours and covers a distance of around 25 km.
You can’t really get lost as long as you just follow the river upstream. Bring a few bottles of water and some snacks. There are a number of restaurants along the way, but they are quite pricey.
If you have a spare day around the Yangshuo area, the hike from Yangdi to Xingping is worthwhile!
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man those mountains are beautiful! will definitely considering exploring this area if i’m ever in that part of the world. thanks for sharing. bookmarked it.
paul | walkflypinoy recently posted..Why Travel Tuesday: Capturing the Sunrise
Awesome, hope you get a chance to visit soon Paul!
very beautiful pics mark… Yangshuo is one of the most beautiful places that I’ve been to in the past…
flipnomad recently posted..What to Buy in Siem Reap
Thanks Flip, cool that you’ve been there as well. The scenery was incredible, one of my favorite places as well!
We are solidifying our plans for next year’s travel, and are trying to figure out how we can fit China in. These pictures have really helped solidify that seeing this part of the world is of paramount importance!
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..Lose the Weight
Great to hear that Caanan, would be cool to see you guys in this part of the world! I’d definitely give a thumbs up to the area around Guilin and Yangshuo, there are still incredible escapes into nature and rural Chinese life.
Had no idea about the Sesame seeds. I love that photo as well. Thnx
Maria recently posted..Pink Knees
Yah, that was my first time to see sesame seeds growing in the wild, it was interesting to see.
SOOO Cool! This is what I wanted to see when I visited China.. but alas, with only a short time in Beijing, I got something completely different.
Kelly recently posted..Do You Need a Visa?
Hey Kelly,
Cities in comparison to rural life in China are so incredibly different. I’ve never been to Beijing, but I’m sure it’s equally great in different ways.
I love your pictures! Spectacular beauty that makes me wish I was in China!
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..An Evening in Edinburgh
Thanks a lot Debbie!
So beautiful. It reminds me a little of the views in Halong Bay. I wouldn’t even know what sesame seed plants looked like if I came across them. Everything looks so green!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..The Night I Thought We Might Drown in a Flash Flood
Thanks Christy. Yes, the scenery did remind me of Halong Bay as well – both incredible places. I wouldn’t have known it was sesame seeds if a Chinese friend who was with us on the hike hadn’t told us. My cousin and I were so curious we had to confirm it was sesame so we opened one of the pods to check it out!
Excellent photos as usual. So different from the places I have been.
The Travel Chica recently posted..3 Strategies to Taste the Best Wines at a Wine Expo
Thanks Stephanie!
I would love to do this hike- I also really enjoy hikes or walks when I’m traveling. I feel more connected to the place and people.
jade recently posted..Kayaking, Wine Tastings and Ostrich Feedings- California Road Trip Day Three
Cool to hear that Jade. I try to get outdoors and wander around as much as possible.
Spectacular! Beautiful photos!
John in France recently posted..Carcassonne – I was there in the year 1209.
Thanks John!
Thanks to the NVR guys for stumbling this. Your photos are stunning; they really make me feel as if I were there. Thanks for the post.
Nancy
NLM recently posted..Simplify, Simplify
No problem Nancy, glad you stumbled into this article…and thanks to the NVR Guys as well!
ok, those bao’s look amazing…and i never gave it any thought as to what kind of pod sesame seeds would come from. thanks for the knowledge!
jenjenk recently posted..Oklahoma State Fair
No problem Jen. I was so excited that day because I got to eat so many bao’s!
Amazing pictures! Absolutely inspiring! Now I wanna go to China!!
Shirlene from Idelish recently posted..{Thoughts} I got a postcard postmarked North Pole!
Cool, thanks Shirlene, I know your photos of Yangshuo would be stunning!
That’s awesome! I loved the rooster picture.
Thanks a lot Laura!
I so need to get to China. Stunning photos Mark…
Thanks Raymond, there are some really beautiful places in China, hope you can make it on this trip!
Love it – great collection of photos. That’s my kind of adventure!
Cam recently posted..Win a FREE TRIP with Intrepid Travel!
Thanks Cam!
Some great shots there mate. Looks like a fantastic hike.
Aussie on the Road recently posted..Fantastic Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Thanks a lot!
I’d like to order a print of the Li River photo and one of the bamboo raft salesman, please. Seriously, your pictures are fantastic! Loved this photo tour; very aptly titled post as well!
Christina (Jandal Road) recently posted..Discovering Vancouver: Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Thanks so much Christina for this uplifting comment, I really appreciate it!