China Travel Forum

[Algernon]

Hi guys,

I am planning a 10-day trip to China early Feb. I will land in Guangzhou.
My choices:

1) stay a while in Guangzhou, head to Yangshuo and/or Chengyang
2) head directly to Yangshuo and/or Chengyang

Is it worth it to go to Chengyang? Is it worth exploring Guangzhou? What other itineraries can i take?

I just have to land and leave from Guangzhou, thats all. I would appreciate all the help. It will be my first time in China. I want to see more of historical sights and the old China.
Thank you.

[Guest]

What's your itinerary? I haven't been to Chengyang, but Yangshuo has the advantage of being a well-worn trail. You can take an overnight bus or train from Guangzhou, then ride a bicycle around very beautiful countryside, take a boat ride on the Li river.

Accomodations in Yangshuo are plentiful and easy to find, bicycles easy to rent. On the other hand, Yangshuo is such a touristy place that interaction with local people most likely will involve saying "bu yao" over and over to papparazzi who persistently try to get you to buy things.

If an old lady with a water buffalo approaches you and offers to pose for a picture, rest assured she's not doing it for free! But last time I was there a local guide took me bicycling on some gorgeous roads and set up a private boat ride through some really spectacular scenery, much superior to the average tourist fare.