A map is recommended if you're planning to walk around the many streets and caves of Yangshuo. Artistic tourist maps are available for sale for around RMB 5-10 at tourist shops and restaurants all over town, but the free maps are much better for finding your way.

For those who want to wander a little further out of town, or to check the attractions in the area, there are several different ways to do this.

The most popular is bike rental - there are several places around the main street catering for short-term rentals charging from RMB 5 upwards.

There are boat tours up or down the river. Bamboo raft drifting is a nice relaxing way to see the riverside.

Local buses serve some locations. From Yangshuo's bus terminal: Minivans (xiao mian bao or "little bread loaves") serve the following locations Gaotian to visit Moon Hill Jinbao via Baisha for Dragon Bridge (there is also a temple out ‘yonder’) Shazhi for Fuli village Xingping for the Xingping-Yangdi scenic area *there are also minibuses to some of these locations. They will cost less than hiring a ‘bread loaf’. So check first.

There is always a multitude of minivan, taxi and motorcycle drivers waiting around the bus station for people who wish to visit other places not serviced by Yangshuo bus station.

You can mix these modes of travel. For example, biking out of town and taking a bamboo raft back or taking a bus out of town and take a hiking trail back.

Most hostels or hotels can arrange transport and a guide if you want one. Alternately, you can choose your own tourist guide; just work out a deal with one of the ones who will accost you on the street. Guides can also be found at 'Expat Services' (next to 7th heaven restaurant on the corner of Chenzhong Rd and West Street). For bike tours, we recommend the award winning ‘Bike Asia’ (inquire at Bar 98 opposite Guihua road or look online – www.bikeasia.com).