West Street (Xi Jie)

Also known as Foreigner’s Street for the large number of travelers it attracts, you’re just as likely to hear English as Mandarin on West Street. Similarly you can find Western-style food, such as pizza and burgers, mixed in with local favorites including beer fish. It’s this blending of cultures that continues to attract hundreds of thousands of Chinese and foreign visitors to West Street every year.

Most tours of Yangshuo from Guilin or elsewhere feature a stop at West Street. Combine a visit to the strip with a cycling or rafting tour to see more of the picturesque Yangshuo countryside.

• West Street is a must-see for first time visitors to Yangshuo, especially those who love to shop.

• English is spoken in most cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops.

• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on cobblestone lanes.

West Street is located in central Yangshuo, only a few minutes’ walk from the bus station. From Yangshuo train station, located near Xingping, take the Xi Jie bus directly to West Street. From Guilin, there are regular bus services (which take about 90 minutes) as well as scenic cruises down the Li River (about four hours).

West Street bustles all day and night. Mornings tend to be the quietest time. Those looking to shop may want to wait until later in the evening, when smaller vendors have stalls set up. Those looking to party into the night can find numerous bars and clubs here that stay open late.

There are many shops on West Street selling all sorts of Chinese souvenirs, from silk products and pashmina scarves to Mao memorabilia, paintings, pottery, and carvings. Most of these items are available elsewhere in China—and often at better prices. Items of more local origin include paintings of the local scenery, silk fans from Fuli, and silver and embroidered pieces by local minorities such as the Zhuang.