Yangshuo
Also known as: Guilin karst
Iconic karst peaks, Yulong/Li River, Moon Hill arch, rice paddies
The climbing
What there is to climb at Yangshuo, and whether a mixed-ability group can split up here.
1199 routes (theCrag); guidebook ~800 across 40 crags
Spicy Noodle 5.14b; China Climb 5.14a; Thunder Extension 5.14a; Red Point Dinner 5.14c; White Devil 5.12d; Lightning 5.13d
Vast beginner-to-expert spread; split by crag (White Mountain, Swiss Cheese, Lei Pi Shan); easy and hard walls side by side
Excellent for mixed groups; 95% of crags within 15km of town; huge 5.8-5.12 base
Rock & setting
Limestone karst; solid tufas/pockets, popular lines polished
Vertical to steep tufa/pocket limestone; caves and overhangs; single-pitch sport plus short multi-pitch
Mixed aspects; shaded caves and sun walls allow all-day rotation
Most popular crag in China; busy classics, quiet outer crags
Season & conditions
Oct-Mar dry-cool; can start Sep, run into Jan
mid-Oct-mid-Mar
Autumn-winter dry karst friction; peak Oct-Nov
Spring monsoon humidity; summer heat/rain; seepage in caves. Confirm.
Approach & gear
Free at most crags; small 1-5 RMB parking donations to villagers; Moon Hill scenic area ~25 RMB. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Short flat approaches, most 5-15 min from parking
Fly Guilin (via Guangzhou) or high-speed train to Yangshuo/Guilin then bus; local ebike 25-30 RMB/day or scooter 70+ RMB/day
Sport draws 12-16, 70-80m rope; WeChat essential; Rakkup digital guide w/ GPS recommended
Abundant hostels/guesthouses in town and countryside; dorm ~50 RMB; monthly rentals available
Full town amenities, gear shops, cafes, climber bars
Bolting & safety
Mostly well bolted; some old/soft hardware on older lines. Confirm.
Polished feet, loose flakes on new lines, sharp tufas, traffic on approach roads
Not required; guiding widely available for beginners
Yangshuo town hospital nearby; no formal crag rescue; self-rescue expected
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand crag report. Coordinates are approximate.