The Exploration of Yangshuo

Ready for a rafting adventure, shortly before the driver told me to get back in my seat...

Some of the hundreds of rafts

To travel from Guilin to Yangshuo we chose to travel by raft.  For an unknown reason, we were under the impression that this was going to be a day long, relaxing journey.  We thought we would be able to stop whenever we liked, jump off the sides if we so wished, and generally pilot our own raft down a quiet river.  I am not sure where we ever got that idea - this is China.  We were packed onto a bus and driven a few hours to an opening in the river.  Then we were shuffled into groups of four and loaded onto the hundreds of rafts that awaited the slew of tourists.

The beautiful Li River

I am painting a terrible picture here, but really I loved it.  It was a definite tourist trap, but the mountains were absolutely gorgeous.  Despite the highway feeling, I thought it was worthwhile.  We also met up with an awesome group of Germans and Australians who we spent the rest of the day with.  

After getting off of the rafts (which didn't stop once) we were offloaded onto a shore covered in little shops selling random junk.  I got a random piece of tofu on a stick...but it was not so tasty.  The best purchase of the day was a set of four flower crowns for our heads.  For under a dollar, I wish I could wear one every day.

Flower Crowns on the Dragon Bridge

Next we were taken to a quieter part of the Li river.  We took a smaller raft boat, which was significantly more authentic.  The raft stopped so that we could watch the commarant fishing show.  The birds are trained to catch fish and then bring them back to the fishermen.  It was really interesting to see the intelligence of the birds, but it was also inhumane.  The birds had some type of string tied around their neck so that they could not swallow the birds that they caught.  The man would squeegee the fish out of the birds necks, and then throw them back in the water to catch some more.  Apparently the fish know how many fish they catch every day, and will quit working if they are not given the same amount to eat. The owners feed the same amount of small fish to the birds at the end of every day.

Commarants ready to fish

Our Crew we gathered for the day

Lastly, I got to sit atop a water buffalo.  Water buffalo's are like a cross between a cow and a hippopotamus, and I think they are pretty amazing.  They were so cute!  I was told I was able to ride the buffalo....but really they just walked me around a few steps.  I was still pretty stoked about it though!

Me and one of my new favourite animals

That night we checked into our hostel (which was a wee bit troublesome, but it all worked out) and then went back into the town to check it out.  It was packed with people, but was actually really lovely.  It was nice to be in a small town, that still had all the amenities.  

A very packed Yangshuo street

The next day we went to a large cave in the area.  A guide took us through, and then we were able to swim in the mud caves and bathe in the hot springs (all inside of the cave).  I loved it!  I don't know if the mud came out of my hair for the rest of the week, but it was worth it!  

On Wednesday we rented scooters to explore the area.  I, unfortunately, really did not like the scooter ride.  I have never been one for small motorized crafts, and this one freaked me right out.  After about an hour I managed to crash my scooter into the side of the road, and I got muddy and mighty scared.  I tried to keep going, but I really wasn't enjoying the scenery because I was too scared of my imminent death.   I chose to turn around and relax a bit at the hostel.  

            I quickly traded this.....

....for this.

                                                                                                       
Thursday was our last day in Yangshuo, but it was raining for most of the day.  Unfortunately the town really depends upon good weather to enjoy the activities it has to offer.  I had been looking forward to more hiking and climbing, kayaking and swimming - but that was just not to be.  I spent Thursday exploring the town, visiting the market, and eating a lot of good food. 

Tofu snacks

Banners in the street

The oldest of ladies selling some veggies

Some of the treats you can find in the marketplace

Overall Yangshuo is a great place to visit, but I just wish it had been better weather.  I was able to spend a good amount of time exploring the area, and we met up with another group from school for some delicious dinners in the evening.  After four days in a small, but touristy area, we headed to Shanghai!