
One of the best ways to enjoy the countryside around Yangshuo, and the best if you want to be able to explore things up close, is to hike. There are a few circuits but it is often a good idea to get transport either to start or finish. This can be a car or boat.
There are lots of good quality bikes for hire in Yangshuo. There are mountain bikes for adults and tandems and children's bikes. You can head off with or without a guide for hours of fun.
There are lots of caves in the area. Some have been made safe and are easy for all ages to ealk around. Others are in their original state and are more for the mildly adventurous. Nothing extreme, but do expect to get muddy.
There are a couple of local operators offering hot-air balloon rides. One has hooked up with an Australian outfit and will offer better safety standards ... at a price.
One very popular option is to ride down the Yulong River, a tributary of the Li River, on bamboo rafts. This can be combined with bike rides - and can be organised such that your bikes are taken to the end point for you.
The limestone mountains around Yangshuo make for great rock climbing opportunities. There are several operators in town that can take out both beginners and experienced climbers.
Fuli is a market town about 8km from Yansghuo. It is worth a visit on market days (every third day) and can be reached by bike, bus or boat.
Xingping lies on the Li River upstream from Yansghuo and is therefore passed by anyone on the Li River Cruise from Guilin. It can also be reached by bus, passing Fuli on the way. Xingping's big claim to fame is that the mountains opposite are featured on the reverse of the 20 Yuan note. It is also at the end of a nice hike from Yangti.
Liugong is a small village downstream of Yangshuo, and can be reached by bike or boat. Oddly enough you also pass Fuli on the way, though on the opposite bank than when heading to Xingping. This is just due to a large bend in the river at this point. Liugong has some coloured pools that are mildly interesting but the best part is the journey to and from Liugong. It is less frequented than many other bike rides.