West Street (Xi Jie)

West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo with a history of more than 1,400 years. Situated at the center of Yangshuo County, the street has become, since the 1980's, a window of eastern and western culture and the biggest 'foreign language center' in China. It is the most prosperous district in Yangshuo, and, each year, approximately 100,000 foreigners come here on their travels or to attend advanced studies. Visitors are attracted to West Street by its unique mix of cultures.

The West Street is 517 meters (1,696 feet) long and 8 meters (26 feet) wide, meandering in an 'S' along its length. Being completely paved with marble it is a typical example of a southern China street. It is greatly admired by foreigners for its simple style and courtyard-like setting. There is a saying about it that 'half is village while the other half is stores'.

Because, at times, foreigners outnumber Chinese, this street is also called 'foreigners' street'. Don't be surprised if you hear English words spoken by elderly Chinese women, for this street is called 'the global village'. Besides the local accent of Yangshuo, English has become the language for daily use. West Street is modern and fashionable, nearly every store has bilingual shop signs, and more than 20 stores have been opened by foreigners who have settled here.

West Street, Yangshuo
West Street
Cafes along West Street
Cafes along the Street

Chinese visiting there may think they are in a foreign country, while foreigners come here to search for the ancient civilization of China. However, whether you are Chinese or a foreigner, this is a terrific place to take a rest, both physical and psychological. West Street will drive all of your pressures and burdens away, and give you a calmer view of life. It shows different faces at different times: calm and peaceful in the morning, while trendy and modern in the evening. Traveling to that place is an experience to be with the landscape, with the people, with the soul, and with yourself.
 

Stall selling souvenir
Stall selling souvenir

Visiting West Street, you will be surrounded by an array of traditional folk and amazing international elements. Various shops, craftworks shops, painting and calligraphy stores, backpack shops, cafes, and Chinese Kung Fu academies jostle for attention. You may see a multitude of items, from embroidered silk cloth, wax-painted weaving, to tiny shoes worn by women before the liberation of the People's Republic of China in 1949. In addition, elsewhere on the street you may find bars and cafes, some run by foreigners, decorated with bamboo rafts, fish baskets, wax-painted tablecloths, and so on.

West Street does not only satisfy you visually. You will be tempted by foods from all over the world: ciba (a kind of Chinese rice cake) and rice noodle of Yangshuo, authentic Italian coffee, banana cake, Western style food, etc. So now, choose a cafe, ask for a cup of coffee and let the pretty scenery and dulcet music take you to a fantastic world.
 

Highly Recommended

Typical local dish:

Beer Fish
Beer Fish

Beer Fish-fresh fish caught from the clear water of Li River, with a delicate sauce, the fish tastes great with beer. It's a wonderful dish to stimulate your appetite.
Recommended seller: 'The Tao's Authentic Beer Fish' and 'the Older Sister of Peng's Beer Fish'.
 

Characteristic cafes:

MeiYou Cafe: 'Meiyou' means, 'we don't have'. The reason for this shop sign reflects the promise of the host: 'Meiyou warm beer, meiyou lousy food, meiyou rip-offs, meiyou bad service'.

Anne's Art Cafe: famous for its first-class food qualification, and competitive price. Each dish here can be called an art.

Paris Cafe: Providing a high-class service, exquisite environment, and convenient transportations.
 

Special tourist vehicle: Bicycle

As a saying goes: 'no bike, no Yangshuo'. Rent a bike to appreciate the elegant scenery as well as feel the air of village.
 

How to get to West Street

1. From Yangshuo Train Station to West Street, visitors can take the bus - Xijie Line directly. The bus departs from 6:30 to 20:00 and the bus fare is CNY 20.
2. From Yangshuo Bus Station to West street, visitors can take bus 801 or Branch Line 602 to Xijie (West Street).
3. From downtown yangshuo, take bus 604, 802, Branch line 601 or 603 to Xijie.

Further reading: How to Travel From Guilin to Yangshuo

Recommended  Itinerary: 
Guilin 6 Days Tour from $919

 Nearby Attraction:
Yangshuo Park


 More about: Top 10 Things to Do in Yangshuo

- Last updated on Apr. 15, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on West Street (Xi Jie)
Asked by Sharie from MALAYSIA | Jan. 22, 2019 22:05Reply
I am travelling to Guilin in coming February during CNY.
Plan to visit to Yangshuo and watch Liu San Jie show as well. Shall i stay one night at YS since i will watch the show and worry might be too late to take any transport back to guilin. Please advise. Thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Shyanne from FRANCE | Jan. 24, 2019 01:37
00Reply


Generally speaking, you don't need to worry about this. There are still several buses that can take you back to Guilin. If the time is enough, you can stay one night at YS.
Asked by Carrie from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 05, 2019 15:52Reply
Bus from Yangshuo Railway station to West Street
Trying to find updated information. Does the bus from the railway station go directly to west street or do you need to change to a second bus? Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Eleanor from CANADA | Jan. 07, 2019 22:34
00Reply


You need to take Special High Speed Train Bus Line from the railway station to Fengming Tourists Center first. Then take bus no.Yangshhuo 801 to West Street.
Asked by Nissa from MALAYSIA | Sep. 10, 2016 22:26Reply
Hello, we are going to Guilin-Yangshuo on 8/12/2016- 10/12/2016.
Can you kindly advice about weather and cloth needed?Thank You
Answers (1)
Answered by Mary from USA | Sep. 12, 2016 04:12
01Reply


It may be cloudy and rain lightly sometimes. The temperature may range from 45F to 60F. You should pack jackets, light sweaters, shirts, pants, and an umbrella.
Asked by TAC from MALAYSIA | Oct. 16, 2013 13:08Reply
Cheap Souvenirs to buy in Yangshuo
Hello there. We will be visiting Yangshou during the 2014 Chinese New Year. Could you please kindly let us know whether there are some cheap souvenirs available for our relatives and friends? If yes, what are the shops that you would suggest to us? Many thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Melson from DENMARK | Oct. 16, 2013 22:10
02Reply


Yes, there are. You will find many handicrafts along West Street or in the stores there as souvenirs. Don't forget to bargain!
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