West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo with a history of more than 1,400 years. Situated at the center of Yangshuo County, West Street has become, since the 1980's, a window of eastern and western culture and the biggest 'foreign language center' in China. West Street 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.
When you walk on to West Street these days, you will find plenty of stalls selling all kinds of tourist stuff (at night only). Walking further into West Street it becomes clear why it such a popular street. Plenty of little restaurants and hostels offering local Chinese and good western food.
Travellers' can eat food from many differnt countries at very reasonable prices.Those who have been wandering around China for a while will probably want to take the chance to break from oily stir-fried vegetalbels and grab a cup of good coffee or have mueslie for breakfast. West Street in the town center attracts a large number of younger international travelers. West Street is filled with small shops and vendor's stands selling all kinds of souvenirs and snacks. Chinese teenagers mingle with young Western bicyclists and backpackers in Internet cafes, such as Mickey Mao's, Hard Rock Cafe or at Lisa's Cafe eating apple pie, beefsteak French fries, and ice-cream sundaes. These comfort foods from abroad are difficult to find in China. International tourists feel at home here because everyone speaks fluent English and restaurants and bars provide menus in several languages. Why not kick back here for a few days? Take the chance to recharge your batteries and connect with you freinds and relatives around the world in one of the internet cafes. The accommadation is very reasonable.
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 West Street that 'half is village while the other half is stores'.
Chinese visiting West Street 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, West Street 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 West Street is an experience to be with the landscape, with the people, with the soul, and with yourself.
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:
A small restaurant 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.