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On China Tourism Day, Yangshuo county, Guilin, reaches out to international visitors with a message of openness, innovation, and unforgettable experiences.
With enhanced visa-free policies, the number of inbound tourists has soared: over 360,000 international visitors in 2024 and 100,600 in Q1 2025, up 268 percent and 67.2 percent, respectively.
To better serve global travelers, Yangshuo has embraced a mix of culture, technology and ecology. The county introduced the "i-Yangshuo" smart platform, integrating AR navigation, multilingual support, personalized recommendations, and real-time ticketing, where foreign visitors can easily book bamboo raft rides, locate parking, and receive crowd alerts. The platform also has an AI system that forecasts peak hours, increasing response speed by 70 percent.
To improve accessibility for international visitors, Yangshuo established a payment-inclusive tourism zone across West Street, the Yulonghe Scenic Area, and Lijiang River. Visa and other international cards are widely accepted, with foreign exchange ATMs, multilingual maps, and upgraded signage. Over 2,600 new POS terminals were installed, drastically reducing payment barriers in 2024.
Cultural immersion is at the heart of Yangshuo's appeal. Tourists can enjoy folk music competitions, heritage experiences, and mini festivals at scenic spots and boutique hotels. Outdoor adventure is another draw; rock climbing, paddleboarding, trail running, and low-altitude flights offer adrenaline-filled ways to explore the iconic Karst landscape.
In Yangshuo, long-time residents from France, Australia, the United States, and South Africa have become cultural ambassadors, contributing ideas to improve city planning, preserve historical buildings, and enhance tourism offerings. The county encourages them to continue telling its story to the world.
"Welcome to Yangshuo! You'll be enchanted by the beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures and exciting sports. Come and explore this amazing place!" Yangshuo county extends her invitation to the world.
