The Yulong River ran parallel to the road in front of our hotel. Something we had seen in many videos about Yangshou was taking a bamboo raft down the river, as it is so known in China it is even pictured on the back of the 20 Yuan Note (it looks so peaceful and serene, doesn’t it?).
We arrived at the dock under cloudy and overcast skies, and were told by the ticket agent two things; one, to wear our raincoats, as it was going to rain, and two, Jessica and I had to each buy our own ticket, as together we exceeded the 160 Kilo (350 lb) weight limit for 2 people to ride on one bamboo raft. There are two scales, one at the ticket booth, and one at the ticket taking station, to ensure this rule is followed. We figured as much, and another pair of westerners we rode amongst on the river had to do the same; we westerners are just bigger people than the Chinese.
I was quickly led to my raft, given a life jacket, and off me and my rafter we went. Think of the rafter as a gondolier driver like in Venice but with less singing and friendliness. I looked back for Jessica, but did not see her, though figured the rafters knew we were together, and would catch up once we started.
One of the other Westerners and I were near each other to begin; we waved hello and looked back for our respective people, and eventually they caught up. We were smiling and happy to get to enjoy the ride nearby each other…
…except Jessica’s rafter raced past, and that was the last I saw of her until we finished, about 30 minutes down river. (She’s on the left in the below picture, and way past me in the one below that).
It was a fine ride, and when it did sprinkle the rafter would open the umbrella. There are also a few four-foot drops throughout the journey, in which case we definitely got splashed, but that was kind of fun (the first time it happens). It was pretty cool to be on the river like that, but overall, the experience felt rushed and it would have been nice to be near the one we came with.
Anyway, we reached the end, and they quickly moved us into an area where we could buy a picture of ourselves on the raft (in China, regardless of the activity, one always exits through the gift shop), which we declined. We found a small pavilion nearby and ate some oranges and took in the riverside view.
It was about a half hour walk back on the river walk path to the road, then on to the hotel. Nearest to the rafting exit are many vendors selling food and knick-knacks, as well as scooter rentals, but we continued on the brick road.
We stopped at a coffee shop (there are many coffee shops scattered along the river paths) to rest, and wait out a big rain storm. Once back on the path, we came upon more rural homestays that face the river.
We looked back toward the river before returning to the main road, and ate a sausage on a stick from the food stand across from our hotel. The sausage on a stick has become a favorite quick snack here in China, and they can be found everywhere. Usually they will add some spice mix if asked to give it some more flavor. We also saw big bamboo tubes being cooked in a fire, and wondered why; luckily, a family had ordered one, and we learned it contained rice. We never tried it though, as we figured it would be too dry.
The next night we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, then took a trip to the happening part of town, known as Yangshou West Street. We arrived to a lot of hustle and bustle, and so many people, it was a bit overwhelming (as you can see in my face).
We walked around, looking for a quieter place to find a drink; eventually we found a street that was, but the bar that the map said was there, was no longer.
So on we went, eventually finding a place near the river that had a couple of taps, and we had some beers to end the night on. Once back at the hotel, we figured we should check out the popular photo spot across the street, now that it was night and no one was around.
I now have my social media picture at the “Hello Time” building (yay?), and we were able to enjoy the night sky and scenery under a full moon.
Not a bad way to end the day. Though, lucky for us, an unexpected opportunity led to another (better) rafting experience, that I’ll talk about more in the next post, so come on back!
Phil's WayPastCool 