bike
by jadeleo
it is too far by bike from Mountain Retreat to Xingping, you should go there by scooter, you can see a lot of rice paddies on the way to Xingping, you can rent scooter by hotel. It is hard to take scooter on a boat back from Xingping to Yangshuo, you should rent a small boat from Xingping back to Yangshuo. There are not many public toilets on the way.
Bicycle Rental
by myspices
You can find bicycles for rental in various places in Yangshuo but most can be found along West Street. There are different prices for the different types of bikes. Prices range from 10yuan to 50yuan per bike for a day's use (to return before 7pm same day). You can rent the bicycles as early as 6.30am.
If you are renting it on your own, normally you will need to pay a refundable deposit of 100yuan. If you are getting it through the hotel (where you stay), deposit is not required. Those normal bikes will only cost you 10yuan while mountain bikes are slightly more expensive. We got hold of 2 pretty good bikes, the pink one for 20yuan and the yellow one for 30yuan. Test your bikes for brakes and stability before riding off. You can request the operator to adjust the saddle level to fit your comfort.
See anothe pic attached.
Low Tables and Small Stools
by myspices
Most of the eatery shops, you will find that the tables are lower than the normal tables and the seats provided are little stools. They are usually made of wood. If you are small sized, you will find it quite easy to adjust yourself but if you are of a bigger frame and have longer legs ..... well, ha..ha.ha.., suggest you stand and eat :)
Hezhou - Jiu Pu Xiang Wine Factory
by yipsufen
The name of the wine factory is called Jiu Pu Xiang, litterally means that you can smell the aroma of wine from nine shops away. This is the shooting location for Hong Kong TVB drama "Country Spirit II". Story evolves around the workers and proprietor of the wine factory. This place is famous for its fragrant rice wine, which belongs to the hard liquor category.
I don't think this wine factory is still in operation. It used to be a wine factory in the past but now has been closed down and serves mainly for tourist attraction. Many Hong Kong tourists have been attracted to this place because of the chinese series.
At the entrance, there's a rapid stream with watermill erected. Water is collected through the mill and flow towards the factory compound for wine-making. You can gain the best view at this rapid or at the bridge linking to the entrance.
Large black wine urns stood in the middle of the factory. At the surrounding, you can see some wine-making tools and equipments.
At the corner of the wine factory, there's a place for you to sit on stool and sample some of the wines produced here. If you like it you can purchase them too or you can simply take a rest here.
Alternative to bicycle
by albaaust
An alternative to the bicycle if you are brave (those buses) is to hire a motor bike and travel along the narrow paths that are scattered throughout the countryside. The advantage I suppose is that it is quicker. Be warned though - those trails are pretty bumpy!!
The are a number of motorbike hire places along Pantao Street and highway to Baisha Town. Cost : 200-400 Yuan