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A Shenmue pilgrimmage: Visiting the scenic real-life locations from Sega’s game

Shenmue

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Li River – Guilin/Yangshuo

 

After my day in Guilin, I rose up and traveled to Yangshou, outside the city. You can get a boat down to the Li River, but I found it better to get a bus there first and then do the river trip to the scenic bits. But both are good options.

The view from my hostel in Yangshuo, a town about an hour’s drive from Guilin.

I’m pretty sure Ryo would have used this to get to his destination.

Like I have mentioned above, this place is absolutely stunning, and my pictures do not do it justice. But do be warned: The whole area is heavily overrun by (mainly Chinese) tourists because of this. Do not expect the tranquility of Shenmue’s Bailu Village. I must admit, though, that it is possible to rent a bicycle and explore the quieter parts of this region — something I meant to do, but I guess there is a reason that staying up late drinking alcoholic Baijiu wasn’t included in Ryo’s schedule.

That’s enough of that destination — onward to Hong Kong!