On tour with a teenager in China

Yangshuo was one of the most beautiful places we visited and, despite the outrageous humidity and heat, we cycled through the limestone peaks and gorges that have inspired iconic Chinese paintings over the centuries. We breakfasted beside the River Li where bamboo rafts kitted out with bamboo armchairs took visitors skimming along the river and over rapids. Parts of the area had the air of the hippy trail in India twenty or so years ago. Today’s version features bamboo huts playing Razorlight while their inhabitants try to sell raft rides to mellowed-out chess players along the river bank.