While true, that’s not why it’s called Beer Fish.

Beer Fish is a local specialty in Yangshou and surrounding areas. Every restaurant we saw offered some variation on the recipe.

It’s made with fish (probably carp), tomatoes and spices (garlic, ginger, onion, hot peppers, etc.) braised in beer. The fish was served whole or in large chucks with the skin on and bones in. We had it twice and it was delicious.

I found this recipe and it looks about right:
http://www.ratebeer.com/Recipe.asp?RecipeID=71

Yeah. I figure they’ve been using this design for hundred of years (guess) so it much be ok.

The rafts were made of bamboo logs lashed together. They were very sturdy but did have very shallow draft. (i.e. there was no flotation structure under the bamboo–just the bamboo). So, when a big boat passed and kicked up a little wake, the rafts get a little wet because even the small waves lap over the side of the bamboo. We just picked our feet up and kept our backpack on the seat.

Funny thing: we say a complete of “modern” rafts. They were made in the same shape and style as you see in our pics (and on the money) but instead of bamboo they used PVC pipe. I’m glad we got the “true” bamboo experience.

The river trip looks enticing and more than a little interesting, largely due to the bamboo raft. Did it feel like a river-worthy vessel?

More pics! More pics!