Xianggong Hill is a superb viewing platform for Guilin's karst landscape. You could capture the sunrise, sea of clouds, and the iconic S-bend of the Li River.
It is located on the western bank of the Li River, about 60 kilometers (a 1.5-hour drive) from downtown Guilin. If you're coming from Yangshuo, it's even closer - just 26 kilometers, roughly a 50-minute drive. The fastest route is from Xingping Ancient Town: take a 5-minute boat ride followed by a 25-minute transfer to reach the scenic area.
Through firsthand exploration, I'll share key details - best viewpoints, optimal visiting hours, transport tips, and itinerary advice. It will help you plan your trip and photograph the Li River at its finest.
Three Platforms on Xianggong Hill
Xianggong Hill PlatformsWith an elevation of about 350 meters, Xianggong Hill features a stone-step hiking trail. With some steep sections, Xianggong Hill offers a moderate climbing difficulty (last time, I brought a 10-year-old child who managed it without breaks).
The hike to the summit takes 15-20 minutes. Along the way, there are three tiers of viewing platforms from platform 1-3. They all face the First Bend of the Li River but providing slightly different perspectives:
- Platform 1
It offers the most expansive views. This makes it the prime spot for sunrise and sea of clouds. However, its small size gets crowded during peak season (May-October), so arrive early to secure a good position.
- Platform 2
Ideal for capturing the Li River's S-bend + fishing boats in a more relaxed setting. Less crowded than Platform 1, perfect for non-sunrise hours.
- Platform 3
Best for portrait + landscape combo shots, featuring layered karst peaks as a stunning backdrop. Great for avoiding crowds while still showcasing Guilin's iconic scenery.
Best Time to Visit Xianggong Hill: When to Go for Stunning Shots?
Xianggong Hill SunriseThe optimal time to visit and photograph Xianggong Hill is from September to November. During this autumn season, you could enjoy cool, comfortable weather with exceptionally clear visibility. It offers perfect conditions for capturing breathtaking sunrise shots over the Li River.
The period from May to August tends to be hot and humid with frequent rainfall (especially during May and June). However, this season offers higher chances (about 50%) to witness spectacular sea of clouds, especially on early mornings right after rainy days.
December to April often brings morning mist, making the Li River and peaks faintly visible - perfect for capturing misty riverscape photography.
Best Time to Shoot Sunrise
The Xianggong Hill scenic area opens at 5:00 AM (May-October) and 5:30 AM (November-April). For summer sunrise shots, arrive at the summit by 5:30 AM; in winter, aim for 6:00 AM to secure a good spot. The best shooting position is on the left side of the summit platform.
To avoid wasting time queuing for tickets, we recommend purchasing yours one day in advance. It will allow you to head straight up the hill the next morning. If you book our customized Guilin tour, our guide will secure your tickets beforehand and help you find the right place.
Sunrise Time at Xianggong Hill:
- May to August: Around 5:30 AM
- September to December: 6:20 AM - 7:20 AM
Recommended Accommodations:
- To save time in the early morning, you can stay at local guesthouses or hotels at the hill's base. While not star-rated, they offer complete facilities. Based on personal experience, we recommend Xianggong Mountain Guest House.
- If you're only planning to hike and enjoy the views, you may opt for star-rated hotels in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping.
How to Plan a Guilin Tour Including Xianggong Hill
If you want to catch the sunrise at Xianggong Hill, I recommend staying overnight near the scenic area. You can wake up early (4:30 AM) the next morning, then spend the afternoon exploring Xingping Ancient Town or Yangshuo.
If sunrise isn't a priority, you can combine your visit with Yangshuo. Since Xianggong Hill tends to be less crowded in the afternoon, you can tour Yangshuo in the morning before heading to the hill in the afternoon.
For detailed Xianggong Hill itinerary options, check out our 5-Day Guilin Family Tour or 5-Day Ancient and Scenic Guilin tour.
Visit Xianggong Hill with China Highlights
Want to explore Xianggong Hill with ease and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River? We offer tailor-made services to help you avoid crowds while deeply experience the beauty of the mountains and rivers. Contact us now to begin your Guilin landscape journey!
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