Guilin, renowned worldwide for its unique karst landscape, draws countless visitors every year.
While most recommend visiting renowned attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and the Yulong River, this article will explore some of the underrated and often overlooked hidden gems, perfect for those who enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid crowds.
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- Mao'er Mountain
- Damian Hill
- Ruyi Peak
- Lingqu Canal
- Thousands of Miles of Mountains
- Laozhai Mountain
- Langshi Village
- Bajiaozhai
Mao'er Mountain(猫儿山): Peak of South China & Li River's Source
- Location: Navigate to Mao'er Mountain National Nature Reserve(about 3 hours' drive from Guilin City)
- Best times to visit: June - August, December - February
- Admission: 23 USD/pp for Mao'er Mountain; 7 USD/pp for Li River Source Grand Canyon
Enjoy Yourself in the Jelly-like Water of Li River Source Grand CanyonMao'er Mountain crowns the Nanling Range and reigns supreme as the "Peak of South China". You would be amazed when setting foot at the summit, witnessing hills lying tamely and a sea of clouds rolling beneath.
The best times to visit Mao'er Mountain are summer(June to August) and winter (December to February).
In summer, stay overnight for aquatic activities to escape the summer heat. As the water source of the Li River, you could expect crystal clear, jelly-like water in the Li River Source Grand Canyon, which has an oxygen-rich forest at the mountain's feet.
When winter comes, take a day trip from Guilin City to simply enjoy Mao'er Mountain's snow wonderland decorated by ice and rime. But if watching the famed sunrise is your must, consider staying at the summit hotel for a smoother visit.
Thousands of Miles of Mountains(千里江山图): Rolling Hills Vista
- Location: Navigate to Yangshuo's Thousands Miles of Mountains (approximately 40 minutes' drive from West Street)
- Best viewing time: 6 PM - 7 PM (around sunset)
- Admission: Free
Offering magnificent karst landscape views, this viewpoint has ignited social media feeds and become essential for photographers and nature lovers alike.
It is stunning as always, but becomes breathtaking when golden hour arrives on clear evenings. You can expect the sun to paint the land and distant ridges in amber, and so with the swarming crowds by your side. To avoid crowds and get the first seat, arrive at least one hour before sunset.
It needs to be noted that this raw beauty comes with rugged conditions. During weekends or holidays, narrow mountain roads face severe traffic congestion. Remember to depart promptly after the last light fades to avoid delays on the way back down.
Damian Hill(大面山): Witness the Li River's Grand Bend
- Location: Near Xingping Ancient Town (about 50 minutes' drive from West Street)
- Best viewing time: 5 AM - 6 AM, 6 PM - 7 PM (around sunrise and sunset)
- Admission: 3 USD/pp
Damian HillXianggong Mountain has become popular in recent years, swarmed with crowds to see the Li River's beautiful "Sickle Bend", especially at sunrise and sunset. Try Damian Hill if you want a quieter place with an even bigger view.
Ready to be amazed by daybreak at Damian Hill, see where Guilin's untamed spirit is revealed, and enjoy the prime moment with softer light and fewer visitors.
It takes some effort to climb up Damian Hill. Unlike a quick 20-minute walk at Xianggong Mountain, Damian Hill requires a 40-60 minute ascent along a steep path with lots of stairs, which make up a trek demanding moderate fitness and sure footing.
Contact us to craft your perfect journey, whether to chase dawn's first light or savor sunset serenity.
Laozhai Mountain(老寨山): Embrace Wildness for Sunsets
- Location: Near Xingping Ancient Town (about 50 minutes' drive from West Street)
- Best viewing time: 5 AM - 6 AM, 6 PM - 7 PM (around sunrise and sunset)
- Admission: Free
Laozhai MountainLike Damian Hill, Laozhai Mountain offers wild trails and amazing Li River views, with a shorter (about 30 minutes) climb up. And you will be rewarded with one of the Li River's most breathtaking dramas, seeing the Li River coiling through karst hills, paddy fields, and villages.
However, the last near-vertical iron ladder is quite a challenge, requiring both hands and feet to ascend. But if you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with a quiet, breathtaking view all to yourself.
For a safer and more reassuring experience, consider hiking with a local guide. They know the route well and can make your climb easier.
Ruyi Peak(如意峰): Effortless Views Over Yangshuo
- Location: Meng Village, Gaotian Town, Yangshuo(about 30 minutes' drive from West Street)
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Admission: 31 USD/pp
Ruyi PeakUnlike steep climbs like Laozhai Mountain or the challenging ascents at Damian Hill, Ruyi Peak provides easy access via cable cars and offers panoramic views across a cluster of limestone peaks, suitable for most visitors.
The cable car transports you smoothly to the summit area within 10 minutes. From there, sturdy suspension bridges and a glass walkway let you walk safely above the valleys, offering 360-degree views of Yangshuo's iconic karst landscape.
Sunrise and sunset are best times to visit, when the light turns the peaks golden. You could also enjoy a great view during the rainy days, when mist often creates a "sea of clouds" effect, like a lively Chinese ink painting.
Langshi Village(浪石村): A Riverside Hiking Hub
- Location: about 2 hours' drive from West Street
- Admission: Free
Langshi VillageLangshi Village sits on the Li River's north bank in Yangshuo's most beautiful area. If you are planning a Li River hiking, Langshi Village is a must on the famous 20km hiking trail from Yangdi Pier to Xingping Ancient Town.
You could expect to see Langshi Village's old houses, flagstone paths, and historic gateways. Here, tall limestone peaks rise steeply from the bank, mirroring perfectly in the calm water. It's quieter than most spots but loved by hikers for the "Langshi Wonder" view along the riverfront.
However, if you are not interested in hiking, you can easily enjoy the scenery along the way by taking a 4-star Li River cruise, instead of driving all the way there.
For more great river hikes with tips, see: Guilin Li River Hiking with Hiking Tips
Lingqu Canal(灵渠): One of the World's Oldest Canals
- Location: Shuangling Road, Xing'an County(about one and a half hours drive from Guilin City)
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Admission: 30 USD/pp (including a boat tour)
Lingqu CanalStep onto original Qin Dynasty stone paths beside the 2,000-year-old Lingqu Canal near Xing'an. As one of the world's oldest functioning canals and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases remarkable ancient hydraulic engineering, diverting a third of the Xiang River into the Li River.
For the fullest experience, we highly recommend a boat tour. Glide along this ancient waterway to appreciate its scale and engineering. Listen to the sounds of lapping water and birdsong, and enjoy a tranquility distinct from urban life.
What's more, Lingqu Canal is also remaining as a vibrant part of the local community. You can stroll along smooth stone banks to chat with locals, before your visit to the Lingqu Canal Museum for more historical stories.
Bajiaozhai (八角寨): Where the Dragon's Spine Pierces the Sea of Clouds
- Location: Datuo Village, Meixi Town, Ziyuan County(about a two-hour drive from Guilin City)
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Admission: 18 USD/pp (including a slideway experience); 38 USD/pp (including tickets to Gumu Gully for via ferrata, glass walkway, etc.)
BajiaozhaiBajiaozhai in Guilin, home to one of China's seven most magnificent Danxia rock formations. For its iconic view, visit from April to October (especially after rainfall) to witness jagged ridgelines resembling a colossal dragon's spine emerge from a swirling ocean of clouds.
The whole visit may cost three hours by hiking along cliff-hugging trails and stairs. After a short break at the summit, you could opt for a mountainside slide ride back to save some strength.
For climbing enthusiasts, you can do a side trip to Gumu Gully near Bajiaozhai. Cross a swaying suspension bridge through lush jungle, conquer China's only climbable Danxia cliffs via a thrilling via ferrata route, and reward yourself with a cup of coffee on a cliffside ledge.
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