Bajiaozhai Scenic Area Ziyuan County
Experience the 'Soul of Danxia' at Bajiaozhai, with its surreal red sandstone peaks, misty fairylands, and dramatic cliffside temples.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ethereal 'whales in the sea' views
Bajiaozhai Scenic Area Ziyuan County
Best Time
Ethereal 'whales in the sea' views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Soul of Danxia' at Bajiaozhai, with its surreal red sandstone peaks, misty fairylands, and dramatic cliffside temples.
"The scenery is breathtaking, and every turn makes your jaw drop again to a different view. "
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes!
Stone steps can be slippery, especially with mist or rain. Prioritize safety and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Use OpenStreetMaps
Google Maps is unreliable here. OpenStreetMaps is better for small paths and viewpoints. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Longtouxiang Temple Ruins
On a dangerous peak
Ancient temple ruins perched on a peak, appearing like a fairyland in the clouds. A truly unique sight.
Whales in the Sea Viewpoint
Morning mist
Witness peaks emerge from clouds like whales breaching a misty sea. A magical, ethereal experience.
Sunset Danxia
Rock walls
Watch the rock walls transform into a fiery orange-red as the sun sets, painting the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Bajiaozhai: Beyond the Tourist Trail
Embrace the Elements: Weather & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes!
Stone steps can be slippery, especially with mist or rain. Prioritize safety and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Use OpenStreetMaps
Google Maps is unreliable here. OpenStreetMaps is better for small paths and viewpoints. :iphone:
⏳ Allow 3 Hours Minimum
A full tour of the panoramic area takes about 3 hours, but you can spend a whole day. :clock1:
🗣️ Consider a Tour
If you don't speak Chinese, a tour from Guilin simplifies logistics significantly. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes!
Stone steps can be slippery, especially with mist or rain. Prioritize safety and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Use OpenStreetMaps
Google Maps is unreliable here. OpenStreetMaps is better for small paths and viewpoints. :iphone:
⏳ Allow 3 Hours Minimum
A full tour of the panoramic area takes about 3 hours, but you can spend a whole day. :clock1:
🗣️ Consider a Tour
If you don't speak Chinese, a tour from Guilin simplifies logistics significantly. :bus:
☁️ Embrace the Mist
Mist can obscure views but also creates magical, fairyland-like scenes. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the superb, breathtaking landscape of Bajiaozhai, with its unique Danxia landforms and dramatic cliffs. The well-maintained paths are praised, though some note that certain spots may be less pristine than others. The 'changing color' of the rocks and the fairyland-like mist add to its allure.
"Superb landscape!!! You will be not only on sides and ridges of fantastic mountains, but also in the gorges between them and walking on the vertical walls of the cliffs. The scenery is breathtaking. And every turn makes your jaw drop again to a different view.
Getting to the top of ridges takes some walking, but the paths are the best I have ever seen anywhere in the world, wide and secure.
The signs are written both in Mandarin and English. Google maps is useless there, but OpenStreetMaps does a good job of showing the small footpaths and viewpoints."
Kaur Virunurm
"Amazing natural scenes, however some spot was already spoiled and it does not show on the tourist map"
Terence Chan
"[The weather quietly adjusted the color of the journey🎨]
•
•
The weather was not as expected
The clouds and mist covered Bajiaozhai with a white veil
Embark on a magical journey on the bluestone steps
Life is like the fog in Bajiaozhai
Sometimes, the road ahead is unclear
Not important
Just focus on the present moment
Go ahead
There must be a good view ahead
•
•
Along the way there are 🍊
📍 Guilin Bajiaozhai is the essence of the "Danxia landform". Its strange peaks stand like the back of a giant dragon, and when surrounded by clouds and mist, it looks like a fairyland. It is known as the "Soul of Danxia".
📸 Shooting Highlights
1. Longtouxiang: The ruins of an ancient temple on a dangerous peak, like a fairyland suspended in the clouds
2. Whales in the sea: In the morning mist, the peaks are like whales jumping out of the sea of clouds
3. Sunset Danxia: The rock walls are dyed orange-red in the evening
⛰️ The Secret of the Mountain
1. Age: More than 100 million years old ("Red Bed Basin" from the Cretaceous period)
2. Cause: Red sandstone deposited by ancient rivers and lakes, carved into its current form by wind and rain
3. Special skill: Can "change color"! Red on sunny days, blue and gray after rain
🍊 Tips
• Wear non-slip shoes! Slippery stone steps
📍 Guilin • Bajiaozhai
📸 photo by Earth 🌎
🍊 come-on in @martianontheroad
Many thanks for following and 💗 my posts"
martian•on•the•road
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Bajiaozhai from Guilin involves multiple steps. First, travel from Guilin City to Ziyuan County (approx. 1.5 hours). From Ziyuan, take a bus to Meixi (40 minutes), and then a taxi to the foot of Bajiaozhai Mountain (20 minutes). Due to ongoing development, access might be limited to specific entry points. :bus:
Finding Bajiaozhai independently can be challenging if you don't speak Chinese. Signs are in English, but local transport and directions might be difficult. A guided tour from Guilin is highly recommended for a smoother experience. :speaking_head:
While main signs are in English, Google Maps is not reliable. Use OpenStreetMaps for better navigation of smaller footpaths and viewpoints within the scenic area. :iphone:
Yes, it's possible using a combination of buses and taxis from Guilin to Ziyuan, then to Meixi, and finally to the mountain. However, it requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming. :train2:
Information on internal shuttle buses can vary. Some sources suggest a ropeway at the southern end of the lake might be an option for easier access. It's best to check locally upon arrival. :mountain_cableway:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and due to ongoing development projects, access might be restricted to certain areas or times. It's advisable to check the latest information closer to your visit.
Admission fees can change. It's recommended to verify current ticket prices before your visit, as they may differ based on the season or ongoing projects.
Advance booking is generally not required for Bajiaozhai, but it's always a good idea to check if there are any special circumstances or if booking online offers any advantages.
Information on specific ticket packages or passes is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket office upon arrival for any available options.
If you are driving, there will likely be a parking fee. Confirm the exact charges at the entrance or designated parking areas. :red_car:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Bajiaozhai features dramatic Danxia landforms with steep peaks, gorges, and vertical cliffs. Expect to climb many stone steps, some of which are narrow and steep. :mountain_climbing:
A comprehensive tour of the panoramic area can take around 3 hours. However, you can easily spend a full day exploring its various viewpoints and trails. :clock1:
Don't miss the Longtouxiang Temple Ruins, the 'Whales in the Sea' viewpoint for misty mornings, and the 'Sunset Danxia' for evening colors. :camerawithflash:
Due to the steep and often narrow paths, Bajiaozhai is challenging for those with significant mobility issues. Some areas might be inaccessible. :wheelchair:
Expect breathtaking views of unique red sandstone peaks, gorges, and dramatic cliff faces. The scenery changes with the weather, offering different perspectives. :mountain:
📸 📸 Photography
Key photography spots include Longtouxiang Temple Ruins, the 'Whales in the Sea' viewpoint during misty mornings, and any vantage point offering views of the 'Sunset Danxia'. :camerawithflash:
Early mornings for mist-laden 'whales in the sea' views and late afternoons for the 'Sunset Danxia' are ideal. Midday can be harsh for photography. :sunriseovermountains:
Yes, the red sandstone rocks can appear blue and gray after rain, offering a unique photographic opportunity. Sunny days bring out the vibrant red hues. :rainbow:
The summit viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views of the Danxia landform. Look for designated observation decks along the main trails. :cityscape:
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise/sunset. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the physical demands before visiting. While the views are spectacular, ensure children are supervised closely, especially on exposed ridges. Shorter, less strenuous routes might be preferable if available, or consider a guided tour that can help manage the pace.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be prepared for the physical exertion required to reach the best viewpoints. The sense of accomplishment after climbing to the Longtouxiang Temple Ruins or other high points is immense. While signs are in English, local interactions might be easier with a translation app or by joining a small group tour if you prefer company.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Plan your visit around sunrise and sunset for the best light. The 'Whales in the Sea' misty mornings and the 'Sunset Danxia' are iconic shots. Be prepared for varied weather conditions and wear appropriate footwear for navigating the steep, potentially slippery trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Danxia Landforms
What makes Bajiaozhai particularly fascinating is its ability to 'change color.' On sunny days, the rocks appear a vibrant red. However, after rain, the iron minerals can react, giving the cliffs a striking blue or gray hue. This dynamic quality adds an extra layer of visual interest and makes each visit potentially unique.
The erosion by wind and rain over millennia has sculpted these red beds into dramatic peaks, gorges, and vertical walls, creating the breathtaking scenery that draws visitors. The sheer scale and unique shapes of these formations are a testament to the powerful forces of nature.
Navigating Bajiaozhai: Trails and Challenges
Some paths are noted as being less than half a meter wide, particularly the ridge paths leading to smaller temples on the peaks. These require a good sense of balance and a head for heights, offering a thrilling experience for the adventurous. The climb to the main viewpoints and temples can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
While the main paths are well-maintained, some reviewers mention that certain spots might have been 'spoiled' and not reflected on tourist maps. This highlights the importance of staying on marked trails and perhaps using navigation apps like OpenStreetMaps for a more comprehensive understanding of the area's layout.
Photography Tips for Bajiaozhai
For dramatic visuals, aim for the 'Sunset Danxia', where the iron-rich rock walls are bathed in a warm, orange-red glow. The unique 'changing color' aspect of the Danxia landform also provides distinct photographic moments; capture the vibrant reds on sunny days and the muted blues and grays after rain.
Key locations like the Longtouxiang Temple Ruins perched precariously on a peak offer unique compositions. Remember to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, as navigating some of the steeper, narrower paths can be challenging while carrying camera gear.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit