Xianggong Hill Yangshuo
Iconic viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise vistas of the Li River and karst mountains in Yangshuo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the best sunrise views
Xianggong Hill Yangshuo
Best Time
For the best sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise vistas of the Li River and karst mountains in Yangshuo.
"The view is so stunning and beautiful. The hike won't take long around 10 minutes. "
🌅 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive before sunrise to snag a prime spot; tours often depart Yangshuo around 3:30 AM.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The climb is about 10-15 minutes up stairs, so wear shoes suitable for a moderate hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Over the Li River
Summit Viewpoints
Witness the magical sunrise paint the karst landscape and the Li River in breathtaking hues. A truly unforgettable sight.
Panoramic Karst Mountain Views
Various Platforms
Gaze upon the iconic horseshoe bend of the Li River surrounded by dramatic karst peaks.
The 10-15 Minute Climb
Mountain Trail
A relatively short but rewarding hike up well-maintained stairs to reach the stunning viewpoints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Sunrise
Consider Your Entry Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive before sunrise to snag a prime spot; tours often depart Yangshuo around 3:30 AM.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The climb is about 10-15 minutes up stairs, so wear shoes suitable for a moderate hike. +1
🚗 Transport Options
Arrange a Didi, hotel transport, or join a tour for easy access from Yangshuo.
💰 Entry Fee & Extras
Expect around 60 yuan for entry, plus potential costs for boat rides or car services.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive before sunrise to snag a prime spot; tours often depart Yangshuo around 3:30 AM.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The climb is about 10-15 minutes up stairs, so wear shoes suitable for a moderate hike. +1
🚗 Transport Options
Arrange a Didi, hotel transport, or join a tour for easy access from Yangshuo.
💰 Entry Fee & Extras
Expect around 60 yuan for entry, plus potential costs for boat rides or car services.
🌫️ Weather Watch
Fog can significantly impact visibility; check the forecast before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Xianggong Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River and karst mountains, particularly stunning at sunrise. While the climb is short and manageable, visitors should be prepared for crowds and potential weather-related visibility issues. Some travelers suggest exploring alternative trails for a more secluded experience.
"It’s 60 yuan to get in. For that reason, out of principle I did not go. But for the adventurous, I offer something much more exiting with great views all the way: A hike to the Xianggongshan Spot. No need to rent an e-scooter.
The hike can be done back and forth or as a loop. It follows serpentine trails in the mountains through fields, the trails winding between and around farms. It’s the old trails used by the farmers before the area got developed for tourism. And they are still traversed.
Take the bus to Xingping from Yangshuo Train St. (5 yuan). Stroll through the ancient town. Take the ferry plying the narrow point on the river (5 yuan).
Hike up to the point and back or follow another trail to form a loop.
You will need a good map. I suggest Gaia GPS (app).
It is 5 km to the point and the hike takes 1 - 2 hours each way depending on your level of fitness. For the young and/or agile, it’s not very strenuous.
Unless this review goes viral, you’ll have the trail to yourself apart from a few farmers along the way."
Mike
"Went here at 4am from Yangshuo arranged by the hotel for sunrise view. There are so many tourists here even during weekdays so make sure to plan your timing well. The view spot has few levels but still you need to be early and fight with other tourists to secure the best spot for the view. The view is so stunning and beautiful. The hike won't take long around 10 minutes. the trail is very clear, well maintained and has a restroom and sink. Very suitable to bring family or elderly. Recommended"
Hafizun Mushtafa
"Beautiful views from the top of the mountains and Li river. A bit of a 10-15 minute steep climb up but the views are worth it. A few stages and platforms to stop and take pics. 5 Yuan for boat, then 40 Yuan for car ride up and down and 60 Yuan for entry ticket"
Rajeev Kapoor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors arrange transport from Yangshuo. Options include booking a Didi in advance, using hotel-organized tours, or joining a group tour. Some tours depart as early as 3:30 AM for sunrise.
Yes, you can organize transport independently. Some travelers have used Didi or private cars. Alternatively, a more adventurous route involves taking a bus to Xingping, a ferry, and then hiking on older trails.
To catch the sunrise, it's best to arrange transport the night before or book a tour that specializes in early morning departures from Yangshuo.
While e-scooters are common in Yangshuo, the most direct routes to Xianggong Hill often involve specific transport arrangements or hiking trails. Some reviews suggest it's not necessary to rent one for this specific destination.
The travel time from Yangshuo to Xianggong Hill can vary depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport, but typically ranges from 45 minutes to over an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The official entry fee for Xianggong Hill is reported to be around 60 yuan. Some tours may include this fee in their package price. +1
Besides the entry fee, be aware of potential costs for boat rides (around 5 yuan) or car services if you're not using an all-inclusive tour.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. If you are part of a tour, the ticket is usually included. It's advisable to have cash on hand.
Xianggong Hill is generally accessible for sunrise viewing, meaning it opens very early in the morning. It's best to confirm specific hours with your tour operator or accommodation.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or with your tour provider.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit platforms offer the most iconic panoramic views of the Li River and karst mountains. The top platform is often cited as having the best vantage point. +1
Absolutely! Xianggong Hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise photography opportunities, with the light illuminating the mist-covered landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for sunrise shots, but be mindful of space during crowded times.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to avoid any issues.
Sunrise is the most popular time for photography due to the dramatic light and atmosphere. However, daytime offers clear views of the landscape as well.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike up Xianggong Hill takes approximately 10-15 minutes of climbing stairs. It's considered a moderate climb, suitable for most fitness levels. +1
Yes, there are restrooms available along the trail and at the top, which are well-maintained.
The hike is relatively short and the trail is clear and well-maintained, making it suitable for families and elderly individuals, provided they are reasonably fit.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Lightweight clothing is recommended, especially if visiting during warmer months.
Many visitors recommend the top platform for the most comprehensive and breathtaking views of the Li River and surrounding karst mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Xianggong Hill Experience: Sunrise and Views
While the sunrise is the main draw, the views from Xianggong Hill are impressive throughout the day. However, travelers advise that the experience can be significantly impacted by weather. Fog can obscure the landscape for extended periods, so checking the forecast is crucial.
For those seeking a less commercialized experience, some Reddit users suggest exploring older, less-developed trails that offer great views without the official entry fee. This alternative route involves hiking through fields and around farms, providing a more authentic glimpse into the local landscape.
Navigating Yangshuo's Transport for Xianggong Hill
These tours are a convenient way to manage logistics, especially for the early morning sunrise trips. Alternatively, private transport like a Didi (ride-sharing app) can be booked in advance. This offers more flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule.
Some travelers have also mentioned using hotel arrangements for transport. For the more adventurous and budget-conscious, a multi-step journey involving a bus to Xingping, a ferry across the river, and then hiking on older trails is a viable option, though it requires more effort and navigation. Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to factor in travel time, especially for sunrise. Departures from Yangshuo for the sunrise viewing typically happen around 3:30 AM, highlighting the need for pre-arranged transport.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit