Discover the top hiking trails in Yangshuo — from Moon Hill to the Yulong River valley. Practical tips for every fitness level.
Yangshuo’s karst landscape makes it one of China’s most rewarding hiking destinations. Sheer limestone peaks, rice paddy valleys, and the meandering Yulong River create a backdrop that is difficult to match anywhere else in the country.
This guide covers the best trails for visitors of all fitness levels — from easy riverside walks to proper summit climbs.
Moon Hill is the definitive Yangshuo hike. A natural arch near the top of a 380-metre limestone peak, visible from the road to the south of town, it takes about 45 minutes to reach from the base.
The path is stone-stepped and well-maintained. The arch itself frames a circular view of the surrounding karst — one of the most photographed scenes in Guilin.
Practical details: Entrance fee around 15 CNY. Trail starts 10km south of Yangshuo town. Best visited early morning or late afternoon.
The walk along the Yulong River is one of the most accessible hikes in the region. Flat terrain, minimal elevation gain, and dramatic karst scenery make it suitable for all ages.
The full route from Yulong Bridge takes about 2 to 3 hours one way. Most visitors combine it with a bamboo raft ride on the return.
Practical details: No entrance fee for the riverside trail. Hire a bicycle in town to reach the trailhead.
Xianggong Mountain, about 25km from Yangshuo towards Guilin, offers the most famous sunrise viewpoint in the region. The climb takes 40 to 60 minutes and involves steep stone steps near the top.
The views from the summit — karst peaks stretching to the horizon along a bend in the Li River — are genuinely spectacular at first light.
Practical details: Entrance fee approximately 68 CNY. Arrive before dawn for sunrise.