HomeFoshanGuide

Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area

西樵山风景名胜区

Plan Xiqiao Mountain with required reservation, entrance choices, shuttle and cable-car prices, practical routes, and weather-aware hiking advice.

mountainwalkingculturenatureFamily-Friendly
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free main admission with reservation. Scenic shuttle: CNY 40; cable car: CNY 35 one way or CNY 55 return. Religious sites and other independent activities may charge separately.
Hours
Scenic area: 07:30-17:30. Scenic shuttle and cable car: 08:00-17:30.
Transport
No direct metro. Nanzhuang Station (南庄站), Foshan Metro Line 2, needs a taxi or bus transfer.
Duration
4-5 hours
Best Time
Year-round; dry weather is safer for mountain walking
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1

Complete the required reservation, then choose an entrance based on your energy level

Xiqiao Mountain's main admission is free, but entry requires a reservation code. Opening hours are 07:30-17:30. The north gate suits visitors using scenic transport or walking uphill; the west-gate Baiyundong Kuiguang Tower entrance and the south-gate east pedestrian trail suit hikers.

Tip:Free admission does not mean you can enter without preparation. A missing reservation can delay the visit during busy periods, and your entrance choice determines whether the day is mainly walking or scenic transport.
2

Use the north gate for an easier route, or begin hiking from a designated pedestrian entrance

Visitors with older family members, children, or limited interest in long walks can enter at the north gate and use the scenic shuttle. Hikers should begin at the west-gate Baiyundong Kuiguang Tower entrance or the south-gate east pedestrian trail. The south gate itself is for scenic vehicles and emergency vehicles only; walking uphill from there is not permitted.

Tip:Do not arrive at the south gate expecting to walk and then change plans on the spot. Starting at the wrong entrance adds detours and effort, and may make you miss your intended mountain transport.
3

Use scenic transport to connect the mountain's main areas instead of treating it as a short walk

The scenic shuttle costs CNY 40 and allows transfers during its operating hours. The cable car costs CNY 35 one way or CNY 55 return. Both normally operate from 08:00-17:30. Use the Yiyou Pavilion area as a transfer point before continuing to Baofeng Temple, Nanhai Guanyin and Tianhu Park.

Tip:Xiqiao Mountain covers a large area with substantial climbs and descents, so the choice between walking and scenic transport directly affects how much you can see. If you rely on the shuttle to return, do not leave the final route until close to service end.
4

Organise the mountain route around religious sites, viewpoints and nature paths

First-time visitors can use Baofeng Temple, Nanhai Guanyin and Tianhu Park as the main route, then decide whether their energy allows for shaded waterside areas such as Cuiyan. Allow 4-5 hours for a standard visit.

Tip:Do not try to cover every entrance and mountain section in one ordinary half-day visit. Completing one coherent route is more reliable than repeatedly crossing between scattered areas.
5

Schedule the Shiyanyan boat cave and weather-sensitive activities earlier in the afternoon

The Shiyanyan boat cave is a separately charged activity and works best before your return transport becomes time-sensitive. In rain, thunderstorms or slippery conditions, switch to more stable open areas such as Baofeng Temple and Tianhu Park.

Tip:Caves, boats and mountain paths can all be affected by weather, so they should not be treated as guaranteed fixed activities. Do not enter undeveloped areas; hiking should stay on routes that the scenic area permits.
Highlights
  • Main admission is free, but reservations, opening hours and scenic transport determine the actual pace of the visit.
  • Nanhai Guanyin, Baofeng Temple and Tianhu Park form a practical route combining culture, views and rest stops.
  • The north gate suits low-effort routes using scenic transport, while the west gate and south-gate east trail suit purposeful hikers.
  • The shuttle and cable car connect dispersed mountain areas and help visitors avoid long uphill and downhill walks.
  • The Shiyanyan boat cave can be a separate experience within the route, but should not replace planning for the mountain as a whole.
Insider Tips

Reservation is required. Free main admission does not include the shuttle, cable car, religious sites or other independent activities.

Walking uphill from the south gate is not allowed; begin hiking from the west-gate Baiyundong Kuiguang Tower entrance or the south-gate east pedestrian trail.

The shuttle and cable car stop at 17:30, so return to the relevant stop early if you depend on scenic transport.

Do not use undeveloped mountain paths in rain or after rain; slippery rock, mud and temporary controls significantly increase risk.

Comfortable shoes, water and a light rain layer matter most. Visitors with children or older family members should prioritise the north gate and scenic transport.

More Foshan Attractions