Plan at a glance
Choose the palace visit, the peak, or both
This visit combines the Ming-era Jingjiang Princes’ City, historical displays inside the palace grounds, and a walk up Duxiu Peak. It suits visitors interested in Guilin’s local history who are comfortable with steps. If you mainly want city and karst views, climb the peak when the weather is clear; if you feel unwell or it is raining, you can stay within the palace grounds without climbing to the summit.
Tickets and opening details
Entry is ticketed. Check the official ticket information for the ticket type, price on your visit date, last entry, and guided-tour arrangements. Confirm these before you go so you can allow enough time and choose the right ticket.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
See the palace, Reading Rock, and cliff inscriptions
Start with the central layout and historic buildings in the palace grounds, then look for Reading Rock at the southern foot of Duxiu Peak and the inscriptions on the cliff. The inscription often translated as “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven” is near Reading Rock. The Guangxi Imperial Examination Hall is another feature listed by the scenic area; use the current map to see which courtyards and displays are open.
Climb Duxiu Peak for a view of the city
The scenic area lists 306 steps on the summit route, with some steep sections. Assess the full climb before setting out, wear shoes with good grip, and take breaks as needed. On a clear day, the summit looks over central Guilin and the surrounding karst peaks; mist and rain reduce visibility. Visitors with knee problems, young children, or little experience on steps can skip the summit.
Build your day
Visit the palace first, then decide about the peak
Use the entrance map to visit the main palace grounds and the displays open that day, then see the inscription near Reading Rock. After that, decide whether your fitness, the weather, and the steps make the summit a good choice. You can still see the main historic areas without climbing. If you are joining a guided tour, check its meeting point and duration before setting your own pace.
Allow time for the full visit
Allow about 2–3 hours for the palace, inscriptions, and summit climb. You can shorten the visit if you focus on the main courtyards or skip the climb; tour schedules, queues, and open areas affect the actual time. If your ticket includes a tour or activity, check its meeting time and whether separate booking or payment is required.
Continue on foot to Dongxi Lane
After your visit, walk to Dongxi Lane for a meal or more browsing, or continue to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Each place has its own entrance and opening arrangements. If you also plan to climb Duxiu Peak, avoid squeezing the summit, palace, and several shopping streets into the short time before closing.
Get there
Navigate to the scenic area entrance
Search for “Duxiu Peak and Jingjiang Princes’ City” or “No. 1 Wangcheng Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin” and follow the day’s entrance guidance. The scenic area is in central Guilin, so you can walk from nearby accommodation or take a taxi. Guilin has no metro; check current bus routes and stops on a live map.
Parking and arrival
Parking availability, capacity, and fees may vary by date, so check the scenic area or a live map before driving. On arrival, confirm the open entrance, ticket checkpoint, and guided-tour meeting point. A gate shown on a map, including the north gate, may not be open that day.
Know before you go
Steps, rain, and fitness
The summit route has long stretches of steps, which can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and keep your hands free to use the railings. In summer, avoid the hottest part of the day. During heavy rain, lightning, or a temporary closure, follow staff directions and stay within the palace grounds or adjust your plans.
Guided tours and activities
Guided tours, imperial-examination experiences, and rubbing or printing activities may run at set times and may require separate booking or payment. Check what your ticket includes and confirm which activities are open when you arrive.
Nearby areas have separate access
Entry to Jingjiang Princes’ City does not cover Dongxi Lane, the interior of Xiaoyao Tower, or the Sun and Moon Pagodas. If you plan to continue on foot, check the last-entry time for the palace and allow time for each nearby place’s opening hours. See the separate Dongxi Lane guide for its street route.