Plan at a glance
Tickets, shuttle and visit time
An adult ticket costs RMB 66. The sightseeing bus is charged separately from admission. The scenic area's published ticket price is RMB 15 per person. Before buying, check which stops are operating, whether the ticket covers multiple stops and how reboarding works. The scenic area is open from 8:00 to 17:30 from May 1 to October 31, with hours sometimes extended to 18:00 in July and August. From November 1 to April 30, hours are 8:30–17:00 Monday through Friday and 8:30–17:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. Holidays and weather may bring changes, so check the day's notice before setting out.
A regular visit takes about three to four hours. The scenic area is large: the sightseeing bus runs from the outer area to Xiangu Waterfall (仙姑瀑布), after which visitors can explore stops farther out. The Jiutian Canyon (九天峡谷) hike takes about 1.5 hours round trip and brings the total to about four to six hours with the regular sights. Hiking to the summit of Gupo Mountain is a separate six- to eight-hour objective, not a short add-on to the regular route.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Choose your level of activity
If time is limited or someone in your group cannot manage long walks, take the bus to Xiangu Waterfall and choose stops such as Xiangu Meadow (仙姑大草坪), the tea garden and Guyaochong (古窑冲). To add a canyon walk, use the entrance indicated by the scenic area for Jiutian Canyon. Confirm the shuttle connection and that day's access at the Visitor Center first.
The summit hike requires good stamina and a full block of daylight. The scenic area estimates a six- to eight-hour round trip and advises against starting after 11:00. Weather, maintenance or temporary controls can affect access. Jiutian Canyon takes about 1.5 hours round trip and is a separate hike, not a shortcut to the summit.
What to see at the main stops
Xiangu Waterfall is at the inner end of the sightseeing-bus route and works well as the starting point for the regular visit. Xiangu Meadow is a place to rest and see Xiangu Temple (仙姑庙). Jiupu Xiang Distillery (九铺香大酒坊) and Fang Family Tea Garden (方家茶园) are sights and have also appeared as television-drama locations; admission does not automatically include tasting, tea purchases or a guided tour.
Jiutian Waterfall (九天瀑布) is along the canyon walking section, which includes steps and a return path. Benma Waterfall (奔马瀑布) is around Guyaochong, where macaques may be present. The sightseeing bus connects stops; visitors still need to walk to the sights after getting off.
Who may enjoy this visit
The area is mainly about forest, streams and walks to several waterfalls. It suits visitors who can set aside half a day and alternate between bus rides and walking. Choose stops served by the sightseeing bus and ask staff about the walking distances, steps and accessibility at each stop. Visitors with limited mobility may prefer to skip Jiutian Canyon and the summit hike. The bus cuts down walking between stops, but trails at each sight still require walking.
For a separate waterfall trail in Hezhou, see Shibashui Original Ecological Scenic Area.
For a separate visit to white stone formations and karst paths, see Jade Stone Forest.
Build your day
The regular sightseeing-bus route
Take the sightseeing bus from the entrance to Xiangu Waterfall, then work back outward. Get off at stops such as Xiangu Meadow, Jiupu Xiang Distillery, Lovers' Grove (情人林), Fang Family Tea Garden, Jinxiu Village (锦绣村) and Guyaochong according to your interests; take the bus to the next stop or back. The regular route usually takes three to four hours. Performances, tea-garden activities and access to individual stops depend on that day's arrangements.
Add Jiutian Canyon
The Jiutian Canyon trail takes about 1.5 hours round trip; allow four to six hours including the regular route. After entering, ask which trail entrance is open, how to return and where the sightseeing bus stops that day, then follow the signs. Use on-site trail markers for the walking connection between Xiangu Meadow and Fang Family Tea Garden.
Plan the summit hike separately
The round trip to the summit of Gupo Mountain takes about six to eight hours. The scenic area advises against setting out after 11:00. Set aside a separate block of time and check the trailhead, weather, closure notices, return shuttle and equipment before starting. If the summit route is closed that day, stay with the lower-mountain sights.
Get there
From downtown Hezhou to the Visitor Center
The scenic area is about 21 km from downtown Hezhou. By car, navigate to the Gupo Mountain Tourist Area Visitor Center (姑婆山旅游区游客中心). Park at the entrance and use the internal shuttle; the bus stops and waterfall viewpoints are separate locations.
Buses from the railway station and downtown
The scenic area's transport information lists Tourist Route 17 from Hezhou Railway Station (贺州站) and Tourist Route 16 from downtown. It also mentions a direct tourist service from the railway station. Routes, operating hours and fares can change. Check live Hezhou bus information on the day, especially the scenic area's last bus and how to return to downtown.
Know before you go
Macaques and waterfall trails
Macaques may be encountered around Guyaochong and Benma Waterfall. Put food and plastic bags away; do not feed or provoke the monkeys, or try to take back an item one has picked up. Keep your distance when a monkey approaches and follow staff directions.
Mountain paths and hiking preparation
Paths beside waterfalls and streams, and trails after rain, can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and stay off closed routes. Jiutian Canyon and the summit require walking; do not count on finding drinking water or toilets along the summit trail. Bring enough water, check the weather and access status, and skip the long route if time is short.
Tea gardens, distillery and spending
There may be guided activities or products for sale around the tea garden, distillery and Xiangu Temple. Choose freely according to displayed prices. Hezhou specialties such as oil tea may be available in the scenic area or downtown; menus and prices vary. Bring enough water and supplies, and check on site whether tea tasting, purchases or a tour have a fee.