Check the weather before waking early
Xianggong Mountain is best for the morning view, mist, and the Li River bend. Check weather and visibility before committing to an early start.
Arrange transport in advance
Xianggong Mountain is near Xingping, not in central Yangshuo town. Self-driving, a hired car, or staying near Xingping is more reliable. Public transport usually means reaching Xingping first, then using ferry, sightseeing vehicle, or local transfer.
The climb is short, but arrive early for position
From the ticket area, stairs usually take a normal-fit visitor around 15-20 minutes to reach the viewing platform. In peak season, arrive earlier if you want a front-row sunrise position.
Do not plan only around sunset
Xianggong Mountain is strongest for sunrise and morning scenery. Late afternoon light can still be good, but if your main goal is sunset, nearby viewpoints may work better.
✦The common entrance ticket is CNY 60; transfers or day-tour products may charge transport separately.
✦The path and stairs can be dark before dawn, so bring a flashlight or use phone lighting.
✦The viewing platform is limited in space, so do not let a tripod take too much room.
✦If you only want one easy Li River photo, the CNY 20 viewpoint is simpler than Xianggong Mountain.
✦After sunrise, return to Xingping for breakfast, then continue to Nine Horses Mountain or the old town route.
遇龙河
All Ages
Admission
Common two-person raft prices include CNY 320 per raft for Jinlong Bridge-Jiuxian and CNY 200 per raft for Shui’edi-Wanjing; use the live booking page for final route prices.
Typical Visit
2-4 hours including transfers
十里画廊
All Ages
Admission
The scenic corridor is free; stops such as the Grand Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and Butterfly Spring charge separately.
Typical Visit
Half day; 3-5 hours for a relaxed ride
阳朔西街
All Ages
Admission
Free entry; food, shops, bars, and nearby experiences cost separately.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours; longer for dinner or nightlife
兴坪古镇
All Ages
Admission
Free entry to the old town; bamboo rafts, parking, ferries, sightseeing vehicles, and nearby sights charge separately.
Typical Visit
Half day; full day with Xianggong Mountain or river routes
漓江风景名胜区
All Ages
Admission
Guilin-Yangshuo cruise tickets commonly list CNY 215 for three-star adult seats and CNY 360 for four-star adult seats; Yangshuo-area rafts, transfers, and day tours are sold separately.
Typical Visit
Half day to full day depending on cruise, raft, and Xingping stops
九马画山
All Ages
Admission
Viewing from public riverside areas can be free; Li River rafts, boats, ferries, sightseeing cars, and transfers are charged separately.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours if visited from Xingping