[2025 Yangshuo Attraction] Travel Guide for Xianggong Mountain Observation Deck (Updated Aug)

Personal Impressions: • Traffic conditions are extremely chaotic Pedestrians, electric scooters, and private cars all compete for space. Driving requires extra caution, and even during the off-season, the crowds are overwhelming, making the lively atmosphere feel a bit "over the top." • Food is greasy with limited options Signature dishes like beer fish and bamboo chicken are tasty but can feel overly greasy after a while. The variety of dishes is quite limited, lacking a sense of uniqueness. • Crowds persist even in the off-season I expected the off-season to be quieter, but West Street was still packed with people, which took away some of the leisurely travel vibe. Summary: Yangshuo's stunning landscapes are undoubtedly a visual feast. The serene Yulong River and the bustling West Street create a perfect contrast, making it worth a visit! However, the minor inconveniences with traffic and food remind travelers to avoid peak times and bring some patience for a more enjoyable trip. Yangshuo, a breathtaking destination nestled between mountains and rivers, awaits your exploration!

Organized through Sudder Street Hostel, with various other hotels and hostels involved in transfer to the bottom of the viewpoint with pickup at 4:10 AM. 10 minute walk up stairs to the top, where it was very busy already and lots of people. I would perhaps recommend the first or second viewing platform instead of the top, with amazing views!

Who knows! Must-know hidden photography spots for climbing Xianggong Mountain. 🌿《Little Joys Hidden in a Chinese Landscape｜Wake Up to the Sunrise of Xianggong Mountain》✨ At 5 a.m., the mist over the Li River hasn’t yet dispersed 🌫️. Through the window, you won’t see the cloud sea of Xianggong Mountain that floods social media, but instead, a divine perspective that brings the scenery into your courtyard! The scenic terrace of [Stay in the Scenery Courtyard] comes with a natural ink-painting screensaver. Without even stepping out of your room, you can capture the same "First Bend of the Li River" spot as professional photographers. Sip on the osmanthus latte provided by the guesthouse, and watch as the morning light outlines the karst peaks in gold. The mountain breeze instantly cures the fatigue of late-night work. ✨Exclusive Package Highlights from "Stay in the Scenery"✨ ✅ Highlight: Panoramic mountain waterfall bathroom view 🛁 A wide-angle floor-to-ceiling window bathtub directly faces the "Nine Horse Fresco Hill" peaks. The ink-like mountain reflections in a rose petal bath create a cinematic "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" vibe. ✅ Highlight: Secret Li River hiking map 🗺️ Includes 5 meticulously curated hidden routes (even local photographers ask us for the coordinates!) 👉 Perfect for: Burnt-out souls seeking healing｜Couples wanting anniversary-worthy photos｜Families unlocking geography lessons with their kids 🌅 Morning Sunrise Guide 5:00｜The butler gently knocks on your door with steaming Lipu taro cakes 5:30｜Take a private car through the mist to the Xianggong Mountain entrance (VIP access, no queues!) 5:50｜Reach the summit and secure a prime spot at the viewing platform (special shoutout to the prepared folding chairs!) 7:00｜Return to the guesthouse for a morning bath, then wrap yourself in a herbal-scented bathrobe and enjoy a Yangshuo rice noodle brunch 👀 Who understands this tear-inducing value for money!! While others wake up at 3 a.m. to squeeze onto a bus for the sunrise, our guests can sleep in for 2 more hours of beauty rest. While others lug tripods up 500 steps, we even prepare reflectors for you at the viewing platform! 🌌 Click to locate Navigate directly to: Dong’an Village, Li River Bank, Yangshuo (28km from Xianggong Mountain, perfectly avoiding tourist crowds) ⚠️ Important Tip: High cloud sea season in July-August! Book scenic rooms 15 days in advance. ------------------------ 💌 Comment to win a "Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Photo Experience" for 3 lucky readers! Share your moments of healing in nature. 📌 Save this post for future reference, and next time, unlock the secret garden by the Yulong River~ 👇 Guess what Zhuang ethnic surprise is hidden in our terrace breakfast? (Hint: A mysterious basket that sings mountain songs 🎶)

| Detailed Guide to Exploring Lijiang's First Bend. ## Xiangong Mountain Travel Guide: Beautiful Scenery, Delicious Food, and Affordable Accommodation Recommendations **Xiangong Mountain** is located in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guangxi. Named for its resemblance to an ancient official's hat, it serves as an excellent viewing platform along the Li River. Famous for its sunrise sea of clouds and panoramic views of the Li River, it's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. --- ### **I. Must-Visit Scenic Spots** 1. **Xiangong Mountain Viewing Platform** - **Why visit**: Only 20-30 minutes to reach the top, overlooking the first bend of the Li River. During sunrise, the mist and clouds create a scene like a Chinese ink painting. - **Admission**: About 60 yuan (recommend buying discounted tickets online in advance). - **Tips**: Arrive between 4-5 AM to secure front-row positions; summer sunrise is around 5:30 AM, winter sunrise around 7:00 AM. 2. **Nine Horses Fresco Hill** (free at the foot, boat ride for close-up view requires payment) - A natural rock face along the Li River with patterns resembling nine galloping horses; can be visited along with Xiangong Mountain. 3. **Yellow Cloth Reflection** (the 20 yuan RMB note scenic spot) - Accessible by walking or bamboo raft from Xingping Dock; best lighting in the evening. --- ### **II. Authentic Food Recommendations** 1. **Xingping Ancient Town Snacks** - **Songhua Sugar**: Freshly made glutinous rice candy from old shops in the ancient town, crispy and sweet, 5-10 yuan/pack. - **Li River Beer Fish**: Recommend "Liu Jie's Beer Fish" on Xingping Old Street, 50 yuan per person, made with local bony fish. 2. **Farmhouse Restaurants** - **Farmhouses at the foot of Xiangong Mountain**: Try bamboo tube chicken and stuffed river snails (Li River snail meat stuffed with pork), 30-40 yuan per person. 3. **Hidden Delicacies** - **Oil Tea**: Yangshuo's special breakfast tea, 3 yuan/bowl at small stalls in Lao Ye Pu Village, served with crispy rice puffs. --- ### **III. Affordable Accommodation Suggestions** 1. **Near Xiangong Mountain Scenic Area** - **Yangshuo Xiangong Mountain Lodge**: Simple but clean, standard rooms about 120-150 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to the trailhead. - **Laozhai Mountain Guesthouse** (near Xingping): Hostel-style beds for 50 yuan/person, terrace with distant views of the Li River. 2. **Within Xingping Ancient Town** - **Yangshuo Xingping Huashan Yunshe**: Value-for-money inn, 80-100 yuan/night, near the bus station for convenient transfers. **Tips**: Book one week in advance during peak season (May-October); during off-season, you can negotiate prices on arrival. --- ### **IV. Practical Tips** - **Transportation**: Take a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping (10 yuan), then hire a car to Xiangong Mountain (about 50 yuan round trip); electric scooter rental is 40 yuan/day. - **Avoiding scams**: "Free guides" at the mountain base may lead you to expensive shopping spots; simply buy your ticket and enter the park directly. - **Equipment**: Wear non-slip shoes for hiking, bring mosquito repellent in summer, and windproof jackets in winter. --- The beauty of Xiangong Mountain lies in its purity—no need for expensive consumption, just an early-rising heart and observant eyes. Hope this guide helps you encounter the most touching morning light of the Li River! 🌄

During the Spring Festival, I went to Guilin, which has the best landscape in the world, and Yangshuo, which has the best landscape in Guilin. It was really shocking to climb Xianggong Mountain and overlook it. The uncanny workmanship of nature is really amazing👍

More than beautiful, it's the best. This view is real, purely from nature. Once in a lifetime, try to go here. 🚗 We used the service from the accommodation to get to this point at 6 am. Yes, 6 am. Then the car will take us from the boat ⛵ to the point of going up the mountain. It's easy to travel. There are stairs all the way. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk. Then you will find a balcony with many people. Come to wait and see the sun ... Then pray for the sun to rise. Even on the day I went, the sun didn't shine very well, but the view 🌄 was very beautiful. #Get a discount without relying on luck #Trip takes you to fly to China

At four o'clock in the morning, I put on my camera and set off for Xianggong Mountain in Yangshuo, Guilin. The hotel owner has arranged a car pick-up for me, and it took about half an hour to reach the entrance to the top of the mountain. The moonlight gently shines on the winding mountain road. The surroundings are quiet, with only the occasional chirping of insects accompanying me, like a quiet prelude. It takes about 15 minutes to climb to the observation deck. As the altitude increases, the air becomes fresher and fresher, and the anticipation in my heart becomes stronger, as if every step is getting closer to the realization of a dream. After about two hours of waiting, when the first ray of dawn broke through the sky, the sky was instantly dyed into dreamy orange and purple. The shock of that moment cannot be described in words. Standing on the top of the mountain and overlooking the rolling sea of ​​clouds, it feels like being in a fairyland. The surrounding mountains look particularly magnificent in the morning light. All the fatigue disappeared in front of this magnificent scenery, and my heart was filled with emotion and joy. The sunrise in Guilin is truly an unforgettable natural feast. This experience will be forever engraved in my heart and become one of the most precious memories of my journey.

⛰️ Yangshuo is different from the mountains in Guizhou An isolated hill stands above the sea of ​​clouds 📋 Get up at 4:10 4:35 The vehicle arrives at the hotel entrance Arrive at Xianggong Mountain around 5:20 We arrived at the observation deck at 5:40. I personally think the slope is quite steep. 🌁 10 Minutes of Fasted Cardio to the Top of the Mountain There are 4 floors of observation decks 🌅 If it rained the night before, you will most likely see the sea of ​​clouds the next morning. Mainly depends on the rainfall the night before It depends on luck to see the sea of ​​clouds and sunrise at the same time The clouds were too thick to see the pictures 1-7. Special thanks to the aunt and sister who shared the pictures♥️ ✨ Many people came to the observation deck to check in for several consecutive days. Just waiting for this moment 🚘 It is recommended to charter a car or purchase a package (round trip transfer + tickets) There are no street lights on the mountain road when it is dark. The road is narrow, has two lanes and many curves The speed of the special car was very fast along the way. If you drive, it is recommended to leave earlier. 🌅Xianggong Mountain Scenic Area 📅Sunrise shooting date: 9.6, 9.10 🧭iPhone comes with a compass, which is very useful for confirming sunrise/sunset

The most recommended sunrise view in Yangshuo is Xianggong Mountain. In good weather, you can not only see the starry sky and the beautiful sunrise, but it is also a great place to overlook the beautiful scenery of the Li River. The Xianggong Mountain Observation Deck is relatively small, so you must arrive at least one hour before sunrise, otherwise there will be no place to take photos, and you can only look at the mobile phones in the front row. Regarding accommodation, people who travel for the first time usually stay in West Street. However, it takes 50 minutes to get to Xianggong Mountain from West Street. There are buses that can provide pick-up and drop-off. The 80-yuan bus fee includes the Xianggong Mountain ticket. However, I suggest staying on Xianggong Mountain. It is quieter at night and you can see the stars. You can walk there in less than 10 minutes the next day. The most important thing is that hotels generally cooperate with Xianggong Mountain. The ticket is only 45 yuan, the original price is 60 yuan. If you go early, it’s okay. You can go in and out twice with the ticket. The hotel I stayed in this time had excellent service, and most importantly, they provided clothes for the ladies to take pictures. After watching the sunrise from Xianggong Mountain, there is a sightseeing bus at the door. You can take the bus for 20 yuan per person to the ferry directly. At the ferry, you can have a panoramic view of Jiuma Huashan. Then take the ferry for 10 yuan per person to the opposite Jiuma Huashan Pier. Buy a ticket here and go to Yangdi or Xingping Ancient Town Pier, depending on your needs. Of course, you can also ride a small electric bike all the way along the Li River and return the bike to Xingping Ancient Town. Those who want to go to the West Street Ten-mile Art Gallery can take a bus there, so they don’t have to run back and forth. When you arrive at the Ten-Li Gallery, I suggest you don't go to the gate to buy tickets directly. There are usually people from travel agencies selling tickets at the gate, and the price will be much lower. But just pick a few at random. I think the commercial atmosphere is too strong. I still prefer to ride a small electric bike through the Ten-Li Gallery, find a place with fewer people, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the fields.