Top 10 Guilin Mountains with Amazing Karst Landscapes

Written by Natalia | Updated July 03,2025

Guilin is praised by many to be the most beautiful place in China and even the world. Landscapes of Guilin Li River and karst mountains are the most famous. The karst hills are unlike mountain rages. They appear in different and uncanny shapes that are amazing to see. This article is about the top Guilin mountains to see on your China nature tour.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Location: at the confluence of Taohua River and Li River, Xiangshan District, Guilin
Tickets: free
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours

Elephant Trunk Hill is the most representative of Guilin mountains and has become a symbol of the city. The hill resembles the shape of a giant elephant drinking from Li River. From its eye to the nose, it is vivid and completely naturally formed. The arch between the elephant’s trunk and leg is called Water Moon Cave. With its reflection in the river, it’s like a moon floating above the water.

How to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill

It’s best to visit Elephant Trunk Hill early in the morning when it’s cool and quiet. You can see the hill in its entirety from a distance. You’ll have a great chance for photography. Or you can take a bamboo raft on the river to the foot of the hill. Observe closely the karst formation of the caves. You can also hike to the top of the hill which only takes about 10-15 minutes.

Visit the landmark of Guilin – Elephant Trunk Hill Summer

Customers at Elephant Trunk Hill — Our customers at Elephant Trunk Hill in winter

Diecai Hill

Location: Binjiang Road, Diecai District, Guilin
Tickets: CNY 25
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours

Diecai Hill is another top attraction of Guilin. Diecai means folded brocades. It is named so because of its colored limestones layering to create a unique sight. There are many attractions to visit at this scenic resort. Fengdong Cave has amazing karst formations. At the top of the hill from Diecai Pavilion, you can overlook Li River, Four Lakes, and the entire Guilin City.

How to Visit Diecai Hill

It’s about a 2-hour hike to the top of Diecai Hill. Although the hill is not tall, there’re many stone steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The best time of day to visit is around 4 or 5 pm. You can watch the sunset over Guilin city, the entire city shrouded in gold. It’s a famous spot for photographers on Guilin tours.

Fubo Hill

Location: Binjiang Road, Diecai District, Guilin
Tickets: CNY 30
Recommended Visit Time: 2 hours

Fubo Hill is a solitary body of mountain surrounded by water. It stands partly on land, partly in water. It was named after General Fubo who marched here about 2,000 years ago. There are many natural and cultural landscapes at Fubo Hill. A natural cave runs through it, creating a cool channel during the summer. There’re also ancient carvings and statues for you to discover.

How to Visit Fubo Hill

When you visit Fubo Hill, make sure you stop by its most famous attraction, Huanzhu Cave. The limestone formations inside will amaze you. Thousand-Buddha Cave is full of ancient rock carvings and statues. You can feel their history on the stone walls.

Fubo Hill Guilin — Capture the panoramic sunset view of Fubo Hill

Yao Mountain

Location: Jingjiang Road, Qixing District, Guilin
Tickets: free
Recommended Visit Time: 2 hours

Yao mountain has the tallest peak of all Guilin mountains in the downtown area at 909.3 meters (2,983 feet). It got its name from a legend that it was once the hunting ground of Emperor Yao. It is the best place for stunning natural sceneries when you travel to Guilin. At the top of the mountains, you will have a panoramic view of the city. The sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful at such a height.

In the early morning, you might be lucky enough to witness the phenomenon called Sea of Clouds, where the mist drowns the mountains as if they’re submerged under water. Yao Mountain is also famous for having different sceneries in different seasons. Spring is the best time to visit because you will see wildflowers in bloom across the mountain and enjoy a wonderful hike.

How to Visit Yao Mountain

Yao Mountain is a perfect place for hiking and sightseeing. You can choose to take the cable car up or down the mountain. There are attractions like Emperor Yao Temple, Rhododendron Valley, and Lansheng Terrace. You can also experience an exciting grass-slide down the green hill.

Nine Horse Fresco Hill

Location: Jiumahua Shan Scenic Area, Xingping Town, Yangshuo County
Tickets: free
Recommended Visit Time: 1 hour

Nine Horse Fresco Hill is a famous landmark along Li River. The hillside by the river is steep. You can see the natural grain of the ivory-colored rocks. They together form a massive screen that resembles an image of nine horses galloping all at once. The resemblance might be a little elusive, but the sight is impressive all the same.

Yangshuo is the ideal destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. In Jiumahua Shan Scenic Area, you can go camping, hiking, rock climbing, and take part in other exciting activities.

How to Visit Nine Horse Fresco Hill

Nine Horse Fresco Hill is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) downstream from downtown Guilin. The best way to get there and appreciate its view is by taking a Li River Cruise. It is one of the top things to do in Guilin. The 4-hour cruise ride will take you through many of the city’s landmarks and mountains. You can fully take in the otherworldly views as the sun slowly sets over the horizon.

Nine Horse Fresco Hill Guilin — Nine Horse Fresco Hill view from Li River Cruise

Guilin Laozhai Mountain — View Laozhai Mountain from a distance

Laozhai Hill

Location: Xingping Town, Yangshuo County
Tickets: free
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours

Laozhai Hill is known for being the viewpoint of Huangbu Reflection, the image printed on China’s 20-yuan note. Huangbu means yellow cloth, refers to the view of the sun setting on Li River. Countless karst hills and mountains rise out of the river. The sky is dyed orange and yellow by the setting sun. The top of Laozhai Hill is the perfect viewing and photography platform.

How to Visit Laozhai Hill

The hike from Xingping Ancient Town to the top of Laozhai Hill takes about an hour. It is not a difficult hike and the view at the top is definitely rewarding. However, there’s currently no safety protection around the edges of the hill, so be careful when you’re admiring the views or taking photos. Be aware of your surroundings.

Mao’er Mountain

Location:Gaozhai Village, Huajiang, Xing’an Town, Guilin
Tickets:CNY 160
Recommended Visit Time: 1 day

Mao’er Mountain is the tallest mountain of Guangxi and South China at 2141.5 meters (7,026 feet). Mao’er means cat. It’s named so because the outline of the mountain looks like a quiet, crouching cat. It is situated about 115 km (71 miles) northeast of downtown Guilin. The drive will be about 1.5 hours.

Mao’er Mountain has a variety of natural landscapes. It is the source of three major rivers including Li River. The clear mountain streams flow through the dense forests. Thanks to the forest coverage and altitude, Mao’er Mountain makes a great summer retreat to escape from the heat. You can go on a hike or take part in water activities. During your hike, you will encounter ancient, endangered tree species

How to Visit Mao’er Mountain

You will have to take a sightseeing bus up the mountain, the price of which is covered in the admission ticket. In Mao’er Mountain, there are a number of hiking routes of different length and difficulty. There’re different attractions and viewing platforms along the way. The sunrise, sunset, and Sea of Clouds there are particularly stunning. The last bus down the mountain leaves at 5:30pm.

Maoer Mountain Guilin — Mao’er Mountain, the tallest mountain of Guangxi

Moon Hill

Location: Fenglou Village, Gaotian, Yangshuo
Tickets: CNY 15
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours

Moon Hill is another interesting example of karst formations. The top of the hill has a massive, natural hole that resembles the shape of moon. Viewed from different perspectives, you will see the cave in different shapes, from a crescent moon to a full moon. It is located at the end of the Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery, about 9 km (6 miles) away from West Street.

How to Visit Moon Hill

A popular way to reach Moon Hill from Yangshuo is cycling. You can bike along the Ten-Mile Gallery and slowly approach the hill from a distance. Once you’re there, you can choose to hike to the top which will take only about 20-25 minutes. You can closely observe the amazing karst formations and the surrounding greenery.

Camel Hill

Location: Seven-Star Park, Qixing District, Guilin
Tickets: CNY 55
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours

Camel Hill is located inside Seven-Star Park, a Guilin attraction that epitomizes local landscapes. Its unusual shape resembles a camel. You can clearly recognize its head and two humps. It is the only natural rock-climbing field in Guilin. And you will have the chance to discover the longest natural colored granite fresco.

How to Visit Camel Hill

When you visit Camel Hill, make sure you explore the rest of the Seven-Star Park. Some of the best Guilin attractions are here, like Seven Star Cave with amazing stalactite formations and natural murals. If you’re taking a family tour to Guilin, the Guilin Zoo is also located inside the park.

Camel Hill Guilin — Camel Hill located inside Seven-Star Park

Xianggong Mountain

Location: Xianggongshan Scenic Area, Xingping Town, Yangshuo County
Tickets: CNY 60
Recommended Visit Time:1-2 hours

Xianggong Mountain is another popular destination among photographers in Guilin. It sits between the the first bend of Li River, Huangbu Reflection, and Nine Horse Fresco Hill, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) away from downtown Yangshuo. Sunrise and sunset are the best time to visit Xianggong Mountain. Light and shadow create a mesmerizing sight over the staggering karst hills.

How to Visit Xianggong Mountain

Xianggong Mountain is about a 2-hour drive from downtown Guilin, so it’s best to go from Yangshuo or Xingping Ancient Town. If you want to capture the Sea of Clouds, it’s best to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise. The hike to the top only takes 15-20 minutes.

The Geology Behind Guilin’s Karst Mountains

How Were the Guilin Mountains Formed?

Hundreds of million years ago, the area where Guilin is today was covered by shallow sea. Limestones started to build underwater. At the same time, tectonic forces slowly lifted them up, above sea level. Then over millions of years, slightly acidic rain, wind, and rivers shaped the contours of the limestone hills creating all kinds of strange shapes, caves, and structures.

Unique Characteristics of Guilin’s Karst Hills

Guilin mountains are unique in the way that they are steep, and isolated hills as opposed to rolling mountain ranges. They have dramatic outlines and shapes. The number of hills is also very impressive. The landscapes of Guilin make it one of the top destinations of China tours.

Related reading: Most Beautiful Karst Caves in China

Practical Tips for Visiting Guilin Mountains

Best Time to Visit Guilin

The best time to visit Guilin is generally from April to October. The weather of spring and autumn are perfect for outdoor activities. There’re plenty of clear skies and moderate rainfall. Although it gets a little hot and humid in the summer, it’s the best season for water activities, and the greeneries are at their best. Winter is a little cold for outdoor activities in Guilin.

Safety Tips

There’s a lot of hiking to do in Guilin. When you reach the top of the hills, be aware of your surroundings, especially when you’re focused on taking photos. Some mountains may not have safety protections at the top, so stay away from the edges. Besides, stay hydrated and bring enough water on your hike.

Related reading: Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?

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