Yao Mountain (Yao Shan)
Lingchuan County, Guilin, Guangxi, 541012
The highest of the bizarre rock formations that jut up from either side of the Li River is Yao Mountain at nearly 3,000 feet (900 meters. Views from the peak extend out over the hills, rice fields, and rural villages outside of Guilin. The peak was named after the Yaoshan Emperor Temple, which can be found about halfway up the mountain.
The basics
No trip to Guilin would be complete without a visit to Yao Mountain. Although there is a cable car ferrying people up and down Yao Mountain, there are also numerous hiking trails leading up and around the tall peak. A long cart slide offers a fun alternative for the way down, which leads through many twists and turns down much of the densely forested side of the mountain. Guided visits to the mountain from Guilin sometimes include a stop at a traditional tea plantation, where you can learn about the process of tea production and sample some local tea.
Things to know before you go
- Yao Mountain is a must-visit for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The Yao Mountain cable car is not wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach Yao Mountain is as part of a guided tour, but independent travelers can get there by taking Bus 13 or 24 heading east out of Guilin to the Tombs of Prince Jingjiang stop.
When to get there
Each season offers completely different views, with spring being especially popular due to the rosy, blooming azaleas. During the summer months, the pine trees and bamboo take over and cover the landscape in a vibrant blue-green, while during fall, the maple leaves turn a deep red and wild chrysanthemum flowers add vibrant dots of color to the landscape.
Wildlife of Yao Mountain
If you’re hiking the trails of Yao Mountain, be sure to keep an eye out for some local wildlife along the way. Butterflies and birds are common sightings, and the mountain is also home to a few troupes of rhesus monkeys.
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