The view of the Li River from Xianggong HillXianggong Hill wasa hidden gemof Guilin until a picture shot there won the bronze medal in the 10th International Film Festival.
It is considered to be one of the best places toenjoy a bird's eye view ofthe Li River, and attracts more and more tourists every year, especially photography enthusiasts.
- Chinese:相公山Xiànggōng Shān 'Prime Minister Hill'
- Height:around 300 meters (1,000 ft)
- Popular activities:欣赏漓江的风景摄影
- Suited to:photography enthusiasts
- Time needed:1 hour
What to Expect
Touring on a Li River cruiseis a way to get a close up touch with the river. Travelling along the river flanked with stunning karst hills, you will feel you are immersed in a traditional Chinese painting. Read more aboutthe Li River cruise.
Xianggong Hilloffers a different angleto see the beauty of the Li River. Standing at the top of the hill, you will be amazed atthe breathtaking panoramic viewof the Li River, possibly with seas of clouds surrounding pointy mountain peaks.
The sunlight and shadows, seas of clouds, sunrises, and sunsets are deeply loved by photographers.
Learn more aboutLi River Photography Tips - Best Time and Locations.
Xianggong HillThe Best Time to Go
If you wish to take photos, the best time isearly morning. At sunrise, as a gentle breeze brushes away the veil of clouds on the mountains, the peaks and river are bathed in golden or pink light.
You'll need to get up as early as 5:30 AM to hike up to the top of the hill. The hiking takes about 15 minutes.
The best months for photography arefrom May to October.
Learn more aboutphotography tips and locations in Guilin(few people know).
How to Get There
Xianggong Hill is on the west shore of the Li River (between two highlights of the Li River, Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal), near Xingping ancient fishing town, about 28 km fromYangshuoand 60 km from downtown Guilin.
There is no direct bus from Guilin or Yangshuo to Xianggong Hill. There arethree waysto get there:
1. Rent a car from Guilin or Yangshuo to Xianggong Hill directly. This is the best option if you want to enjoy the sunrise.
2. Take a bus from Guilin or Yangshuo to Putao or Baisha, and from there rent a car to Xianggong Hill.
3. Take a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping, and rent a bamboo raft to the foot of the hill.
Good to Know
Xianggong Hill is a must-see for photography enthusiasts.1. The fee for the site is60 yuan per person. If your equipment is heavy you can get a village man to take it. 50 yuan is required for the
2. There are onlysimple hostelsnear the hill with simple facilities, like basically furnished clean rooms and hot water. A standard room is around 200 yuan (33 USD).
Touring Guilin with China Highlights
As Xianggong Hill is not accessible conveniently, we recommend you to take a private tour to go there, with a private car and a professional guide.
Please feel free tocontact usif you need any assistance with a tour of Xianggong Hill or Guilin.
Here are some sample itineraries for your inspiration.
- 3-Day the Essence of Guilin with Xianggong Hill
- One-Day Longji Rice Terraced Fields and Minority Villages Tour
What's a Tour With us Like?
A family of four that moved from US to China just released a video about their time in Guilin with us in October, 2021.Contact usto send a free inquiry.
