Yangshuo/Guilin: Full- or Half-Day Xianggong Hill Sunrise

Nestled on the west bank of the Lijiang River, Xianggong Mountain sits serenely between the scenic Huangbu Shoal and the iconic Nine-Horse Mural Hill, a prime spot that offers unobstructed views of the river’s most picturesque stretch. Climb to its summit, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view—where the Lijiang River meanders gently like a silken ribbon through a sea of karst peaks, their jagged outlines creating a landscape straight out of a classical Chinese painting. Every year, legions of photographers from home and abroad are lured here by the magical light and shadow, the ethereal sea of clouds that rolls around the mountains at dawn, and the stunning morning glow that paints the sky in hues of pink, gold, and orange as the sun rises.

Notably, this very mountain served as the backdrop for a prize-winning photograph: a work by a Guilin-based photographer that claimed a bronze medal at the 10th International Photography Exhibition, a testament to the area’s unparalleled photographic charm. Now, with this half-day or full-day small group tour, you’ll get to experience this magic firsthand—witnessing the sunrise over the karst peaks and having the perfect opportunity to capture your own postcard-worthy shots of this enchanting scenery.

A quick note: The best time to catch the most spectacular sunrise here is from July to December, when the weather is typically clear and the atmospheric conditions conspire to create the most dramatic and vibrant dawn views.