Recommended climbing destination in Guilin: Diecai Mountain

During my trip to Guilin, I climbed two mountains: Chuanbei Pavilion in Chuan Mountain Scenic Area and Mingyue Peak in Diecai Mountain. Both offer a perfect blend of Guilin's natural beauty and cityscape. If you're visiting Guilin, don't just go to Elephant Trunk Hill—these lesser-known spots cherished by locals are also worth exploring! Today, I highly recommend Diecai Mountain. ⛰️ Diecai Mountain consists of four small peaks: Mingyue Peak, Xianhe Peak, Siwang Mountain, and Yuyue Mountain. Mingyue Peak is the main peak, standing at an elevation of 223 meters. The hike to the summit takes about 20 minutes along a stone staircase. On the way up, you'll pass the "Wind Cave" at mid-mountain. Above the cave entrance, you'll find the inscription "Diecai Mountain" written by the renowned calligrapher Shen Yinmo. Inside the cave, there are over a hundred cliff carvings and statues. The cave is named after the cool breeze that flows through it, making it feel like a natural air conditioner. At the summit, you'll find the "Jiangshan Huijingchu" stone carving and the Naying Pavilion, which offers a 360° panoramic view of the Li River and the city. Every photo taken here looks like a landscape painting 🏞️. I visited in the morning when there were few people around. Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, the mist added a magical touch to the scenery. I recommend visiting around 8 AM or 4 PM for fewer crowds and softer lighting. Some visitors have shared that on clear days, you can catch a stunning sunset 🌇 in the evening. 💡Tips ✔️ The entire visit takes about 2 hours. ✔️ Bring mosquito repellent as there are many small insects in the mountains. ✔️ Wear non-slip shoes, especially on rainy days as the stone steps can be slippery. - [Diecai Mountain] 📍 Scenic Area Address: No. 27 Binjiang Road, Diecai District, Guilin City 🕐 Opening Hours: 06:30-18:30 (last entry at 18:00) 🚌 Transportation: Take a bus to "Diecai Mountain Station" and walk about 700 meters to reach the entrance. 💰 Ticket Price: 25 RMB