Xiangong Mountain in Yangshuo | Detailed Guide to Exploring Lijiang's First Bend

| Detailed Guide to Exploring Lijiang's First Bend. ## Xiangong Mountain Travel Guide: Beautiful Scenery, Delicious Food, and Affordable Accommodation Recommendations **Xiangong Mountain** is located in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, Guangxi. Named for its resemblance to an ancient official's hat, it serves as an excellent viewing platform along the Li River. Famous for its sunrise sea of clouds and panoramic views of the Li River, it's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. --- ### **I. Must-Visit Scenic Spots** 1. **Xiangong Mountain Viewing Platform** - **Why visit**: Only 20-30 minutes to reach the top, overlooking the first bend of the Li River. During sunrise, the mist and clouds create a scene like a Chinese ink painting. - **Admission**: About 60 yuan (recommend buying discounted tickets online in advance). - **Tips**: Arrive between 4-5 AM to secure front-row positions; summer sunrise is around 5:30 AM, winter sunrise around 7:00 AM. 2. **Nine Horses Fresco Hill** (free at the foot, boat ride for close-up view requires payment) - A natural rock face along the Li River with patterns resembling nine galloping horses; can be visited along with Xiangong Mountain. 3. **Yellow Cloth Reflection** (the 20 yuan RMB note scenic spot) - Accessible by walking or bamboo raft from Xingping Dock; best lighting in the evening. --- ### **II. Authentic Food Recommendations** 1. **Xingping Ancient Town Snacks** - **Songhua Sugar**: Freshly made glutinous rice candy from old shops in the ancient town, crispy and sweet, 5-10 yuan/pack. - **Li River Beer Fish**: Recommend "Liu Jie's Beer Fish" on Xingping Old Street, 50 yuan per person, made with local bony fish. 2. **Farmhouse Restaurants** - **Farmhouses at the foot of Xiangong Mountain**: Try bamboo tube chicken and stuffed river snails (Li River snail meat stuffed with pork), 30-40 yuan per person. 3. **Hidden Delicacies** - **Oil Tea**: Yangshuo's special breakfast tea, 3 yuan/bowl at small stalls in Lao Ye Pu Village, served with crispy rice puffs. --- ### **III. Affordable Accommodation Suggestions** 1. **Near Xiangong Mountain Scenic Area** - **Yangshuo Xiangong Mountain Lodge**: Simple but clean, standard rooms about 120-150 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to the trailhead. - **Laozhai Mountain Guesthouse** (near Xingping): Hostel-style beds for 50 yuan/person, terrace with distant views of the Li River. 2. **Within Xingping Ancient Town** - **Yangshuo Xingping Huashan Yunshe**: Value-for-money inn, 80-100 yuan/night, near the bus station for convenient transfers. **Tips**: Book one week in advance during peak season (May-October); during off-season, you can negotiate prices on arrival. --- ### **IV. Practical Tips** - **Transportation**: Take a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping (10 yuan), then hire a car to Xiangong Mountain (about 50 yuan round trip); electric scooter rental is 40 yuan/day. - **Avoiding scams**: "Free guides" at the mountain base may lead you to expensive shopping spots; simply buy your ticket and enter the park directly. - **Equipment**: Wear non-slip shoes for hiking, bring mosquito repellent in summer, and windproof jackets in winter. --- The beauty of Xiangong Mountain lies in its purity—no need for expensive consumption, just an early-rising heart and observant eyes. Hope this guide helps you encounter the most touching morning light of the Li River! 🌄