[2025 Guilin Attraction] Travel Guide for Crown Cave (Updated May)

As an outdoor blogger who explores mountains and rivers on foot, I've always believed that the best way to experience the Li River isn't from the deck of a cruise ship, but by hiking along this world-class karst corridor. This guide will unlock the wildest side of the Li River, taking you on a three-day, two-night adventure to discover the poetic hidden paradise described by Xu Xiake, amidst reflections of green peaks. Day 1: Hiking the Xingping Section (Yellow Cloth Shoal - Nine Horses Fresco Hill) Start at 6:30 am from Xingping Ancient Town and walk along the east bank trail of the Li River. The Yellow Cloth Shoal in the morning mist presents a grayscale aesthetic reminiscent of an ink painting. I recommend wearing wading shoes to cross the shallows near Luosi Mountain. 300 meters north of the 20 RMB banknote viewpoint, there's a hidden viewing platform favored by locals. At noon, enjoy bamboo rice with Liquan beer in Lengshui Village. In the afternoon, as you pass Nine Horses Fresco Hill, remember to use a telephoto lens to capture the natural frescoes on the cliffs. Day 2: Yangdi - Crown Cave Wild Climbing Route This undeveloped 10 km section is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. From Yangdi Pier, head upstream along the west bank, searching for Xu Xiake's inscriptions on the ancient path entwined with grapevines. There are three climbing points along the way that require the use of both hands and feet, so bring anti-slip gloves. When you reach Banbian Ferry, the old boatman still charges the original fare of 1 yuan per person. The undeveloped area of Crown Cave offers a chance to explore the underground river; a headlamp and waterproof bag are essential. Day 3: Yulong River Cycling Adventure Rent a mountain bike and cycle along the Jiuxian - Jima Village greenway, avoiding the crowded piers. Turn onto the small path at Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion. In May, you can witness the traditional scene of farmers transplanting rice seedlings in the paddy fields. I recommend taking a break at the Secret Garden Cafe. The owner, Lao Mo, will tell you how to find the perfect spot to photograph the 500-year-old camphor tree by the river. [Food and Accommodation Tips] - The rooftop of the Li River Old Place International Youth Hostel in Xingping offers a prime location for photographing the First Bend of the Li River. - The Secret Garden Inn in Yangshuo, renovated from a century-old northern Guangxi residence, serves a must-try bamboo chicken soup. - At the "Old Neighborhood" teahouse at the entrance to the ancient town, a 5 yuan bowl of "boat cake" with Lei Gong Gen herbal tea is the perfect way to unwind. [Equipment List] 30L lightweight backpack, quick-drying clothing, trekking poles, mosquito repellent, waterproof map (mobile signal is often intermittent) When the setting sun paints Nine Horses Fresco Hill gold, you'll suddenly understand the ancient saying, "I'd rather be a Guilin resident than a celestial being." The beauty of the Li River is always hidden around the corner, waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore its mountains and waters. Share your unique Li River stories in the comments section; perhaps we'll meet on a mountain path someday.

Celebrate the New Year in Guilin with this 2-day tour! Start the new year with a trip to the world's most beautiful landscape! . 🛤️ Itinerary: DAY 1: Daxu Ancient Town -> Crown Cave -> Lijiang Scenic Area -> Xingping Ancient Town -> West Street Stroll through the ancient town and experience its historical charm, explore the geological wonders of Crown Cave, and take a cruise on the Lijiang River to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the evening, visit West Street and try some local snacks. DAY 2: Ten-Mile Gallery -> Yulong River Rafting -> Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area -> Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area -> Osmanthus Commune Stroll through the Ten-Mile Gallery and enjoy the rural scenery, experience the thrill of rafting on the Yulong River, visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes to enjoy the night view of Guilin, and visit the Osmanthus Commune to enjoy the fragrance of osmanthus flowers. . Must-see attractions: 🐘 Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area: This is the symbol of Guilin's landscape. The elephant trunk-shaped landscape is unforgettable and a great place for tourists to take photos. 🌊 Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area: A beautiful scenic area surrounding the center of Guilin. Take a cruise to enjoy the harmony of the city and nature. 🎨 Lijiang Scenic Area: Like a natural ink painting, the scenery on both sides of the river is breathtaking and unforgettable. 🛶 Yulong River Rafting: Drift in the clear river and enjoy the rural scenery along the way, as if you are in a moving rural painting. 🖼️ Ten-Mile Gallery: Beautiful scenery at every step. Walking here is like being in a continuous landscape painting, and the totems of the primitive tribes add a mysterious touch. . **Notes**: * Airport transportation: Guilin Airport is far from the city center, so it is recommended to book a transfer service in advance to ensure a smooth arrival at the hotel. 🚖 * December climate: The temperature in Guilin in December is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is recommended to bring a thick coat to keep warm. 🧣 * Photo spots: The banks of the Lijiang River, Elephant Trunk Hill, and West Street in Yangshuo are ideal places for photography, so don't miss them! 📸 * Local food: Try Guilin rice noodles and beer fish to experience the local food culture. 🍜🐟 * Safety tips: Pay attention to personal and property safety when visiting scenic spots and follow the rules of the scenic spots. 🔒 . Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, and there is more to see than just this trip. We look forward to your next visit to explore more of Guilin's beautiful scenery!

Passing by Guanyan, I saw the surging traffic and crowds, so I decided not to venture deeper and turned the car around to leave. After passing Sanjiang in the afternoon, it was only about a hundred kilometers away from Congjiang County, so I decided to reach Congjiang before nightfall. Starting from the Wind and Rain Bridge in Congjiang, I drove against the flow of the Duliu River. The drizzle never ceased, with the swaying windshield wipers, the fluttering ancient banyans, the fleeting stone wall villages, the dense bamboo forests, and the winding National Highway 321. As the terrain rose, the river water became turbid, and the dark and oppressive sky made the boulders on the river surface stand out starkly. The river course widened and narrowed unpredictably, sometimes veering left, sometimes right, with the river beach strewn with rocks and the muddy waves splashing. Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of China's six most beautiful ancient towns, was undergoing road construction. The muddy and puddled road surface after the rain, crushed by heavy vehicles, was uneven, making it feel like driving a tank rather than a car. Despite this, the grating sound of stones scraping the chassis was still unsettling. The most beautiful is Libo, especially in the rain. For several days, the sky has been overcast with continuous rain. Having passed Xiaoqikong, the moist air was filled with the scent of trees and grass. Taking off my hiking boots, rolling up my trousers, I stepped barefoot into the swift stream. This is a vast water forest, where vines climb along the riverbank acacias, tree roots embrace the rocks, and the stream water strikes the roots. They have been entwined in a life-and-death embrace for thousands of years. Bending down and looking up, the endless spray reflects the colorful flowers and plants, and someone's slipper floats and sways on it. The return journey passed through Jinzhong Cave and Mandarin Duck Lake. Hearing such a vulgar name, I lost interest in sightseeing and wanted to take a picture of the lake and leave. Approaching the lake, I saw the lush trees in the water from afar, the fine rain falling on the lake surface creating a layer of mist. Several boats were moored at the shore, with oars askew, and it seemed possible to row by oneself. Upon inquiry, this was indeed the case, which brought great joy. Thus, I invited a friend to board the boat, and the small boat tilted and swayed forward. As we went deeper, the water became dark green and opaque. The Chongyang trees in the water stood silently, enduring the wind and rain for years. With each paddle stroke, the gentle green waves spread out like satin, and the reflections of the green mountains and bamboo in the water also shimmered. I couldn't help feeling a sense of ethereal tranquility, which came from the silence. The rain grew heavier, but as it entered the lake, it made no sound, nor did it hitting the leaves. In the depths, the trees stretched across, forming a spider web maze. The bamboo forest formed paths, resembling archways. Further away, the water and trees were hazy, with only the dim sky visible, and the mist rising from the lake surface was like an illusion... I couldn't help feeling a sense of profound solitude, as if I were alone in a boat in a silent world, merging with it, and tears of profound emotion fell. 🚗 Self-drive loop: Guangzhou - Liannan - Hezhou - Yangshuo - Guilin - Longsheng - Sanjiang - Zhaoxing - Rongjiang - Libo - Guigang - Zhaoqing - Guangzhou Total distance about 3100 kilometers 📃 Time: About fifteen days. 👣 Sightseeing: Sanjiang, with its unique ethnic customs and mysterious Zhuang mountain and water landscapes, and the world's number one Wind and Rain Bridge Rongjiang, inhabited by Zhuang, Miao, and other ethnic groups, has a distinctive ethnic character and charm. You can taste the local specialties and experience the rich ethnic flavor in the surrounding farmers' markets. Libo is the most beautiful spot on this trip. The Libo World Geopark is China's largest karst forest natural reserve. Walking among the peculiar peaks and stones is like entering another world. Passing through Guigang, a small city with unique fishing village charm and water town features, be sure to taste the freshest local seafood. Zhaoqing, now within the territory of Guangdong, has a variety of natural landscapes such as primeval forests, caves, and lakes. Don't miss the Longmu Temple, which is as famous as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, although the ticket is a bit expensive.