Climbing Xianggong Mountain to Survey Guilin's Scenery and Overlook the First Bend of the Beautiful Li River

I checked online that the sunrise time at Xianggong Mountain is 6:10. Since I was staying right at the foot of the mountain, it was quite close, so I set out at 5:30 AM from the lodge, walked to the Xianggong Mountain scenic area, and began climbing. I reached the summit at 6:00, surrounded by mist and clouds, as if in a dream. There are five observation decks on the mountain. Everyone set up their cameras on the platforms and started shooting.

Climbing to the top of Xianggong Mountain and looking into the distance, the peaks are arranged in an orderly manner, and the clear Li River winds and flows within the embrace of the mountains. The interplay of light and shadow, the sea of clouds, sunrise, and colorful clouds here attract countless photographers and enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate—it was overcast and rainy, so we didn't get satisfactory photos.

Xianggong Mountain has five observation platforms, which can accommodate about 200 people in total. All face east, and each level offers a different shooting perspective, making it ideal for watching sunrise. Around sunrise, clouds churn, mist swirls, and the sky is filled with colorful rays. If you're lucky, you might just catch such a scene.

Visiting Xianggong Mountain is not about climbing the mountain itself, but about reaching the summit to take in the panoramic view of Guilin's landscape and overlook the first bend of the Li River.

Xianggong Mountain is not tall. From the base, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the top. The path is steep, and the scenery along the way is ordinary. However, once you reach the summit, the view suddenly opens up. Looking far into the distance, you see layered green peaks in well-spaced order, and the winding Li River turns and reveals its graceful figure among the mountains.

Before you lies the renowned First Bend of the Li River. At the center of this bend is an emerald islet, with patches of farmland and bamboo groves lush and lovely. White farmhouses peek through, and countless peaks of various shapes adorn both sides of the river. Simply raise any camera or phone, and with a casual snap, you capture a stunning and exquisite Chinese ink-wash painting.

The name Xianggong Mountain comes from its shape, which resembles an ancient official's hat. In ancient times, people called a prime minister "Xianggong" (Lord Chancellor), so the mountain became known as Xianggong Mountain. Locals also call it "Hebaoshan" (Purse Mountain), and the village at its foot is called Hebaoshan Village.

There are many mountains in Yangshuo, but due to the special landform, most of them are inaccessible. Many travel enthusiasts come to Xianggong Mountain to get a bird's-eye view of the entire Li River scenery.

The ever-changing play of natural light and shadow makes our journey unique. For photography lovers, it's a stroke of luck to capture sunrise amidst China's most beautiful landscape. That's why many choose Xianggong Mountain.

In the scene before me, the peaks are neatly aligned, and the clear Li River meanders through the embrace of the mountains.

A local told me that a photograph taken here by a Guilin photographer once won a bronze award at the 10th International Photography Exhibition.

Because of the mountains, the Li River has many bends. The small village at the foot of the opposite mountain has white walls and black tiles, reminiscent of Huizhou-style architecture.

As the sky gradually brightens, the mountain village and islet are dotted among the mist and clouds. Looking out, it fills the heart with joy and relaxation.

The landscape of the Li River is full of spiritual vitality.

When the sun doesn't come out, the banks of the Li River present a grayish haze, related to the terrain and geology.

The Li River makes a graceful curve around the foot of Xianggong Mountain, drawing a perfect arc. Especially with the sea of clouds and sunrise, the scenery is magnificent and overwhelmingly beautiful.

At 7:15, a water patrol boat appeared, trailing a long wake. Photography enthusiasts call it the "Golden Phoenix" or "Silver Phoenix."