Moon Mountain

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in Gaotian Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Moon Mountain is a 5A-level scenic area and iconic karst landmark within the Ten-Mile Gallery landscape belt. Formed during the Quaternary glacial period, its 380m-high peak features a 50m-wide natural stone arch resembling a crescent moon, earning it the name "Moon Hill." Revered as a "Spirit Mountain" in local folklore, it embodies harmony between nature and human settlement. Ancient legends trace its origins to a celestial elephant that transformed into stone to protect villagers from floods, while historical records from the Tang-Song Dynasty document its role as a pilgrimage site. The mountain’s dynamic "moon phases"—visible from different angles—have inspired poets like Xu Xiake and artists for centuries, making it a UNESCO-recognized gem of China’s southern karst landscapes.

Architectural Layout & Design
The mountain harmonizes karst topography with human-engineered access:

• Stone Arch & Viewing Platforms: The 50m-wide arch, with walls as thin as several meters, features stalactites resembling Wu Gang (moon god) and the Jade Rabbit. Three observation decks offer panoramic views: the base for full moon photography, mid-level for arch structure analysis, and the summit for 360° vistas of rice terraces and peak forests.
• Climbing Trails: An 800-step marble staircase leads to the arch, while 14 climbing paths equipped with expansion cones cater to rock climbers—earning it the title "Natural Climbing Gym."
• Cultural Landmarks: The adjacent Moon Hill Village preserves traditional Zhuang stilt houses with carved sun/moon motifs, while the "Mama Moon" homestay offers multilingual tours and local cuisine like winter melon soup.
• Eco-Integration: Permeable stone paths, bamboo fences, and rainwater systems blend tradition with sustainability.

Major Attractions

• Moon Arch: A geological marvel where sunlight creates "moon phase" effects—from crescent to full moon—depending on viewing angle.
• Moon Hill Village: A cultural hub with batik workshops, traditional medicine gardens, and the "Pomelo Lamp" Mid-Autumn Festival custom, where lanterns float on the Li River for blessings.
• Big Banyan Tree: A 1,400-year-old tree with a 28m canopy, linked to Liu Sanjie’s love legend, located 2km away.
• Rice Terraces & Peaks: Surrounding landscapes include tiered fields, ancient volcanic rock formations, and peaks like Nine Cows Hill and Lying Tiger Hill.
• Underground River System: Poly Dragon Pond features holographic light shows and butterfly-shaped stalactites.

Ticket Information

• Moon Hill Entry: ¥35 full price; ¥15-20 for specific viewpoints (e.g., arch observation deck).
• Combined Tickets: ¥80-150 for multi-site passes including Big Banyan Tree and Butterfly spring.
• Guided Tours: ¥100-200 for eco-tours covering geology, culture, and local history.
• Discounts: Students/seniors receive 50% off; children under 1.2m free.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transit: Bus from Guilin North Station to Yangshuo (¥25, 2.5h); shuttle to Moon Hill entrance (¥10).
• Self-Drive: 1.5h from Guilin via G321 Highway; parking at village entrance (¥10/day).
• Local Access: Electric shuttles (¥5/ride) and shared bikes for village lanes; horseback tours available.
• Maritime Access: Boat tours from Guilin to Yangshuo (¥180-200, 4h), then shuttle to gallery.
• Air/Rail: Direct flights to Guilin Liangjiang Airport or trains to Guilin Railway Station.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: autumn (Oct-Nov) for golden rice fields and clear skies; spring (Mar-May) for wildflowers. Avoid July-August monsoons.
• Photography: Dawn for misty karst peaks; sunset for golden-hour lighting. Use polarizing filters for color saturation.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect Zhuang customs during Festivals like "Singing Fair" (August) and Mid-Autumn lantern releases.
• Packing: Polarized sunglasses, layered clothing (15-25°C), reusable water bottles, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Safety: Acclimatize to altitude; avoid unmarked trails. Carry emergency contacts and oxygen tanks (¥30).

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Hike to Moon Arch + Big Banyan Tree + rice terraces.
  • Afternoon: Butterfly Spring cave exploration + traditional batik workshop.
  • Evening: Yangshuo West Street night markets or "Impression Liu Sanjie" outdoor show.
• Multi-Day Routes:
  • 3-Day: Guilin → Yangshuo → Ten-Mile Gallery → Longji Terraces → Li River Cruise.
  • 5-Day: Nanning → Guilin → Yangshuo → Dragon’s Back Terraces → Huangluo Yao Village.

Moon Mountain epitomizes the convergence of karst grandeur, ethnic culture, and sustainable tourism. As a UNESCO gem, it invites global travelers to witness Earth’s raw beauty while honoring the resilient spirit of Guangxi’s minority communities—a true sanctuary of China’s southern karst landscapes.