Laozhai Mountain (老寨山) in Yangshuo is one of the most underrated yet stunningly beautiful spots in Guilin’s famous Karst landscape. Known for offering panoramic views of the entire region – Karst peaks, lush greenery, and the winding Li River, this free, undeveloped mountain is an essential stop for adventure seekers looking to experience both natural beauty and a bit of a challenge. On clear days, you can even witness a spectacular sunset that paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. However, the rugged, unmaintained trail makes it unsuitable for families with young children or the elderly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to tackle this exhilarating hike and explore the must-know details for an unforgettable visit.
How to Get to Laozhai Mountain
The starting point for the hike is located near the Shui Xiang Yi Inn (水相依客栈) in Xingping Ancient Town, which faces the Li River Scenic Area. The entrance to the hike is just a short walk from there. Look for a sign on your left-hand side, guiding you towards the path. Walk for about 20 to 30 meters, passing by a “luggage storage” area, and then follow the steps up the trail to begin your climb.
Hiking the Trail: What to Expect
The trail to the summit of Laozhai Mountain is not for the faint of heart. It’s steep, narrow, and often uneven, with no formal management or ticketing system—meaning it’s completely free to access! However, the lack of infrastructure and safety measures makes it unsuitable for families with small children, elderly individuals, or those unfamiliar with hiking.
The hike itself takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour for most people, though your time may vary depending on your fitness level and pace. Here’s a breakdown of the hike:
- First Segment (5-10 minutes): The trail begins with 2-3 sets of well-maintained stone steps, which are fairly easy to navigate. This part is relatively gentle.
- Second Segment (10-15 minutes): The steps become more irregular and uneven, requiring a bit more attention as you navigate through them.
- Third Segment (15-20 minutes): The path narrows and becomes steeper, with more curves and uneven stone steps.
- Fourth Segment (20-25 minutes): The steps become increasingly steep and rough, making this part of the climb more challenging.
- Fifth Segment (30 minutes): You’ll reach a stone archway (about two-thirds up the mountain), signaling that you’re getting closer to the top.
- Sixth Segment (40 minutes): Approaching the final stretch, you’ll encounter a vertical iron ladder to help you ascend.
- Summit (45 minutes): After navigating the final steps, you’ll reach a small pavilion at the top, offering panoramic views of Yangshuo’s stunning landscape.
Important Tips for Hiking Laozhai Mountain
While Laozhai Mountain is an incredible spot to visit, there are several things to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Difficulty Level: The trail is steep, uneven, and can be dangerous. It is not suitable for children, elderly people, or those not accustomed to outdoor physical activities.
- Lack of Facilities: There are no toilets along the trail, so be prepared before you start your hike.
- Safety Concerns: The trail lacks proper safety measures, and there are a few iron railings near the top. However, these can be shaky, so don’t rely on them too much. Focus on your footing for safety.
- Slippery Surfaces: Be cautious of smooth, reflective stone steps that can be slippery, especially in humid conditions.
- Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes. Avoid wearing skirts, long dresses, or any clothing that might hinder your movement, especially when climbing the steep iron ladder.
- Water and Snacks: There is bottled water available for purchase on the mountain for 6 RMB per bottle. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks for the hike.
- Rest Areas: At the summit, there’s a small pavilion where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view and catching your breath.
- Sunset Viewing: While it’s not possible to catch the sunrise from the mountain, the sunset is stunning, so it’s worth checking the weather forecast and planning accordingly. Be sure to descend immediately after sunset, as there are no lights on the mountain and it can be risky to navigate in the dark. Additionally, the mountain has many graves, so tread carefully.