Mao’er Mountain (帽儿山) is located in the northern part of Guilin, extending to the border between Xing’an County and Ziyuan County. With its main peak rising over 2,000 meters, it is the crown of the Wuling Mountains and the highest point in South China. The name “Mao’er” (meaning “Cat Mountain”) is derived from the shape of the summit, which resembles a giant cat lying down.
Mao’er Mountain is characterized by its high elevation and dense forests, offering cool summers and snowy winters. The environment is fresh and tranquil, and the scenery is picturesque, showcasing a blend of grandeur, danger, beauty, serenity, and wilderness.
This mountain serves as a natural oxygen bar. The abundant forests maintain high humidity year-round and a rich concentration of negative oxygen ions. Additionally, the dense forest vegetation releases volatile phytoncides, which, when inhaled, can lower blood pressure, slow the heartbeat, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and alleviate tension and fatigue.
Travel Information about Mao’er Mountain
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 160 yuan (includes round-trip sightseeing bus).
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Mao’er Mountain is suitable for visiting in all four seasons, but the best time is from April to October. This period is ideal for enjoying the blooming azaleas and the beautiful valleys and waterfalls within the mountain.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Gaotai Village, Huajiang Township, Xing’an County (the scenic area spans Xing’an, Ziyuan, and Longsheng counties), approximately 80 kilometers from Guilin city.
Transportation: Long-distance buses from Guilin Bus Station or the Xing’an bus parking lot are available to reach Mao’er Mountain.
Scenic Rating
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
Highlights of Mao’er Mountain
Rhododendron Corridor
Centered around Laoshanjie, the Mao’er Mountain Road stretches over 20 kilometers from Jiuniutang to the mountain’s peak, forming a long corridor of rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are one of the most widely distributed and numerous plants on Mao’er Mountain, thriving even in the cold high-altitude areas above 1,800 meters. The variety of rhododendrons found here showcases a dazzling array of colors, blooming sequentially from March to June, creating a vibrant ecological landscape that endures throughout the seasons.
Six unique species of rhododendrons can be found on Mao’er Mountain: Mao’er rhododendron, Yuefeng rhododendron, Zihua rhododendron, Meili rhododendron, Xisou rhododendron, and Zilan rhododendron. By mid-June, when most flowers have fallen and the landscape seems bereft, the Yuefeng rhododendron begins to bloom with its striking red and white flowers, exuding a luxurious beauty and a captivating fragrance that enchants all who visit.
Laoshanjie
Laoshanjie is the main mountain range of Mao’er Mountain, running east to west with an elevation of approximately 1,860 meters. The peaks are steep and the summit is narrow, with well-developed valleys to the north and south, creating a rugged and dramatic terrain. After the Xiangjiang Campaign, the Central Red Army crossed Laoshanjie from December 4 to 8, 1934. During this march, Lu Dingyi penned the famous piece “Laoshanjie,” documenting the treacherous nature of the mountains.
To commemorate this segment of revolutionary history, a monument pavilion has been constructed in the scenic area to honor the Red Army’s crossing of Laoshanjie during the Long March, along with the restoration of a section of the Red Army’s path. Comrade Lu Dingyi personally inscribed the phrase, “The majesty of Mount Tai, the peril of Mount Hua, the tranquility of Mount Lu, and the beauty of Mount Emei,” as a tribute to this significant historical event.
Jiuniutang Canyon
Jiuniutang is located on the slopes of Mao’er Mountain, at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters. It consists of two basin-like valleys that resemble treasure bowls, serving as one of the sources of the Zijiang River. The canyon features a riverbed with a significant drop, with cascading springs resembling chains and silver waterfalls hanging high, creating a stunning collection of beautiful cascades, including the impressive Jiuniu Waterfall, which has a drop of up to 50 meters.
The canyon is characterized by towering boulders, accompanied by clear blue pools and flowing water, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene. The riverbed and waterfalls are adorned with various aquatic plants, enhancing the ancient and serene atmosphere. Ancient trees line the banks, and peculiar rock formations create a unique and enchanting landscape.
Jiuniutang Canyon is home to a rare plant garden, featuring a variety of rare tree species and rhododendrons. Additionally, it serves as a popular winter snow-viewing spot. Every year, Mao’er Mountain receives heavy snowfall, accompanied by a magical frost-covered scenery, transforming the area into a winter wonderland, making it one of the best places to enjoy snow in Lingnan.
Shili Grand Canyon
Mao’er Mountain’s Shili Grand Canyon, originally known as the Shanmujing Grand Canyon, is the true source of the Lijiang River. The canyon features towering mountains and deep gorges, with significant elevation changes. In just 6,000 meters, the altitude drops from 2,000 meters to 500 meters, making it a place where “one mountain has four seasons, and ten miles have different skies.”
The dramatic elevation change has created a series of stunning waterfalls, including Heigang Waterfall, Jiansong Waterfall, Longjiu Waterfall, and Sandie Feiquan, each with a drop of over 20 meters. Cascading springs hang high in the canyon, with silver waterfalls resembling silk. Accompanied by rushing streams, stone beaches, clear pools, and tranquil gorges, the water flows quietly, sings joyfully, or thunders powerfully. The interplay of movement and stillness creates a vivid and picturesque scene, enhanced by the pristine beauty of the dense, original forests.
Chaoranpai Resort
At the end of the Shili Grand Canyon lies the Chaoranpai Resort. This scenic area boasts rich natural resources, including mountains, water, and forests, along with cultural attractions such as ancient human sites, folk customs, and revolutionary historical relics. It serves as a comprehensive destination for sightseeing, leisure vacations, educational activities, and health sports.
The Chaoranpai Grand Canyon retains its original ecological beauty and has a high concentration of negative ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. Located at the source of the Lijiang River, the resort features over twenty attractions, including Welcome Waterfall, Phoenix Song Pavilion, Jumping Pool, Phoenix Pool, Giant Salamander Pool, Listening to the Waves Pavilion, Longevity Peach Pool, Natural Bathing Area, Dragon Spring, Tea Tasting Garden, and Swan Lake, offering a wealth of scenic spots for visitors to explore.
Worry-Free Valley
Worry-Free Valley is situated at the foot of Mao’er Mountain, where an abundance of rare flowers and unique plants flourish throughout the year. With its clear waters and beautiful scenery, it has become a perfect getaway for city dwellers seeking relaxation on weekends.
Currently, the scenic area includes a bamboo sea, a bamboo culture exhibition park, a bamboo museum, a playful bamboo garden, the Mao’er Mountain Rare Plant Garden, the Red Army Long March Memorial Hall at Laoshanjie, a fruit and vegetable picking area, Worry-Free Spring, a Guangxi folk culture park, and a CS outdoor expansion base, offering a wealth of tourism resources.
What to do:
- Visiting the Red Army Long March Memorial Hall at Laoshanjie: Located within Worry-Free Valley, the Red Army Long March Memorial Hall utilizes images, documents, artifacts, and scenes to recreate the events of the Red Army’s Long March through Huajiang.
- Exploring the Bamboo Museum: The Bamboo Museum is a classic attraction in the bamboo town of Huajiang, Xing’an, and a highlight of the area. Visitors can admire the unique bamboo species of South China and gain insights into the millennia-long history of bamboo processing and utilization.
- Water Play and Recreation: Worry-Free Valley offers a fantastic spot for water activities, where visitors can engage in various water sports. In summer, guests can fully enjoy the refreshing experience of splashing around in the cool streams.
- Outdoor Adventure Base: The Outdoor Adventure Base focuses on promoting military culture and combines military-themed outdoor activities, sports, training, and entertainment into a professional club setting.