Located in the heart of Guilin, along the picturesque Li River, the Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Prince City Scenic Area (独秀峰与靖江王城景区) is a renowned 5A-rated national tourist attraction and a key cultural heritage site in China. This scenic area is not only the birthplace of Guilin’s urban history and culture but also the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty princely estate in the country.
The centerpiece of the scenic area is Solitary Beauty Peak, a striking karst formation that rises dramatically from the flat terrain. This peak, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries, offers stunning panoramic views of Guilin from its summit. Surrounding the peak is a rich array of historical and cultural sites, including the Crescent Pool, one of the four famous pools of Guilin during the Qing Dynasty.
Within the scenic area, visitors can explore the Jingjiang Prince Mansion, which has been converted into an exhibition hall showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the site. The mansion is a remarkable example of Ming Dynasty architecture and provides insight into the life and influence of the Jingjiang princes who once resided here.
Another highlight is the partially restored Guangxi Imperial Examination Hall, where scholars once competed in the rigorous imperial examinations. This historic site, along with numerous cliffside inscriptions and stone carvings found throughout the area, offers a deep connection to China’s scholarly and cultural traditions.
Travel Information about the Scenic Area
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥100. Free entry for children under 6 years old (excluding) or those who are 1.2 meters tall (including) or shorter.
Opening Hours:
- Spring and Autumn: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Summer: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Winter: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: No. 1 Wangcheng Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin.
Transportation: Take bus lines 10, 18, 30, or 206 and get off at Shizijie Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the scenic area.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
Highlights of the Scenic Area
Jingjiang Prince City
Jingjiang Prince City was constructed when Zhu Shouqian, the nephew of Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, was granted the title of Jingjiang Prince. The city boasts a grand architectural complex that includes the Chengyun Gate and Chengyun Hall. Surrounding the main palace buildings, the city features numerous halls, pavilions, and chambers, forming a magnificent and richly decorated architectural ensemble. Remarkably, Jingjiang Prince City was built 30 years before the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Over the centuries, the city witnessed the reign of 14 generations of Jingjiang Princes. Later, it was occupied by Kong Youde, a prince loyal to the Qing Dynasty, and became the residence of the Prince of Dingnan. During a peasant uprising led by Li Dingguo, the city was attacked, and Kong Youde set it on fire, reducing the 250-year-old city to ashes. Today, visitors can still explore the remnants of the city, including the Chengyun Gate, the foundation of Chengyun Hall, stone railings, and the marble staircase.
Chengyun Gate: This gate served as the main entrance to Jingjiang Prince City, named after the phrase “By the Emperor’s Mandate,” symbolizing the authority of the emperor. The gate is imposing and grand, reflecting the majesty of the entire city.
Chengyun Hall: As the main hall of Jingjiang Prince City, Chengyun Hall faces south and features seven bays and five rooms in depth, with double eaves. The hall was constructed following the traditional design for a prince’s palace. The platform, stone railings, and marble staircase are all original Ming Dynasty relics. The intricate cloud-patterned relief carvings on the central staircase are particularly noteworthy for their craftsmanship and well-preserved condition.
History of Jingjiang Prince City
After establishing the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sought to consolidate his rule by appointing his relatives as regional princes, a strategy known as “Supporting the Royal Clan.” Among the ten prominent princes, he specially appointed his grandnephew, Zhu Shouqian, as the Prince of Jingjiang in Guilin. In 1372, during the fifth year of the Hongwu reign, Zhu Shouqian’s court, still located in Nanjing, dispatched officials led by Chief Historian Zhao Xun to Guilin. Their mission was to survey the land, study the feng shui, and identify an auspicious site for the construction of the prince’s residence.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, feng shui played a crucial role in imperial architecture, seen as the spiritual foundation of such constructions. After careful consideration, they chose the southern foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, which had previously housed the residence of Yuan Emperor Shundi, as the site for the new palace. The construction of Jingjiang Prince City began shortly after and took over 20 years to complete, finishing more than 30 years before the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Solitary Beauty Peak
Solitary Beauty Peak, standing tall alongside Diecai Hill and Fubo Hill, is one of the main peaks in Guilin, creating a majestic trio within the city. Encircled by other mountains, it rises prominently, much like a king surrounded by his courtiers. This distinctive stature has earned Solitary Beauty Peak the title of “The Monarch of Mountains,” symbolizing its regal dominance over the surrounding landscape.
From a distance, Solitary Beauty Peak resembles a towering pen or a divine pillar, which has given it the poetic name “The Pillar of the Southern Sky.” On clear days, whether during the golden glow of sunrise or the warm hues of sunset, the peak stands proudly, bathed in a magnificent display of colors. This natural spectacle has led to the peak being referred to as “Zijin Mountain,” evoking the image of an emperor adorned in a purple robe, surveying his realm with authority and grace.
Near Solitary Beauty Peak, the Yanzhi Pavilion is also worth a visit, offering further opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural significance of this iconic landmark in Guilin.
What to Do at Solitary Beauty Peak:
- Climb for Panoramic Views: Known as “The First Peak of Guilin,” Solitary Beauty Peak offers unparalleled views from its summit. As you ascend, the experience is truly breathtaking—clouds seem to gather beneath your feet, stars appear within reach, and the city of Guilin unfolds before you. From this vantage point, you can see the harmonious blend of mountains encircling the city, with rivers winding gracefully through the landscape. The entire city’s beauty is captured in a single glance.
- Explore the Stone Inscriptions: Solitary Beauty Peak is not just a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure. The peak is home to 136 stone inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty, all of which are designated as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units. Among these, the most valuable is the “Poem to Encourage the Emperor,” inscribed 800 years ago at the foot of Dushu Rock. Another highlight is the famous inscription of the timeless phrase “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven,” which is etched into a stele located here.
- Visit the Crescent Pool: Situated on the eastern foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, Crescent Pool is one of Guilin’s four famous pools, alongside Shengmu, Chuntao, and Bailong. The pool is named for its crescent shape, which mirrors the curve of the moon. Surrounded by lush willows and dotted with pavilions and water pavilions, the scenery here is serene and picturesque.
The Examination Hall
Located behind Solitary Beauty Peak, the Examination Hall (贡院) was established during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Shunzhi. This site was dedicated to the imperial examination system, specifically for scholars, or “Xiucai,” to take their exams. Known for producing many top scholars, this place was considered a prime location according to Feng Shui principles. Today, part of the hall has been restored to its original condition, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the grandeur of the imperial examinations. Here, one can almost feel the tension of the candidates who spent years preparing for this moment and the elation of those who saw their names on the honor roll.
The park also features the Imperial Examination Culture Exhibition Hall, the first of its kind in Southwest China and Guangxi Province. The exhibition showcases valuable cultural relics, including “Eight-Legged Essay” exam papers from Xiufeng Academy, guides for imperial examinations, and family rules and instructions left by Chen Hongmou, a prominent official. Visitors can learn about the various levels of the imperial examination, see actual exam papers, and explore the rich history of China’s unique examination system. Additionally, an interactive experience allows visitors to participate in a simulated imperial examination, offering a hands-on understanding of the culture and significance of the Examination Hall in ancient China.