Xianggong Mountain (相公山) in Yangshuo is renowned for its stunning sunrise views and the breathtaking cloud sea that forms over the karst peaks of the region. If you’re planning to visit Yangshuo, experiencing a sunrise at this mountain should be at the top of your list. This guide will walk you through the best transportation tips, time planning, and what to expect when you visit Xianggong Mountain for an unforgettable morning adventure.
The Journey to Xianggong Mountain
I arrived in Yangshuo with my friend the evening before, eager to catch the sunrise at Xianggong Mountain. We stayed at Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇), which is a great base for this excursion. After checking the weather forecast, which predicted cloudy conditions, I hesitated. But since this was a rare trip, I decided to go for it—and I’m so glad I did! The cloud sea that greeted me was nothing short of magical.
Transportation Tips:
The route to Xianggong Mountain involves several steps, but it’s relatively straightforward if you plan carefully. Here’s the recommended transport route:
- From Xingping Ancient Town to Xingping Wharf: Walk for about 6 minutes from your accommodation to the Xingping Wharf.
- Take the Ferry: Cross the Li River on a ferry, which takes around 5 minutes and costs 5 RMB.
- Take the Shuttle Bus to the Scenic Area: After crossing the river, take a shuttle bus to the entrance of the scenic area. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and the round-trip fare is 20 RMB per person.
- Hike to the Viewing Platform: Once you reach the entrance, buy your ticket (60 RMB) and begin the hike up to the viewing platform, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Watch the Sunrise and Enjoy the Cloud Sea: Reach the top and be ready to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness.
- Return Journey: After the sunrise, take the shuttle bus back to the ferry dock, cross the river again, and return to Xingping Wharf. The entire journey, including the ferry rides, costs about 90 RMB.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in Yangshuo, you can opt for a shared car ride at the West Street. Prices vary, but expect to pay around 78-80 RMB per person—be sure to negotiate.
Suggested Time Schedule:
To ensure that you catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds, here’s a time schedule to follow:
- 4:00 AM: Wake up
- 4:20 AM: Head out from your accommodation
- 4:30 AM: Board the ferry
- 4:40 AM: Arrive at the shuttle bus, and head towards the scenic area
- 5:00 AM: Reach the scenic area
- 5:20 AM: Arrive at the mountain summit
- 6:15 AM: Enjoy the sunrise
- 7:00 AM: Begin your descent back to the scenic area exit
- 7:30 AM: Arrive at the ferry dock
- 7:40 AM: Take the ferry back to Xingping Wharf
- 7:50 AM: Arrive back at your accommodation for a well-deserved rest
Key Points to Remember:
- Ferry and Scenic Area Opening Times: The ferry starts operating at 4:30 AM, while the Xianggong Mountain scenic area opens at 5:00 AM. Timing your arrival around these hours ensures a smooth experience. You don’t need to book a private car or join a tour group; simply head to the ferry dock directly.
- Avoid Package Deals: Many online platforms offer packaged tours that include a ferry ride, shuttle bus, and mountain access. These are often overpriced as they include a middleman markup. Skip the extra costs and head directly to the ferry terminal, where you can negotiate with shuttle bus drivers. Prices typically range between 20-30 RMB per person.
- Ticketing Confusion: Be aware that ticketing at the entrance can be confusing, with some inconsistency in pricing. For example, one friend was charged 60 RMB for a single ticket, while two others were charged 100 RMB for a combined ticket. A guidebook mentioned free entry with a guide certificate, but we found that ticket inspectors were charging for entry despite this.
- Crowd Management: The viewing platform can get crowded quickly, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot. The platform is small, and people often argue over the best vantage points. Getting there early is key to avoiding the chaos and enjoying a peaceful sunrise.