Xianggong Mountain 相公山 Yangshuo 阳朔县 in autumn colours

Xianggongshan Scenic Area, Hebaoshan Village, Yangshuo, is 28 kilometers from Yangshuo center. We left our hotel near the Shanhu Lake Guilin at about 10am on 19th November 2024 temperature was about 18C (we had clear skies and beautiful cooling weather) and started to make our way out of Guilin town towards Yangshuo which is to the south of Guilin. It took us an hour just to cross over to Yangshuo district, as Xianggongshan is on the way to the city centre of Yangshuo, it makes sense to stop at this place before we proceed to check in to our new hotel at Yangshuo. The moment we cross the border to Yangshuo, the landscape began to change, the karst mountains became more and more prominent on both sides of the road. We enjoyed the car ride as the beautiful landscape unfolded before our very eyes. After another 20 mins drive, our guide started to turn off the main road and we enter into a small village, most tour busses will not be able to make it to this road, so if you want to come over here do arrange for a private transport. Another 10 mins driving along farms (dotted with orange, sweet, small lime-well known in this area), and rather quickly we arrived at the base of the mountain where the ticket counter is located. Our team do consist of elderly tourist and if you are 70 yrs and above you will need to sign an indemnity form. The climb is "chicken-feet" for those who are climbers but for those of us who are not, may find it a "tad" out of breath. There are benches for you to rest along the way. Having said that the eldest in our group, a man of 70 years old was the first to reach the observation deck. We did notice quite a few elderly were also climbing up the mountain. As we were about to reach the 1st viewing platform, an elderly lady of about 60 years old gave us the encouragement to continue climbing as we will be reaching soon. At that junction where we stopped to take a breather, she advise us to take the right side as it will be nearer to reach the platform. True enough, took us just a few more turns and we reach the lower level viewing platform, view was already breath taking. (bear in mind we were already out of breath-guess we were not really breathing at that point of time) - took us about half an hour to reach this level, but I am sure the "sporty ones" will only take half the time. We had a glimpse of a few very young able climbers passing us by during our initial climb, never saw them again, I guess they must have been up and went down without ever meeting us again. The view of the Lijiang River and the mountain range is just so incredible (checkout the pictures). I would really recommend the climb. For those from 55-75 yrs old healthy individual, I do not think it will be a problem to do this climb. Worth every effort to scale this small mountain for the view. I do hope you will take this challenge. #旅行酷体验#景点拍照指南