Bilian Peak, also known as the Green Lotus Peak, rises 298 metres above the Li River, on the western bank of the waterway, southeast of Yangshuo county. Its lotus-bud silhouette earned it its current name, after being long designated as Jian Shan. The site combines karst landscape, legendary heritage and river views, in an area well served from the town centre.

Why visit Bilian Peak

The peak distinguishes itself from other reliefs around Yangshuo through its rounded profile evoking a lotus button emerging from the water. Several reasons motivate a stop here:

• A viewpoint over the Li River: from the second floor of the Jianshan building, you embrace a portion of the karst landscape characteristic of the region.
• Epigraphic heritage: the cliffs bordering the trail preserve ancient inscriptions carved into the rock.
• A legendary site: local tradition links the peak to a green lotus fairy turned to stone by the god of longevity.
• Immediate accessibility: the peak sits at the far end of West Street, within Yangshuo town centre's tourist fabric.

History and legend of the Green Lotus Peak

The summit, formerly named Jian Shan, has long been woven into Yangshuo's cultural landscape. The region's karst, shaped by limestone erosion, gave rise to the abrupt peaks that dot the Li River course, of which Bilian is one.

Local legend tells of a green lotus fairy transformed into a stone hill by the god of longevity. Her beloved carp, metamorphosed in turn, is said to have become the carp shoal located nearby. This tale, transmitted orally, still accompanies guided visits and appears on several site panels.

What to see on site

The Jianshan building

This former temple, built against the peak, houses a viewpoint on the second floor. The view looks out over the Li River and the surrounding karst peaks, and constitutes the site's main vantage point.

The Riverside Pavilion

Located beneath the Jianshan building, this pavilion opens onto the river through framed bays that compose carefully composed perspectives toward the water and neighbouring reliefs.

The inscriptions trail

At the foot of the peak, a walking trail runs along the cliff face. The path allows you to observe ancient inscriptions carved into the rock, testimonies left by scholars and travellers over the centuries.

The old banyan tree

Near the trail, an ancient banyan spreads its aerial roots. The tree, integrated into the visitor route, serves as a cherished landmark for photographers.

Practical information

Bilian Peak is located at number 2 Binjiang Street, near the intersection with West Street, in Yangshuo's tourist centre. Visiting the peak, trail and associated buildings typically takes one to two hours.

• Admission: paid entry at a moderate rate, often free for young children subject to a height requirement. Check current conditions on site.
• Hours: the site is open during daytime. Check locally for precise opening hours before your visit.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes recommended for the trail and viewpoint access.

When to visit

Yangshuo enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot, rainy summers and mild winters. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting, with regular sunshine and more moderate rainfall than mid-summer. The months from December to February remain accessible but can be cool and poorly lit. The summer season, particularly humid, deserves attention to weather forecasts.

How to get there

From Yangshuo town centre, the peak is accessible on foot via West Street. By bus, lines 601, 603, 604, 801 and 802 serve the West Street stop; simply head back up the street toward the northeast to its far end. Travellers arriving by cruise on the Li River disembark at Shuidongmen Wharf, located immediately near the site.

Nearby attractions

Yangshuo's town centre concentrates several other points of interest accessible on foot or by bicycle: West Street, riverside villages and hiking routes among the karst peaks. The region also hosts traditional Zhuang performances that showcase the dances, music and dress of local ethnic minorities. To extend your discovery of China's karst landscapes, the Hexigten Geopark and Longgong Cave offer other facets of the country's limestone relief.

Extend your discovery

Bilian Peak is part of a broader itinerary around Yangshuo and the karst landscapes of southern China. To plan a complete trip, consult our trips to China.