Moon Hill is a natural arch carved into a karst mountain located 8 km south of Yangshuo, in the Guangxi autonomous region. Instantly recognizable among all the peaks in the area, this mountain is distinguished by the circular opening that pierces its summit and evokes a moon resting on the rock.

Why visit Moon Hill?

The site combines several attractions in a compact format:

• A singular karst formation, with a perfectly circular arch measuring 50 meters wide by 50 meters high, vast enough to walk through.
• An unobstructed viewpoint over the sea of limestone peaks that characterizes the Yangshuo landscape.
• A short but challenging climb that allows you to spot stalactites hanging beneath the arch, much like in classic karst caves.
• A natural fit in a cycling circuit through the countryside south of Yangshuo, alongside the Big Banyan Tree and Butterfly Spring.

What to see and do here

The arch and its stalactites

The vault measures 50 meters in each dimension. It presents itself as an open semicircle in the mountain's flank, with limestone formations descending from the ceiling. The rock face changes color depending on the time of day and light direction: grey in full daylight, warmer in late afternoon.

The panorama from the summit

Once beneath the arch, the view opens to a full 360° over rice paddies, the Yulong River, and the succession of karst peaks typical of Guangxi. It is one of the rare accessible viewpoints on foot that allows you to embrace this landscape from within the mountain itself.

The staircase ascent

A paved pathway, completed in 1981, leads up to the arch. The number of steps is typically cited as around 800, though some sources mention as many as 1,000 depending on the route taken. The climb takes roughly thirty minutes at a steady pace, and it is common to pause and enjoy the vista windows that open along the way.

Encounters with local vendors

A distinctive feature of the site deserves mention: two women from the nearby village have made a habit of accompanying visitors to the summit to offer them a refreshing drink upon arrival. The practice has been part of the site's folklore for a long time. You remain free to accept or decline; a small tip or the purchase of a beverage is appreciated if you engage in conversation.

Practical information

• Mountain altitude: 380 meters
• Mountain dimensions: 410 m in length by 220 m in width
• Arch: 50 m wide by 50 m high
• Steps: between 800 and 1,000, approximately 30 minutes of climbing
• Total visit duration: plan for approximately 1 hour for the complete walk
• Entrance: modest access fee, payable on site
• Hours: open during daytime, typically from early morning to late afternoon (confirm locally before departure)

Bring sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection: the climb is exposed and can be taxing in summer heat.

When to go?

Guangxi's climate is subtropical, warm and humid. The most pleasant months for climbing to the arch are typically spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with comfortable temperatures and soft light that brings out the karst relief. Summer (June–August) is very hot and stormy, while winter remains feasible but often overcast and cool.

For photography and comfort alike, favor early morning or late afternoon: temperatures drop and the panorama takes on more striking hues. This is also the least crowded time, as tour groups typically arrive mid-day.

How to get there from Yangshuo?

Moon Hill is accessible from Fenglou village, the usual starting point for reaching the mountain's base. Several options exist from the town:

• By bicycle: approximately 1 hour from West Street. This is the most popular option, allowing you to link up with other attractions south of Yangshuo.
• By scooter: 30 to 40 minutes via secondary roads.
• By minibus: departure from Yangshuo's bus station heading toward Gaotian, with a stop at the foot of Moon Hill.

Nearby attractions to combine

• The Big Banyan Tree: 1 km to the northeast, a centuries-old fig tree on the banks of the Yulong River.
• Butterfly Spring: 2.5 km to the northeast, a thematic park dedicated to butterflies and karst formations.
• The center of Yangshuo: 8 km to the north, a logical base for exploring the region.

If your itinerary in Chine includes other spectacular landscapes, you can extend your karst experience with the Longgong Cave in Guizhou, or explore entirely different mineral terrain at the Hexigten Geopark in Inner Mongolia.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Moon Hill fits naturally into a stay around Yangshuo and Guangxi, one of the country's most photogenic regions. To build an itinerary that combines karst landscapes, historic towns, and more northern terrain, explore our travel ideas for Chine.