Pre-dawn — the crossing
This is the earliest start of any of our Guilin days, because the reason to climb Xianggong Hill is the sunrise, and the hill sits on the far side of the river from the road. Your guide confirms the ferry timing the day before, since the crossing and the climb both begin in the dark. Bring a head torch and shoes with grip.
Morning — Xianggong Hill
A stairway climbs from the crossing to the summit platform — steep, but short enough that most walkers manage it in well under an hour. From the top the Li River makes its first great bend below you, doubling back around the base of the hill with the karst towers standing out of the valley floor on every side. On a clear morning with low cloud in the valleys this is the view that fills the photography books; when the valley is hazy it is still the best vantage point on this stretch of river. You stay for the light and come down once the sun is properly up.
Late morning — riverside walking
Back at river level, the group walks the bank downstream towards Xingping, on a mix of path, village lane and field edge. The walking is easy and mostly flat, and it passes through working farmland rather than a scenic park.
Lunch
A restaurant in or near Xingping, with river fish and local vegetables.
Afternoon — Xingping and the water
Xingping is an old river town of a few narrow lanes and a handful of surviving brick shopfronts. From the town you take to the water on a bamboo raft for a stretch of the reach that carries the view printed on the back of the 20-yuan note, and then walk the bank on the return leg. Your guide finishes the day at the point where the cruise boats pass the Nine Horses Fresco.
Meals
Lunch
Accommodation
Day tour - no hotel night included.
