Mao'er Mountain Sunset

Mao'er Mountain, located in Guilin, Guangxi, is the main peak of the Yuecheng Mountains. With an elevation of 2,141.5 meters, it is the highest peak in South China. Watching the sunset here, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains dyed orange-red by the setting sun. 📍Address: Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area, Xing'an County, Guilin, Guangxi 🔴Canyons, glass water, bamboo forests, mythical beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Seas🦅, mountain azaleas🌸 covering the hills, and the route taken by the Red Army on the Long March🛖 Travel through the primeval forest, sometimes entering a misty forest, sometimes a sea of clouds☁️, sometimes under overcast skies🌨, and sometimes under clear skies☀️ 🍲Foodie Radar ✅Xing'an rice noodles (pickled green beans + pot-roasted pork are essential) ✅Bamboo chicken (boiled in mountain spring water, incredibly fresh) ✅Wild vegetable omelet (Centella asiatica/bracken is very special) 🔴Preparation Bring a flashlight for illumination after sunset; prepare your camera, phone, and power bank to record the beautiful sunset. If you plan to shoot time-lapse photography, bring a tripod. 🔴Transportation Guide 🚘Self-driving: From downtown Guilin, take the Quannan Expressway and Baomao Expressway, then follow County Road X144. The whole journey is about 80–90 km and takes about 2 hrs. Set your navigation to "Mao'er Mountain National Nature Reserve". There is a parking lot in the scenic area, and parking fees are charged according to the vehicle type. 🚌Public transportation: First, take a bus from Guilin North Bus Station to Xing'an. After arriving in Xing'an, transfer to a bus to Huajiang Yao Township. Get off at the Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area intersection, then take a taxi or the scenic spot shuttle bus to the main gate. This method takes longer, so plan your time accordingly. 🎫Ticket Price: Full price ticket: CNY 110/person, sightseeing bus ticket: CNY 100/person (required; self-driving within the scenic area requires a special permit). Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website of Mao'er Mountain Scenic Area, the official WeChat account, or major travel platforms. ⏰Opening Hours: The scenic area is usually open from 08:00–17:00 (subject to adjustment during peak season). However, to watch the sunset, you need to enter before closing time and contact the scenic area staff in advance to explain your situation and ensure you can stay on the mountain until after sunset. ⛰️Best Viewing Spots ✅Chaoranpai Viewing Platform: With a wide view, you can overlook the rolling mountains. At sunset, the afterglow sprinkles among the peaks and ridges, creating a strong sense of layering. It is an excellent location for shooting panoramic sunset views. ✅Mao'er Mountain Main Peak: This is the highest point, offering 360-degree views of the sunset. As the sun gradually sets, the golden light reflects on the surroundings, as if you are in a golden world. You can take pictures of the sun with the iconic stone tablet of the South China Peak. 🔴Itinerary ✔️Afternoon: It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area between 14:00 and 15:00. Take the sightseeing bus or drive up the mountain, enjoying the scenery of the primeval forest and alpine meadows along the way. After arriving at the mountain, you can visit the Red Army Pavilion and other attractions to learn about the history and culture of the Red Army. ✔️Evening: Arrive at your chosen sunset viewing spot half an hour in advance. Find a good shooting angle and wait for the sunset. Sunset time varies with the season, approximately 19:00–20:00 in summer and 17:30–18:30 in winter. Check the weather forecast in advance for the specific sunset time. ✔️After sunset: After enjoying the sunset, walk down the mountain slowly (pay attention to driving safety at night if self-driving). If you don't want to return on the same day, you can choose to stay in a hotel or B&B on the mountain to experience the tranquility of the mountain night and enjoy the sunrise the next day. Important Notes ☑️The weather on the mountain is changeable. Pay close attention to the weather forecast before departure. If it rains or is foggy, you may not be able to see the sunset. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary in advance. ☑️When watching the sunset, follow the rules of the scenic area. Do not leave the designated route to avoid getting lost or encountering wild animals. ☑️Protect the environment, take your trash with you, and keep the scenic area clean.