Duxiu Peak
» Guilin, Guang Xi

独秀峰 '孤峰不与众山俦,直上青云势未休'

Solitary Beauty Peak

Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty Peak) is located in the ancient Mansion of Prince Jingjiang, in the center of Guilin City, Guangxi Province, with an area of 6,100 square meters (about 1.5 acres). Towering 216 meters (about 709 feet) above the sea level and 66 meters (about 217 feet) above the ground, this peak has been a major scenic site in Guilin since ancient times and is renowned as the "Sky-Supporting Pillar in the South."

The origin of its name

Duxiu Peak stands in solitary grace at the center of the ancient Mansion of Prince Jingjiang (a noble family in the Ming Dynasty). During the Southern Dynasty (420 - 589), some 1500 years ago, Yan Yanzhi, governor of Guilin, wrote the line: "none can surpass this solitary peak in beauty," hence the name Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty Peak). When bathed in the dawn sunshine or afterglow, the peak seems to be wearing a purple gown and a golden belt, which is the origin of its other name "Purple Golden Hill."

What to visit

The peak provides a good view of the town below. In the haze of dawn or the glow of sunset the peak is purple or gold. A climb up the 306 stone steps to the top is rewarded by a panoramic view of the city. The view from here shows clearly the many limestone pinnacles that rise out of the flat land that surrounds them.

Caves

There are many peculiar caves in this scenic site, which add glamour and pleasure to this charming peak.

Dushu (Study) Rock

The most famous one is the Dushu (Study) Rock at the east foot of the peak, which looks like a stone room with natural windows and beds inside. It is said that Yan Tingzhi, governor of Guilin and also a famous writer, often studied here about 1,500 years ago.

Taiping (Peace) Rock

At the west foot lies the Taiping (Peace) Rock, which is 2.9 meters (about 9.5 feet) high and covers an area of 140 square meters (about 1,507 square feet). This cave looks like a gracious house with a very smooth floor and stalactites of various shapes hanging down from the roof. Flowers are planted in the front of the cave, and statues of Buddha have been erected inside. On the wall of the cave, you can read poets' praise of the cave's exquisite characteristics.

Snow Cave

The Snow Cave on the other hand, which is located at the north-west foot, is famous for its stalactites that are white as snow. Groups of rock formations and grotesque stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling create a spectacular scene. You can find numerous poem inscriptions from the Ming period on the cliff wall.

Duxiu (Solitary Beauty) Pavilion

On top of the peak there is a two-storied traditional Chinese pavilion with the same name, serving as both a decorative structure and observation post in the past. On the huge extruding cliff rock in front of the pavilion, a ten-square-meter (107-square-feet) flat with stone enclosures allows tourists to have a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery.

Crescent Pond

The renowned Crescent Pond is located at the east foot of the peak. Its name is owing to its distinct crescent shape.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Tower

The tower stands on the bank of the pond, and was established in 1921 to memorize the revolution led by its namesake, Sun Yat-sen. Now, it has been acknowledged as one of the major protected heritages of Guilin City.

When to visit

  • Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 17:50p.m.
  • Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour

  Weather

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  Food

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  2. Can I find western food in Guilin and Yangshuo?
  3. What tour meals will be supplied?

  Shopping

  1. Need I catch any cash?

  Travel

  1. May I know more about Li River cruise?
  2. What about the lodging in county-level scenic areas around Guilin City?
  3. Will the shift between different scenic spots take a lot of time?

  Customs

  1. Is there any taboo I need to pay attention to during my trip?

  Other Hints

  1. What should be prepared about my apparel during the sightseeing of Guilin's mountains scenery?

The peak provides a good view of the town below. In the haze of dawn or the glow of sunset the peak is purple or gold. A climb up the 306 stone steps to the top is rewarded by a panoramic view of the city. The view from here shows clearly the many limestone pinnacles that rise out of the flat land that surrounds them.

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