Hike to Cuipingshan Hill Peak (Yangshuo, China)

A secret spot of Chinese photographers for years, Cuipingshan Hill within Yangshuo, China is a view unrivaled by many others in the world. The hill is a relatively easy hike but is nearly impossible to find. The reason for its difficult nature is that the name and location aren’t on any maps and there isnt much info on the internet. To get there, you’ll likely need to ask local villagers and farmers in Yangshuo; showing them a picture of the view and hoping they know the location (or ideally, you can find a local photographer with the knowledge of the spot). While it’s difficult to find, the hard work finding the place will be paid off in spades once you’re taking in the views.

The hike itself is ¾ of a mile scrambling up rocks and boulders on your way to the peak. It can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes with 700-800 feet of elevation. The trailhead starts just outside of a small farm off of a village road. Once you get dropped off (or park), you’ll walk a couple minutes on a trail through farmland and past a small pond until you reach the hill. The trail is straightforward and not overly excessive yet you will need to watch your footing as the trail is littered with uneven rocks and unstable dirt. Once you scramble up to the peak, you’ll have 360 degree panoramic views of the gorgeous Yangshuo countryside. Karsts of all different shapes and sizes, small rivers which cut through the farmland, and quaint villages on the foothills of the mountains encounter your eyes at every angle.

While the route down can become a bit perilous in the dark, I’d strongly suggest waiting until the sunsets over the karsts to the west prior to heading back down. Bring a headlight and watch every step once you descend, but the views and colors you’ll see at dusk will be worth every moment (especially with the effort to find the place).