Four peaks on the northeast edge of downtown, with a short climb to a view over the whole city and the river — and far fewer people than Elephant Trunk Hill.
Diecai Hill — Folded Brocade Hill in English — covers about two square kilometres on the northeast edge of downtown Guilin, on the bank of the Li River. It is a group of four peaks: Bright Moon Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Peak. Along with Solitary Beauty Peak and Fubo Hill it forms what locals call the three legs of a tripod, the three hills that frame the old city.
It is the easiest good climb in Guilin. Twenty minutes of steps puts you on Bright Moon Peak with a panorama over the city, the Li River and the karst beyond — the view that postcards of "Guilin" actually show, rather than a single rock. Because it is not on the standard tour-bus circuit, you will often have the top largely to yourself.
The hill is covered in rock inscriptions, some more than a thousand years old, and there is a small cave and several pavilions on the way up. The name comes from the layered, folded look of the rock face, which is said to resemble stacked brocade.
Northeast downtown Guilin, on the Li River. Ten minutes by car from central hotels; often walked from Fubo Hill along the river.
Clear mornings. Autumn gives the sharpest visibility; summer haze softens the panorama.
Fixed price per car, driver waits while you walk.
Tell us your dates and we will confirm the car, the driver and a fixed price within 2 hours.