Guilin Danxia–Bajiaozhai Scenic Area

Location: Datuo Village, Meixi Town, Ziyuan County, Guilin, Guangxi. The scenic area lies deep in the Yuechengling Mountains on the border between Hunan and Guangxi, adjacent to Langshan Town in Xinning County, Hunan. It is approximately 146 kilometers from downtown Guilin.

Opening Hours: 08:30–17:30

Transportation: Visitors may take a taxi or hire a private vehicle. By public transportation, take a bus from Guilin North Passenger Transport Station to Ziyuan County, transfer to a bus bound for Meixi Town, and then take a local vehicle to the scenic area.

Best Time to Visit: April to October is generally the most pleasant period. Ancient pine trees line the trails, creating a cool and tranquil environment. Clouds often surge through the mountains, producing spectacular sights such as seas of clouds, cloud belts, cloud waves, cloud lakes, sunrise, and Buddha’s light.

Introduction

Guilin Danxia–Bajiaozhai is an important component of the “China Danxia” World Natural Heritage site. It is also a national forest park, a national geological park, and a national 4A-rated tourist attraction.

Covering a total area of 125 square kilometers, the scenic area consists of three major zones: the Bajiaozhai Geological Wonders Park, the Gumu Chong Light Extreme Adventure Park, and the Jiangu Scenic Camping Area.

The main peak is called “Bajiaozhai,” or “Eight-Corner Fortress,” because of its eight protruding peaks. It is also known as Yuntai Mountain and has an elevation of 818 meters. The remains of Yuntai Temple, formerly known as Tiankong Temple, can still be found at the summit.

The Danxia landforms here developed between 135 million and 65 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The region contains more than 2,000 meters of reddish-purple conglomerate and sandstone strata. Its landform types include Danxia peak forests, isolated Danxia peaks, Danxia hills, and miniature Danxia formations.

The area was selected by Chinese National Geography as one of the “Seven Most Beautiful Danxia Landscapes in China” and has been praised by experts as “the soul of Danxia and a national treasure.” In 2010, it was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List as part of “China Danxia.” In 2024, it was selected as one of the second group of “Guilin Classics” brands (a local brand project for top tourist attractions in Guilin) and is currently working toward designation as a national 5A-rated tourist attraction.

Main Highlights

● Qunluo Guan Tian: Dozens of spiral-shaped hills, each with a vertical drop of approximately 60–80 meters, stand in rows across the landscape. The spectacular formation is considered a representative example of Danxia landforms in China. 

● Longji Sky Ladder: A steep stone staircase winding along precipitous cliffs. The ascent is thrilling, while reaching the summit offers a strong sense of achievement accompanied by refreshing mountain breezes. 

● Longtou Incense: One of the most dangerous corners among the eight protruding peaks of Bajiaozhai. The ridge extends for approximately 100 meters, with its narrowest section measuring less than 10 centimeters across. Incense has been offered here since the Song and Yuan dynasties. Worshippers must move forward using both hands and feet, and only the most courageous visitors attempt the route. 

● Whales Rising from the Sea: At dawn, when clouds surge through the valleys, more than 100 red peaks appear to emerge from the sea of clouds like a pod of whales. This is one of Bajiaozhai’s most renowned visual spectacles. 

● Gumu Chong Light Extreme Adventure Park: Activities include jungle trekking, via ferrata climbing, aerial net courses, and glass walkways. 

● Jiangu Scenic Camping Area: Surrounded by towering cliffs, the camping area offers a cliffside café, a cliff cinema, outdoor barbecues, music parties, and other leisure activities.