Jiuxian Painting Mountain: A Poetic Escape into Guilin’s Landscape Wonderland

Jiuxian Painting Mountain: A Poetic Escape into Guilin’s Landscape Wonderland
In Guilin’s iconic scroll of mountains and rivers, Jiuxian Painting Mountain stands as a legendary masterpiece. Towering over the Li River, this colossal “natural canvas” reveals nine mystical horses etched into its cliffs by time and elements—some galloping, others resting, frozen eternally in the embrace of emerald waters. Whether you’re a wanderer chasing nature’s beauty or a city dweller yearning for tranquility, this destination promises a soulful retreat.

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I. Natural Wonder: Divine Brushstrokes of Heaven

Rising over 400 meters near Xingping Town in Yangshuo, Jiuxian Painting Mountain dazzles with its kaleidoscopic cliffs. From afar, the rock face resembles an ink-wash painting; up close, nine horses emerge in intricate stone patterns, lifelike and dynamic. Song Dynasty poet Zou Hao once likened it to “the brushstrokes of a drunken celestial painter,” while Qing scholar Xu Gong marveled, “Mountains have always mirrored art, but here, art becomes the mountain.”
Legend whispers that these steeds were celestial creatures who escaped heaven to drink from the Li River, only to be petrified in stone by panic. A local rhyme challenges visitors: “Count the horses, wise one—seven makes you a scholar, nine crowns you a champion!” The joy lies not in solving the riddle, but in letting imagination gallop free.

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II. Must-Try Experiences: Adventure Meets Serenity

1. Canyon Rafting: Dance with the Rapids

The 3.5-kilometer Jiuxian Painting Mountain rafting route, with a thrilling 180-meter drop, is hailed as “nature’s ultimate rollercoaster.” Glide through karst gorges on rubber boats, where roaring rapids alternate with gentle pools. Catch glimpses of the Li River’s mirrored peaks mid-splash, then seamlessly transition to a bamboo raft for a serene finale—truly “sailing through a living painting.”

2. Hiking Trails: Footsteps Through Paradise

Walking the Li River’s banks offers an intimate encounter with the landscape. Start from Xingping Ancient Town, winding through bamboo groves, terraced fields, and villages (2-3 hours). Along the way, snap photos of iconic scenes like the “Yellow Cloth Reflection,” or join local fishermen at dusk for a glimpse of rural life. Adventurers can opt for rock-climbing or stream trekking, immersing in the raw charm of mountains and water.

3. Stargazing Camping: Dream Under the Cosmos

The riverside camping site invites you to unwind by a bonfire. As night falls, stars pierce the sky, mountain silhouettes blur into ink-wash shadows, and the Li River’s murmur blends with cricket songs—a symphony of peace.

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III. Travel Tips: Maximize Your Journey

• Best Time to Visit: April to October. May-June showcases terraced fields filled with water, while October glows with golden harvests.
• Getting There:
• By Car: 1 hour from Guilin, 40 minutes from Yangshuo.
• Public Transport: Take a boat/bamboo raft from Yangshuo or Yangdi to Xingping, then hike or cycle.
• Fees & Timing: No entry fee; rafting costs ~60-80 CNY. Allocate half a day, paired with nearby Xingping Ancient Town or Yulong River.

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IV. Beyond Scenery: Culture & Connection

Jiuxian Painting Mountain is more than a geological marvel—it’s a cultural tapestry. Wander Xingping’s cobblestone alleys, savor Yangshuo’s vibrant street life, or explore the Longji Terraces’ ethnic Zhuang and Yao heritage. If visiting in late June, don’t miss the Red Yao Ethnic Group’s “Clothes-Drying Festival,” where embroidered garments cascade like rivers of color.

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Final Notes
The magic of Jiuxian Painting Mountain lies in its ever-changing moods—misty peaks at dawn, sunlit cliffs at noon, and twilight’s golden glow. There’s no “right” way to see it; let your heart interpret its poetry. Whether chasing legends or simply soaking in serenity, these cliffs along the Li River will etch themselves into your memory as a personal utopia.
Pack your curiosity—let your journey rewrite the tale of Jiuxian Painting Mountain.

(Image source: Online. Credits to original photographers.)

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Further Reading: Wanderlust Travel Forum｜Yangshuo Tourism