China Travel

Yueliang Shan (Moon Hill) is one of the geographical oddities unique to Guilin prefecture—mountains with holes through the middle.  The hill is located about 15 minutes' drive from Yangshuo, but biking there should take less than an hour as roads are mostly flat.

Photos of the hill taken from a high vantage point tend to do it more justice than the view from the road. If you stop for a photo at the foot before entering the gate, be prepared to be approached by brash locals demanding money for the picture you took of "their mountain". A climb to the top of Yueliang Shan involves about 800 steps and should take the average climber 1 to 2 hours. There is an alternative route to the summit plotted by local rock climbing companies. Those wishing to climb the aptly named "Moonwalker" route should book in Yangshuo before heading to the hill.

As with many landmarks in China that resemble other things, Moon Hill has a legend attached to it. Although no two versions of the story seem to be quite the same, most versions include a moon dwelling jade rabbit and wood-cutter and how they came to be sent there.