Maoershan Main Summit

Maoershan Main Summit stands in Maoershan National Nature Reserve in Huajiang Yao Autonomous Township, Xing'an County, Guilin, Guangxi, China. At 2,141 m it is the highest peak in South China and the source area of the Li River. Access is by bus from Guilin to Xing'an, about 1.5 hours, then a local car to the reserve gate, or by private car from Guilin in about 2 hours. A reserve entrance ticket applies, and conditions at the gate should be checked locally. The summit route is about 10-14 km round trip depending on shuttle use and takes 6-8 hours, making it a full-day effort. Total ascent is substantial, as the climb gains well over 900 m from the lower reserve area, so sustained effort is expected. The surface is a mix of stone steps, forest trail and muddy sections, with dense cloud forest and rhododendron zones in the middle and upper elevations that provide shade for most of the ascent. Higher up, the vegetation thins, the air turns cool and windy, and cloud often hides the view. Landmarks include streams that feed the Li River headwaters and forest sections that become increasingly mossy and damp with altitude. Water is available from streams but should be treated, and walkers generally carry their own supply of about 2 litres. There are no dependable refuge huts on the route, so a turn-around time should be fixed in advance, usually early afternoon, to allow a safe descent before dusk. Fog, rain and rapid temperature drops are common, even in summer, so waterproof and insulating layers are essential. Rhododendrons flower in spring, and the cooler, clearer period from May to October is the most practical window, avoiding winter ice and cold. Trekking poles help on wet steps and on the knee-heavy descent.