Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) Arch Climb

Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) is a limestone peak near Provincial Road S305 in Gaotian Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi, China, famous for a natural arch that pierces the summit ridge. It lies a short distance south of Yangshuo town and is reached by bus to Gaotian Town in about 20-30 minutes, by a rented bike at ¥20-50 per day from West Street, or by a quick Didi ride. A ticket is bought at the gate before the climb. The ascent follows roughly 800 stone steps, a round trip of about 1.5-2 km that takes 1.5-2 hours, with a moderate effort that suits most fit visitors. The steps are well built with railings in places, and the lower part runs through scrub and small trees that give partial shade, while the upper section is open to sun and wind. At the arch, the opening frames views across the karst plain, with fields, villages and rows of limestone towers stretching in every direction. Many visitors continue past the arch along a rougher side path to a higher platform, which involves some uneven rock and is best done only in dry weather. The arch is the natural turn-around point for those who prefer an easy outing, and the descent follows the same steps. Shops and stalls at the base sell water, drinks and snacks, but there is no refuge on the climb itself, so visitors should carry water, particularly in summer. Moon Hill combines well with cycling through the surrounding countryside, and sunset from the arch is a popular choice, though the descent should start before darkness. The steps are slippery after rain, so shoes with grip help, and the cooler months from October to April are the most comfortable for the climb.