Guilin Landscape Photography
Our guides introduce the best landscape photography locations in and around Guilin, located in Guangxi province in southern China. Guilin's landscapes are dramatic, offering the chance to go home with some iconic images of China.
Photographers can have a field day in the Guilin area; there are so many different areas to explore, either by driving to more remote locations, or by biking and hiking, or taking a raft along the rivers.
Guilin's got rice terraces, strange karst mountains, paddy fields, the Li River, and patchwork fields with strange karst mountains jetting out of the landscape, a few tea plantations, and all this diversity is within driving distance. This is unlike other areas of China, where you fly in to take a picture of A and then fly out. A photography tour to Guilin offers you more subject diversity than any other location we've visited in China.
It's good to know when we talk about 'Guilin', we're not really talking about 'Guilin City'. Although images landscape photos of Guilin are tagged by photographers as "Guilin" or "Yangshuo", they are usually taken in more remote areas, or nearby a small town taxi's in Guilin city don't even know how to get to, and many tour guides have never been.
Guilin or Yangshuo can be both used as a base, depending on your route and trip focus.
Guilin's got rice terraces, strange karst mountains, paddy fields, the Li River, and patchwork fields with strange karst mountains jetting out of the landscape, a few tea plantations, and all this diversity is within driving distance. This is unlike other areas of China, where you fly in to take a picture of A and then fly out. A photography tour to Guilin offers you more subject diversity than any other location we've visited in China.
It's good to know when we talk about 'Guilin', we're not really talking about 'Guilin City'. Although images landscape photos of Guilin are tagged by photographers as "Guilin" or "Yangshuo", they are usually taken in more remote areas, or nearby a small town taxi's in Guilin city don't even know how to get to, and many tour guides have never been.
Guilin or Yangshuo can be both used as a base, depending on your route and trip focus.
"At last... the China I imagined!"
Guilin's Iconic Landscape: The Li River
Karst Mountains and Li River Landscapes
There are several mountains with breathtaking views over the Li River (see pictures). One could spend days focused on Xingping and Yangshuo, as in these locations there are a number of mountains and river banks to take spectacular shots.
Accessing Photography Locations in Guilin
To get to these mountains is difficult and it's almost impossible if you're a tourist and don't speak the language. Many tourist only ever reach Moon Hill, or the occasional ticked mountain with help from a boutique hotel, more on that later.
The mountains we spend our time in are mostly not on the group tourist tracks, but some will have lots of photographers, as they are know as the most beautiful places, best angle, or have many viewing platforms as interest in the location grows.
We have been exploring 10 years. On a day off we can be found wading across parts of the river and trekking up a karst mountain on a trail of more loose earth under bushes. In the most part the areas we take clients have ok paths, many have lots of steps, one even has a metal ladder; in places dodgy water pipes provide a guard rail. It really depends on if you are nervous about heights, and if you're a regular hiker, and this would affect your choice of mountain. Don't think you need to be a mountain goat, some of the best views have good steps and viewing platforms. However, you can't avoid steps, and when I say steps I mean at least 500 continuous steps.
We tend to take our clients to a lesser challenge, but an amazing view, after-all this is their holiday. We still offer the best landscape photography locations but in a manner that's easier, in most cases. That said there are still often 500 steps. If hiking is not your passion, and you're not a navy seal, you probably would enjoy a motor raft or a private car one early morning to a mountain with good steps, to capture a sunrise. When planning we can create a trip around your preferences.
We can also arrange a bamboo style motor raft in the pitch black of night to take you upstream from Xingping, and either hike up for a mountain sunrise landscape or choose a section on a quiet part of the river with a great backdrop, with little to zero hiking. Perfect for medium format photographers, although we are happy to arrange a sherpa service, you can pay the locals on the day. Typically 100RMB they will come at 4-5am and carry a bag up for 30 minutes, wait and carry it down when you have finished shooting.
Moon Hill - Photographic Value Questionable
Moon Hill is a famous mountain in Yangshuo, and many join the foreign and domestic 'tourist pilgrimage' out to this uniquely arched sharped mountain. The bike ride out takes at least 1 hour, but when you arrive you are not only greeted by 800 steps, a little strenuous, but the main issue is the very persistent vendors.
Perhaps as local photography guides we've been spoiled by the best scenery, become snobs or just know better. Reading TripAdvisor reviews today the masses feel quite good about old Moon Hill. The last review reads "800 steps to climb this mountain, it is exhausting but it is an unique spot for photographs! the stone arch is worth to see it." Hum... Moon hill is ok, but we can really show you much better compositions.
Our advice... It's worth a visit during the midday light, but if you are interested in landscape photography, it does not have the very best view of the mountains, and you can't see the river. So from a local perspective we can show you better views in more remote places. However, it does depends on conditions and personal preference.
Accessing Photography Locations in Guilin
To get to these mountains is difficult and it's almost impossible if you're a tourist and don't speak the language. Many tourist only ever reach Moon Hill, or the occasional ticked mountain with help from a boutique hotel, more on that later.
The mountains we spend our time in are mostly not on the group tourist tracks, but some will have lots of photographers, as they are know as the most beautiful places, best angle, or have many viewing platforms as interest in the location grows.
We have been exploring 10 years. On a day off we can be found wading across parts of the river and trekking up a karst mountain on a trail of more loose earth under bushes. In the most part the areas we take clients have ok paths, many have lots of steps, one even has a metal ladder; in places dodgy water pipes provide a guard rail. It really depends on if you are nervous about heights, and if you're a regular hiker, and this would affect your choice of mountain. Don't think you need to be a mountain goat, some of the best views have good steps and viewing platforms. However, you can't avoid steps, and when I say steps I mean at least 500 continuous steps.
We tend to take our clients to a lesser challenge, but an amazing view, after-all this is their holiday. We still offer the best landscape photography locations but in a manner that's easier, in most cases. That said there are still often 500 steps. If hiking is not your passion, and you're not a navy seal, you probably would enjoy a motor raft or a private car one early morning to a mountain with good steps, to capture a sunrise. When planning we can create a trip around your preferences.
We can also arrange a bamboo style motor raft in the pitch black of night to take you upstream from Xingping, and either hike up for a mountain sunrise landscape or choose a section on a quiet part of the river with a great backdrop, with little to zero hiking. Perfect for medium format photographers, although we are happy to arrange a sherpa service, you can pay the locals on the day. Typically 100RMB they will come at 4-5am and carry a bag up for 30 minutes, wait and carry it down when you have finished shooting.
Moon Hill - Photographic Value Questionable
Moon Hill is a famous mountain in Yangshuo, and many join the foreign and domestic 'tourist pilgrimage' out to this uniquely arched sharped mountain. The bike ride out takes at least 1 hour, but when you arrive you are not only greeted by 800 steps, a little strenuous, but the main issue is the very persistent vendors.
Perhaps as local photography guides we've been spoiled by the best scenery, become snobs or just know better. Reading TripAdvisor reviews today the masses feel quite good about old Moon Hill. The last review reads "800 steps to climb this mountain, it is exhausting but it is an unique spot for photographs! the stone arch is worth to see it." Hum... Moon hill is ok, but we can really show you much better compositions.
Our advice... It's worth a visit during the midday light, but if you are interested in landscape photography, it does not have the very best view of the mountains, and you can't see the river. So from a local perspective we can show you better views in more remote places. However, it does depends on conditions and personal preference.
Danxia Landforms near Guilin
Guilin's Danxia Landforms Located North
Bajiaozhai Danxia Formations
Ziyuan Area - Landscapes Unique to China
You've probably never heard of the Danxia Landforms. Danxi forms are a different mountain type to karst formations, and to the north of Guilin you can find one of the seven finest danxia landform areas in all China. This landscape has now been listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Very few photographers have captured them, as they only exist in China.
The ethereal mountains of Ziyuan have a whole cluster of these flat topped and very steep sided formations. Walkways make the ascent safe, although still requiring effort. Bajiaozhai also known as Yuntai Mountains has a little over 1700 stone steps up to the viewing platform, where you can see both Hunan and Guangxi province landforms at the same time.
The danxi has become over-run with tourists and very commercial.
Early mornings can see the mountain tops floating in a sea of cloud, due to altitude of over 800m.
Cat Mountain near Ziyuan is the highest in Southern China, but only Chinese national are allowed on the highest peak, so it is not an option. One or two local expats (no names) has tried to disguise oneself in cycling gear, marks and glasses to little avail.
You've probably never heard of the Danxia Landforms. Danxi forms are a different mountain type to karst formations, and to the north of Guilin you can find one of the seven finest danxia landform areas in all China. This landscape has now been listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Very few photographers have captured them, as they only exist in China.
The ethereal mountains of Ziyuan have a whole cluster of these flat topped and very steep sided formations. Walkways make the ascent safe, although still requiring effort. Bajiaozhai also known as Yuntai Mountains has a little over 1700 stone steps up to the viewing platform, where you can see both Hunan and Guangxi province landforms at the same time.
The danxi has become over-run with tourists and very commercial.
Early mornings can see the mountain tops floating in a sea of cloud, due to altitude of over 800m.
Cat Mountain near Ziyuan is the highest in Southern China, but only Chinese national are allowed on the highest peak, so it is not an option. One or two local expats (no names) has tried to disguise oneself in cycling gear, marks and glasses to little avail.
Guilin's River Landscapes
Li River Cormorant Fishermen Landscape
Li River - Best Photography Locations
The Li River is one of the most photogenic places in China, and for a good reason; there are dramatic and different views around each river bend. You'll also find the scenery in Xingping on the 20 RMB bank note.
The river landscapes we cover here are accessed by foot, and all can of course be reached by a raft. A car can also get fairly close in some places, but most people use Xingping and Yangshuo as a base for river photography.
If you are a hiking fan there is a nice trail along the Li River, from Yangdi to Xingping. It takes about 5-6 hours and requires sturdy footwear, but is fairly level. It is a great way to see the scenery; the cruise is not nearly as nice, but faster at 4 hours all the way to Yangshuo. The alternative to the cruise is a motorized raft, than runs the same route in about 2 hours.
Yulong River Scenery - Ancient Bridges & Rafting
The Yulong River is not as well known as Li River, but no motor boats are allowed on it, which has made it a popular place to be punted in a traditional bamboo raft. The reflection of the mountains and bamboo groves on the calm river is amazing. Two seats allow two people to share one raft, and the rafter punter stands on the back.
It is easy to bike from Yangshuo to see the ancient bridges and then take the bamboo raft whist the bikes are put on the back of the raft. One other option, as the river gets a bit touristy later in the day, is to book the boatmen early in the morning for a completely private experience and you'll be more likely to achieve a better landscape shots.
The Li River is one of the most photogenic places in China, and for a good reason; there are dramatic and different views around each river bend. You'll also find the scenery in Xingping on the 20 RMB bank note.
The river landscapes we cover here are accessed by foot, and all can of course be reached by a raft. A car can also get fairly close in some places, but most people use Xingping and Yangshuo as a base for river photography.
If you are a hiking fan there is a nice trail along the Li River, from Yangdi to Xingping. It takes about 5-6 hours and requires sturdy footwear, but is fairly level. It is a great way to see the scenery; the cruise is not nearly as nice, but faster at 4 hours all the way to Yangshuo. The alternative to the cruise is a motorized raft, than runs the same route in about 2 hours.
Yulong River Scenery - Ancient Bridges & Rafting
The Yulong River is not as well known as Li River, but no motor boats are allowed on it, which has made it a popular place to be punted in a traditional bamboo raft. The reflection of the mountains and bamboo groves on the calm river is amazing. Two seats allow two people to share one raft, and the rafter punter stands on the back.
It is easy to bike from Yangshuo to see the ancient bridges and then take the bamboo raft whist the bikes are put on the back of the raft. One other option, as the river gets a bit touristy later in the day, is to book the boatmen early in the morning for a completely private experience and you'll be more likely to achieve a better landscape shots.
Iconic Photography
Guilin's Cormorant Fishermen: The Iconic Landscape of Guilin
Cormorant Fishermen on the Li River - Iconic & Unique Photography
The best location for photographing landscapes including cormorant fishing would take you to Xingping (halfway between Guilin and Yangshuo). We can arrange a couple of private cormorant fishermen to light their lamps, spread the nets and move around as you require.
The best location for photographing landscapes including cormorant fishing would take you to Xingping (halfway between Guilin and Yangshuo). We can arrange a couple of private cormorant fishermen to light their lamps, spread the nets and move around as you require.
Landscapes of the Rice Terraces
Guilin's Rice Terrace Landscape: A clear morning after 5 days rain. (Photographed 2014/05/12)
Longji Rice Terraces - Longsheng Area
The landscapes at Longji can be breath taking, known to resemble the scales of a dragons back, hence the locals call the area "The Dragon's Backbone" (Dragon's Back).
Longji Rice Terraces are at their best from the time they are irrigated, usually around mid-May, through planting in mid-June to August when the crops are turning golden until harvest early October. After that they are fairly brown and barren with some green grass, unless there is rare snow in February. If there has been plenty of rain, you may be lucky and get nice reflective pools of water earlier in March and April.
There are many minority villages in the area, where the locals still wear their traditional outfits and jewelry, if this is an area of photography that also interests you. We have arranged visits to some beautifully warm and friendly minority families. These are local farmers, people who have become personal friends over the years in Guilin.
To drive from Guilin takes about three hours each way, so it is a whole day trip; to see the sunrise, a night's stay as well. There is a cost of around 8 dollars (50 RMB) to get to the area. There are several access points to the terraces. Ping’an has the most dramatically shaped fields, but it also means it is very popular and quite touristy. Dazhai has just had a cable car built to take the visitors up near the top, which makes the ascent easier.
The landscapes at Longji can be breath taking, known to resemble the scales of a dragons back, hence the locals call the area "The Dragon's Backbone" (Dragon's Back).
Longji Rice Terraces are at their best from the time they are irrigated, usually around mid-May, through planting in mid-June to August when the crops are turning golden until harvest early October. After that they are fairly brown and barren with some green grass, unless there is rare snow in February. If there has been plenty of rain, you may be lucky and get nice reflective pools of water earlier in March and April.
There are many minority villages in the area, where the locals still wear their traditional outfits and jewelry, if this is an area of photography that also interests you. We have arranged visits to some beautifully warm and friendly minority families. These are local farmers, people who have become personal friends over the years in Guilin.
To drive from Guilin takes about three hours each way, so it is a whole day trip; to see the sunrise, a night's stay as well. There is a cost of around 8 dollars (50 RMB) to get to the area. There are several access points to the terraces. Ping’an has the most dramatically shaped fields, but it also means it is very popular and quite touristy. Dazhai has just had a cable car built to take the visitors up near the top, which makes the ascent easier.
Longji Rice Terrace Landscape
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To better understand the best places in Guilin for landscape photography, portrait or ancient architectural shots, please take a look at our Guilin Photography Locations Info-graphic.
