Getting There: Location & Transport

Ancient Stone City sits nestled in the rolling hills of Yangshuo County, Guilin, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Yangshuo. To reach this hidden gem, follow County Road A89 north and keep an eye out for a narrow path on the left side—park your car just beyond the “Ancient Stone City” sign and prepare for a short hike. If you’re not driving, arrange a private taxi or join a local tour group; public transport here is sparse, but the journey feels like part of the adventure!

Natural Wonders: Karst Magic & Panoramic Views

The moment you step into Ancient Stone City, you’re surrounded by karst towers that seem to grow straight from the earth. Winding stone paths lead you uphill, where every turn offers a new angle of these jagged limestone giants. For a jaw-dropping view, climb the rough-hewn steps to the village’s upper terrace—you’ll see why this spot is a photographer’s paradise. At dawn, the soft light paints the peaks in pink and gold, making it one of Guangxi’s best-kept secrets for sunrise shots.

Just east of the village, the trail continues toward Xianggong Mountain, another must-visit perch. The top here is a flat-topped hill with 360-degree views of the Li River’s first bend—a winding ribbon of emerald water hugged by mist-kissed mountains. Arrive by 6:00 AM to secure a spot on the crowded viewing platform, or explore quieter ledges for a solo experience.

Cultural Immersion: Stone-Built Heritage

What makes Ancient Stone City truly special? Its stone-carved history. Legend says the village’s founders fled warfare centuries ago, building homes from local rock to blend into the landscape. Today, every wall, path, and well here is hewn from stone—no bricks or cement in sight. Stroll through the labyrinthine alleys and notice how generations have expanded upward, adding layers of houses like natural fortresses.

Locals still live in these stone houses, some of which date back to the Ming Dynasty. Knock on a door, and you might be invited to share a meal in a family’s traditional kitchen, where smoked pork and wild mushrooms sizzle over wood fires. It’s a rare chance to peek into a world where time moves at the pace of stone erosion.

Local Experiences: Homestays & Home-Cooked Meals

After hiking, refuel at a villager’s home in nearby Dayan Tou Village or Stone Fort. Families here open their doors to travelers, serving dishes like bamboo rice, river fish hotpot, and mountain spring tofu. Don’t miss trying oil-tea—a nutty, toasty drink made by frying tea leaves in oil, a specialty of the region.

For a deeper stay, book a night in a stone house guesthouse. These homespun lodges offer thin mattresses, shared bathrooms, and the sound of frogs croaking at night. It’s basic, but the charm of waking up in a 500-year-old village makes it worth it.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Best time to visit: April to October for green landscapes, but winter brings crisp air and fewer crowds.
  • Footwear: Wear grippy shoes—the stone paths can get slippery after rain.
  • Guides: Hire a local guide (~$20/hour) to hear stories about the village’s history and hidden spots.
  • Eco-friendly note: Bring a reusable water bottle—the village has spring-fed taps, but plastic waste harms this fragile ecosystem.

Whether you’re here for the hiking, the history, or the home-cooked food, Ancient Stone City promises a trip back in time. Just remember: this isn’t a polished tourist site—it’s a living, breathing piece of Guangxi’s mountain soul.