Location & Accessibility

Nestled in the lush countryside of Yangshuo, Guangxi, the Great Banyan Tree & Moon Hill Scenic Area sits about 7 kilometers south of downtown Yangshuo. You’ll find it directly across from the iconic Great Banyan Tree Park, making it easy to spot. The area is surrounded by rolling karst hills, rice paddies, and winding rivers, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop.

To get here, hop on Bus No. YS2 from Yangshuo Bus Station (30-minute ride) or grab a taxi/rideshare for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike—the scenic route from town is flat and shaded, perfect for a leisurely pedal. Driving? Use “Dalu Tree Park” as your GPS landmark, then look for the Moon Hill signposts.

Natural Wonders: Trees, Hills, and Magical Views

The Great Banyan Tree is a star attraction—a massive, 1,000-year-old tree with sprawling roots that look like nature’s own sculpture. Locals say it’s lucky to touch its branches, so don’t resist snapping a photo under its canopy! Nearby, Moon Hill steals the show with its giant natural arch. Walk (or take a bamboo-raft shuttle) to the hill’s base, then hike up to the Moon Palace viewpoint. At sunset, the sun’s rays pierce through the arch, framing the sky like a glowing moon—hence the name.

Between these two highlights, you’ll wander through rice fields, limestone cliffs, and the Yulong River, which winds like a silk ribbon. Bring a wide-angle camera: every angle here looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting!

Cultural Gems and Hidden Stories

Beyond nature, the area buzzes with Zhuang ethnic culture. Stop by the Great Banyan Tree park to see local women selling handwoven textiles or renting traditional costumes for photos. Fun fact: this tree inspired the movie Liu San Jie (a classic Chinese folktale), adding a dash of cinematic magic to your visit.

At the Moon Hill trailhead, keep an eye out for street artists selling paintings of the landscape. Their work captures the misty hills and reflective water—great souvenirs! And don’t miss the Commemorative Coin Self-Service Sales Kiosk near the entrance. These custom coins feature the Great Banyan Tree and Moon Hill etched into them. Drop a few yuan to press your own keepsake—it’s interactive history (and wallet-friendly)!

Practical Perks: Rest, Eat, and Shop

After exploring, chill at the shaded pavilions near the coin kiosk. There’s a small café serving bubble tea and snacks, plus clean restrooms. For lunch, head to the nearby village—try beef noodle soup or grilled riverfish at the family-run stalls.

The Commemorative Coin Kiosk itself is a clever touch: it’s solar-powered, open 24⁄7, and lets you customize your coin with the date or a short phrase. (Pro tip: Write “I Guilin” for Instagram bragging rights!) Stock up on water here too; the hill trails can get steamy in summer.

The Ultimate Day-Trip Experience

Plan to spend 3–4 hours here. Start early at the Great Banyan Tree, then hike or shuttle to Moon Hill for midday light. End at the coin kiosk to buy a memento before sunset. For photographers, morning offers softer light, while afternoon casts long, dramatic shadows on the hills.

Pro tips: Wear comfy shoes (those hills are rocky!), bring sunscreen, and chat with the local vendors—they’re full of insider tips. And hey, if you forget your camera, the coin kiosk doubles as a mini photo booth. Just frame the hills behind you for a shareable moment!

This blend of nature, culture, and quirky touches makes Great Banyan Tree & Moon Hill a must-stop. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or souvenir hunter, there’s something here to spark your wanderlust—and maybe even inspire a bohemian poet within you!