Yangshuo Damian Hill: Private Sunrise Hike & Li River Views

Summary

Climb Damian Hill for sunrise over the Li River’s first bay, feel the mist and the hush before Yangshuo wakes

You’ll start early with hotel pickup in Yangshuo or Guilin before climbing over 1,200 stone steps up Damian Hill alongside your local guide. Watch sunrise spill across the Li River’s first bay from above Xingping village, then unwind over lunch on West Street before heading back—legs tired but heart full.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d be out of breath so soon, but those stone steps up Damian Hill really sneak up on you. Our guide, Mr. Chen, grinned as we paused—he said locals call it Goupo Mountain too, which I kept mixing up (he laughed at my pronunciation). The air was thick with that early morning dampness, everything smelling a bit like wet leaves and river mud. We’d left Yangshuo just after breakfast—still half-asleep—and by the time we reached the base near Xingping, the sky was just starting to lighten.

The climb is no joke—over 1,200 steps, and I lost count somewhere around 400. Sometimes you catch a whiff of someone’s thermos tea or hear birds arguing in the bamboo. At one point I stopped to tie my shoe and realized how quiet it was except for our breathing and the distant sound of water moving below. It’s steep but not scary; more like your legs keep reminding you they exist. Chen pointed out Snail Hill across from us—I wouldn’t have noticed it otherwise—and told stories about how this bend in the Li River is called “the first bay.”

At the top, it’s hard to describe what happens. The river below looks impossibly wide and green, curling around like some giant ribbon. Sunlight started to hit the peaks in front of us while clouds hung low like cotton blankets—there’s something about seeing all that space open up after such a sweaty hike that makes you just stand there for a minute. We took photos but mostly just leaned on the railing together in silence. It felt like being let in on a secret view.

The way down went faster (my knees disagreed), and by lunch on West Street I could still taste salt on my lips from the climb. Sitting there with simple noodles and cold water felt almost as good as reaching the summit—maybe better? Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Damian Hill from Yangshuo or Guilin, check the weather first because rain would make those steps wild. But if you get clear skies…well, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Damian Hill climb and sightseeing

• Pick up from hotel or park
• Transfer to Damian Hill
• Climb up Damian Hill
• Enjoy view at Damian Hill
• Walk down Damian Hill
• Return to West Street for lunch
• Back to Yangshuo or Guilin hotel

Top questions

How hard is the Damian Hill hike?

The hike is considered very active—over 1,200 stone steps and 400 meters elevation gain. Good fitness is needed.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from Yangshuo or Guilin is included in your private tour.

What time does the tour start?

The tour usually starts at 9:30am with pickup from your hotel.

Is lunch included after climbing Damian Hill?

Yes, lunch on West Street is included after descending Damian Hill.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult due to strenuous activity.

What should I bring for climbing Damian Hill?

Wear comfortable shoes with grip; bring water and check weather since rain makes steps slippery.

Where exactly is Damian (Goupo) Mountain located?

Damian Mountain is near Xingping in Yangshuo County, opposite Huang Ni Tian area by the Li River.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your private tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes private car transfers from your Yangshuo or Guilin hotel (or Yulong River park gate), entry fees for Damian Hill itself, a private English-speaking guide who knows every twist of those stone steps, plus lunch back on lively West Street before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.