Lao Zhai Mountain and River Rafting Trip

This Saturday, our Chinese Academy went to Xing Ping for the hiking and river rafting. We climbed Lao Zhai Mountain, which is near the Xing Ping Town of Guilin. It has an altitude of over 300 meters (984 feet). 1,149 stone steps lead to the top of the mountain. There, you can have a bird’s eye view of the whole scene at the foot of mountain. It is also the best place for you to take panoramic photos of the Li River and Xing Ping Town.

Our students are did their best to climb Lao Zhai mountain. Some of them found it quite easy, while others found it slippery and hard to keep up. After 20 minutes hike, they reached the top. Great job guys!

Bamboo Rafting

After the hike, we went to try bamboo rafting. Because the river level raised up the day before, the water was not super clear. However, it was still a very cool rafting experience

Taking a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River (or dragon river), a tributary of the Li River, is a very relaxing way to enjoy the highly scenic area south of Yangshuo. Here you can enjoy the stunning scenery and views of country life. You sit on non-motorised raft in the traditional way with a gondolier. They will steer you over the breakwaters past many small mud-brick villages and farmlands. Sit and enjoy the peaceful countryside and the limestone mountains. The beauty of this experience opens out before you. Even if you have cycled the area on the few hidden stretches alongside the river, the view from the river is very different.

Note that the most accessible stretches of the Yulong river where rafts are available count as one of the most touristic areas of Yangshuo. For instance, on the most popular stretch, from Chaoyang to the Gongnong bridge, you are likely to be joined by hundreds of rafts floating down this Dragon river. Also, the second most popular starting point is the stone Yulong (Dragon) Bridge famed for its beautiful rounded curve. However, no matter if the river is busy or not, the rafting experience is amazing!