Moon Hill
4
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,010 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
389
Average
227
Poor
56
Terrible
7
Rebekah W
9 contributions
Jun 2020
A must-see in Yangshuo! Moon Hill is a great half-day trip and an easy climb with steps and handrails the whole way. It was very hot the day we went but also quiet which was nice. The scenery is beautiful from the outlook and there were a few ladies selling ice-cold drinks at the top to thirsty climbers.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Best food best hotel
Hong Kong, China6,080 contributions
May 2019
I have no interested to Geography . This mountain is interesting but definitely not worth a special tour to get closer and take a look.
My friend did it, she was very regret ! So I stopped the car on the road just to take a photo while we are on the way to the cave visit ( u can see it on the way to Guilin if u take a right route )
My friend did it, she was very regret ! So I stopped the car on the road just to take a photo while we are on the way to the cave visit ( u can see it on the way to Guilin if u take a right route )
Written May 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue D
Worcester, UK163 contributions
Nov 2019
The other reviews sum up the experience well. It's a steep walk up steps that go on forever - wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers. When you look up at the hill from the bottom, you find it hard to believe you'll actually get to the top. It's great to see the moon-shaped hole close up, but it's the view of the karst mountains as far as the eye can see that really takes your breath away - as well as the hike up there, of course!
Written November 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice W
55 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
please buy water from the old lady at the top. she walks up every day at 8am, and has done so for the past 20 years.
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lollo A
Fidenza, Italy1,174 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
One of the best view you can find for sunset nearby yangshuo. When you he end of the stairs, after the hole on the right you have a normal view point, but if you turn left and ignore the indication do not enter, you can reach the top of the mountain for an incredible view
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EU family in HK
Hong Kong, China102 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
It is about a half an hour and partially steep hike, but there are stairs almost all the way. One section was mud stairs as it was under construction.
We had pretty tired legs by the time we were down again, but the view is rewarding from the top.
currently they are building some sort of a viewing platform behind the “hole”...
Once down, it is worth it to wonder over to the small village across the road and take a look at the Moon Hill from there while enjoying some refreshments.
ps:
We could not figure out the purpose of the 3 transformers standing proudly in the bus-car park area. but the kids had fun finding them.
We had pretty tired legs by the time we were down again, but the view is rewarding from the top.
currently they are building some sort of a viewing platform behind the “hole”...
Once down, it is worth it to wonder over to the small village across the road and take a look at the Moon Hill from there while enjoying some refreshments.
ps:
We could not figure out the purpose of the 3 transformers standing proudly in the bus-car park area. but the kids had fun finding them.
Written April 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gajahgoogoo
Singapore, Singapore148 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We cycled to Moon Hill from our hotel on the Li River (Yangshuo Mountain Resort - a gorgeous place!). There were a number of locals there offering us lunch or a cheaper view of Moon Hill, but if you want to hike up to the actual hole in the hill, then pay the 15RMB entrance fee. We thought it was totally worth it because:
- there was a huge, clean and well equipped toilet at the base of the hill
- the locals don't follow you in, so you get a peaceful climb
- we could leave our bicycles at the car park area after the ticketing booth where they were safe until we came out.
- the walk was fairly easy, and very enjoyable. It was dry and sunny while we were there, which made for a lovely walk amidst the bamboo groves. We headed directly for the "Moon Palace" which brought us right to the Moon arch (where there were 2 ladies selling drinks), and then continued on the path through the archway to a vantage point behind it. On the way down, we visited the other signposted place (the bureau or something like that?), which was another spot with a view of the "Moon".
If its rainy, I'd imagine the stairs would be fairly slick. After we visited, I read that there is actually a path to the summit - I wish I had read about it before our trip so we could have completed our trek! Anyway, I'll paste the instructions here for anyone interested - we did see the sign that said "No trespassing" - arrgh!:
"Just as you come through the main arc of the hill there is a small trail to your left – where there still might be a sign saying ‘no trespassing’, please allow yourself the temptation! – the path leads to the very summit of the hill (there are actually two of which the right one offers the best views) with a breath-taking 360 degree panorama of hills and fields with trees, bamboos, crops, rice fields, rivers, villages, roads… Please be aware the path up is a little more rugged than the steps leading you up the hill, expect some ducking under branches and rough steps. The awesome view at the top also has no barriers, so mind your step! In, or after rainy weather we advise to wear shoes that allow a good grip!"
We took our time, and stopped for snack at the "summit" and spent perhaps 1.5 hours there. Can prob be done in 45 minutes if you don't take your time like we did.
- there was a huge, clean and well equipped toilet at the base of the hill
- the locals don't follow you in, so you get a peaceful climb
- we could leave our bicycles at the car park area after the ticketing booth where they were safe until we came out.
- the walk was fairly easy, and very enjoyable. It was dry and sunny while we were there, which made for a lovely walk amidst the bamboo groves. We headed directly for the "Moon Palace" which brought us right to the Moon arch (where there were 2 ladies selling drinks), and then continued on the path through the archway to a vantage point behind it. On the way down, we visited the other signposted place (the bureau or something like that?), which was another spot with a view of the "Moon".
If its rainy, I'd imagine the stairs would be fairly slick. After we visited, I read that there is actually a path to the summit - I wish I had read about it before our trip so we could have completed our trek! Anyway, I'll paste the instructions here for anyone interested - we did see the sign that said "No trespassing" - arrgh!:
"Just as you come through the main arc of the hill there is a small trail to your left – where there still might be a sign saying ‘no trespassing’, please allow yourself the temptation! – the path leads to the very summit of the hill (there are actually two of which the right one offers the best views) with a breath-taking 360 degree panorama of hills and fields with trees, bamboos, crops, rice fields, rivers, villages, roads… Please be aware the path up is a little more rugged than the steps leading you up the hill, expect some ducking under branches and rough steps. The awesome view at the top also has no barriers, so mind your step! In, or after rainy weather we advise to wear shoes that allow a good grip!"
We took our time, and stopped for snack at the "summit" and spent perhaps 1.5 hours there. Can prob be done in 45 minutes if you don't take your time like we did.
Written January 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen D
Wilmslow, UK24 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Just outside of Yangshuo, a less visited (for once) tourist area. A steep climb of 800 steps up to a great view of the moon shaped hole in the mountain and surrounding landscaped. It was made all the better for us with a view of two rock climbers attempting the incredibly hard climb around the moon shape. One of the cheaper and yet still exhilarating activities in Yangshuo and far less touts selling tat !
Written August 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Bond
London, UK747 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Background: As an optional excursion while staying in Yangshuo, our tour group opted to visit this unique geological feature. Moon Hill is a small mountain with a karst pinnacle, at the centre of which is a moon-shaped hole (what remained of an ancient limestone cave). It is located a few miles south of town and across from Jingbao River along Hwy 321.
PROS: While it is definitely not walking distance from town, it may be reached by local bus or (more fun) by cycling through the countryside. I was able to conserve some energy by renting an electric-powered bicycle. It will take about 20 mins or so to negotiate the 800+ paved steps to the base of the moon arch, and about 45 mins to the summit. (When we were there, someone was rock-climbing the inside of the arch.) It's considerably steeper and rougher to the summit itself, but it is entirely doable. As a reward, you will be afforded broad, panoramic views of the countryside. On your way back, pass by the Moon Hill Café for a cold beer (¥20), specialty coffee (¥18-25), a can of Coke (¥5), orange-mango juice (¥8) or what I ordered: Snicker's Chocolate Shake (¥22).
CONS: There is an entrance fee. It is a simple hike with a well-marked trail, but the climb itself would be moderately difficult to novice hikers. Granted, some stretches of the trail can be difficult and challenging, but nothing that an average person with a moderate level of physical fitness cannot accomplish. Along the way, hordes of souvenir hawkers and drink vendors follow you around.
TIP: Before you go, watch whether it's foggy or rainy in Yangshuo. If it is, chances are your climb will be slippery and your views from the top would be crappy. Go in good weather and early in the morning, before the hot sun and the rest of the world descend on the place. A lot of locals will "volunteer" as a guide (for a fee, of course), but you won't really need them. There are no side trails; you won't get lost. You may want to bring bottled water, but then there's Moon Hill Café at the entrance to the trail. At high noon, the bright sun may overwhelm (washout) the scenery to render them less photogenic. From my experience, landscape photos are better taken around sunrise or sunset. Surely, the contrasting shadows at dusk allowed the knobby karst hills to stand out better.
Verdict: I suspect that, when people say that the topside scenery was so-so and really underwhelming, it is because they saw it at a less-than-flattering light (much like a gorgeous fashion model when she first wakes up). To be fair, we are not talking here about Machu Picchu at sunrise after a 4-day Inca Trail hike. It may not be a photographer's mecca, but it is worth climbing for the sense of accomplishment -- if nothing else. Grade B+.
.
PROS: While it is definitely not walking distance from town, it may be reached by local bus or (more fun) by cycling through the countryside. I was able to conserve some energy by renting an electric-powered bicycle. It will take about 20 mins or so to negotiate the 800+ paved steps to the base of the moon arch, and about 45 mins to the summit. (When we were there, someone was rock-climbing the inside of the arch.) It's considerably steeper and rougher to the summit itself, but it is entirely doable. As a reward, you will be afforded broad, panoramic views of the countryside. On your way back, pass by the Moon Hill Café for a cold beer (¥20), specialty coffee (¥18-25), a can of Coke (¥5), orange-mango juice (¥8) or what I ordered: Snicker's Chocolate Shake (¥22).
CONS: There is an entrance fee. It is a simple hike with a well-marked trail, but the climb itself would be moderately difficult to novice hikers. Granted, some stretches of the trail can be difficult and challenging, but nothing that an average person with a moderate level of physical fitness cannot accomplish. Along the way, hordes of souvenir hawkers and drink vendors follow you around.
TIP: Before you go, watch whether it's foggy or rainy in Yangshuo. If it is, chances are your climb will be slippery and your views from the top would be crappy. Go in good weather and early in the morning, before the hot sun and the rest of the world descend on the place. A lot of locals will "volunteer" as a guide (for a fee, of course), but you won't really need them. There are no side trails; you won't get lost. You may want to bring bottled water, but then there's Moon Hill Café at the entrance to the trail. At high noon, the bright sun may overwhelm (washout) the scenery to render them less photogenic. From my experience, landscape photos are better taken around sunrise or sunset. Surely, the contrasting shadows at dusk allowed the knobby karst hills to stand out better.
Verdict: I suspect that, when people say that the topside scenery was so-so and really underwhelming, it is because they saw it at a less-than-flattering light (much like a gorgeous fashion model when she first wakes up). To be fair, we are not talking here about Machu Picchu at sunrise after a 4-day Inca Trail hike. It may not be a photographer's mecca, but it is worth climbing for the sense of accomplishment -- if nothing else. Grade B+.
.
Written May 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingwithtori
Phoenix, AZ28 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
I wasn't too enthusiastic about visiting Moon Hill, but it was the finale to one of the best days of my life.
We spent the morning biking around the country (I would highly suggest it), and eventually worked our way to Moon Hill. Upon entry (15 RMB), hit the stairs. Eventually the trail will split. We thought it looked much shorter to go left, but DON'T! Instead go right and save yourself 30 minutes (you won't miss any scenery since they two trails meet at the opening in the moon hole).
From the opening you have a pretty adequate view of the valley (looking in the opposite direction of Yangshuo) and can see some beautiful mountain scenery and a little village, but DON'T STOP THERE!
If you continue down the path for another minute, you will see a little dirt trail on your left that's blocked by a boulder saying "Do Not Enter". I would suggest you do enter and hike for another 20 minutes to reach the top of the arch. The view is absolutely spectacular! From the top you have a perfect panorama of the strange spiky mountains that cover the countryside as far as you can see. It's definitely rougher terrain and I would suggest wearing a decent pair of shoes.
We visited Moon Hill on November 17th and experienced great weather (sweater/coat in the shade and a long-sleeved shirt in the sun). I would also suggest going to the hill around 3:00 pm. You'll have the place mostly to yourself, you can enjoy the softer afternoon light, and the ride home is extra beautiful when the sun is setting.
We spent the morning biking around the country (I would highly suggest it), and eventually worked our way to Moon Hill. Upon entry (15 RMB), hit the stairs. Eventually the trail will split. We thought it looked much shorter to go left, but DON'T! Instead go right and save yourself 30 minutes (you won't miss any scenery since they two trails meet at the opening in the moon hole).
From the opening you have a pretty adequate view of the valley (looking in the opposite direction of Yangshuo) and can see some beautiful mountain scenery and a little village, but DON'T STOP THERE!
If you continue down the path for another minute, you will see a little dirt trail on your left that's blocked by a boulder saying "Do Not Enter". I would suggest you do enter and hike for another 20 minutes to reach the top of the arch. The view is absolutely spectacular! From the top you have a perfect panorama of the strange spiky mountains that cover the countryside as far as you can see. It's definitely rougher terrain and I would suggest wearing a decent pair of shoes.
We visited Moon Hill on November 17th and experienced great weather (sweater/coat in the shade and a long-sleeved shirt in the sun). I would also suggest going to the hill around 3:00 pm. You'll have the place mostly to yourself, you can enjoy the softer afternoon light, and the ride home is extra beautiful when the sun is setting.
Written November 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi i m lussy from indonesia. I am planning to climb moonhill.
Would you please give information about it, like transport or travel agent provider?
Written December 25, 2019
We used a travel guide company in Beijing for all of our travel called Thechinaguide. They provided us with a guide named Henry Lee. He was excellent. Ask for him
Written December 26, 2019
Sorachana
Jiujiang, China
How many hours that we take cycling from shuidongmen pier to moon hill?
Written September 15, 2019
Hi Sora,
Moon Hill is about 8.3 km from Shuidongmen pier and depending on your cycling speed it will take less than 1 hour.
Written September 15, 2019
We chained our bikes up near the car park at the cafe.
Written March 27, 2017
Hi I am wondering about the bike ride to Moon Hill. We will be biking to Fuji bridge in the morning and then to Moon Hill. I am trying to get a sense for the difficulty. How hilly and far is it? Thanks.
Written March 20, 2017
We did the bike ride along the banks of the nearby river and ended up at the cafe at the foot of Moon Hill. The bike ride was comfortable with not many hills to climb and I found it relatively easy and I am a 71 year old guy. The distance we covered was around 15/20 Kilometres but the bike ride was beautiful.
The walk up to the top of Moon Hill is not what I would call an easy stroll but neither is it too difficult. There are steps that take you to the top and the views, once you reach the top, are lovely. It is well worth the effort and there are places where you can stop to catch your breath if needed. Enjoy your trip. I'm jealous.
Written March 23, 2017
nmlund
Groton, South Dakota
I see the mention of the refilled glass water bottles instead of plastic bottled water. My question is about the "safety?" of the water for travelers unaccustomed to the local water. Is this water commercially bottled?
Written May 4, 2016
I never saw a glass water bottle my entire trip, there are sealed plastic water bottles everywhere in china. I was in the country for 2 weeks and had the local water in teas and coffees and it is safe. I wouldn't drink river water but regular water is just as safe as where I live in florida.
Written May 5, 2016
Hi, If I bike to Moon Hill, is there a secure place to park my bike whilst I do your climb?
Thanks for any advice.
Written May 1, 2015
If you have a chain for your bike you could chain it to a tree in the parking lot. The Moon Hill Cafe is right off of a main road and there is a gravel parking lot to the right; that is the only place I could see a bike being parked. It is a safe area if you wanted to just leave it unchained but I understand some people don't feel comfortable doing that. The trail to the top is directly to the left of the cafe.
Written May 5, 2016
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