A 3-hour self-drive escape from Foshan to cool off! The refreshing air of Ma’ershan in Guilin is loved by the whole family～

Who would have thought! When the summer heat in Foshan was almost melting us, we discovered that just a 3-hour drive could take us into the coolness of Ma’ershan in Guilin! As the "highest peak in South China," the breeze here carries the fresh scent of grass and trees, making it the perfect family getaway—truly a hidden treasure～🤗

Riding the sightseeing bus up to the mountain top, your eyes won’t know where to look first! Vast bamboo forests sway in the wind like green waves, and the terraced fields layer the mountain like a gently patterned garment; walking on the old stone paths of Laoshanjie, your fingertips brush against the bark of ancient trees, as if you can feel the warmth of those red stories; venturing into the primeval forest to find the Sanjiangyuan (yes! The source of the Li River!), listening to the tinkling spring water, with mist floating in the air～😍

The final hiking trail is totally worth it! The moment you reach the summit, you can’t help but say “wow”—the mountains and sea spread out before you like a giant painting, and the giant “lying cat” rock rests right on the peak, with its ears and tail clearly visible. Standing beside it, you feel like you could reach out and grab the clouds～🥳

Want to lock in the romance of sunrise and sunset? Staying at the summit is definitely the way to go! We chose the Research Reception Center, wrapped in jackets early morning waiting for the first ray of sunlight to dye the peak orange, and in the evening watched the sunset paint the sky honey-colored. Even my parents kept snapping photos, saying this is “the easiest kind of romance”～

The activities at the foot of the mountain make the whole family reluctant to leave! Beginners at paddleboarding have nothing to worry about—paddling slowly to the center of the lake, the reflection of the green mountains shatters in the water, every snapshot looks like it has a built-in filter. My kid lay on the board counting fish, saying “it’s even more beautiful than in cartoons”;

And the “lazy float” is tailor-made for the lazy! Lying in the water drifting with the current, watching clouds slowly float by, the summer heat is swept away by the creek water, so comfortable you want to take a nap in the water～🥰

Staying at the Lijiangyuan Resort Hotel at night is super worry-free, with mountain views right outside the window. The whole family gathers on the terrace chatting about the day’s fun, and my parents say “this is what summer vacation should really be like”～

This summer, don’t just stay cooped up in the air conditioning! Come to Ma’ershan to breathe fresh air and play in the water, let the whole family be wrapped in the coolness of green mountains and clear waters, and make memories that will stay sweet all year long～✌️

Post by JASPER DOUGLAS | Aug 28, 2025