Cat Mountain Easy One-Day Tour Guide: Relax and Enjoy the Peak of South China

Want to unlock the essence of Cat Mountain’s landscape without exhausting yourself? This “less walking, more sightseeing” one-day itinerary has got you covered. From the coolness at the source of the Li River to the grandeur of the peak of South China, the whole trip focuses on ease and comfort, perfect for beginners to handle effortlessly.

Preparation: The Key to Saving Energy

• Choose the right transportation to save energy: If driving, navigate directly to the Cat Mountain Visitor Center, where parking spaces are ample; if not driving, take the bus from Guilin North Bus Station, with departures at 7:30, 10:20, and other times, a two-hour ride perfect for a nap. Remember, no self-driving inside the scenic area—you must transfer to the sightseeing bus, which is the core of saving effort—winding mountain roads and altitude differences are much easier to handle by bus than driving yourself.

• Keep your gear light: The temperature difference between mountain top and bottom is about 10℃, so just bring a lightweight windbreaker, no need for heavy luggage. Also carry a bottle of water and some snacks; rest areas are available at sightseeing bus stops for energy replenishment anytime.

Morning: Take the Bus to Enjoy the Mountain Peak Scenery

Arrive at the visitor center before 8:30 to exchange tickets and board the bus. The first stop heads straight to the core attractions, saving your energy for the most worthwhile views.

• Check in at the Peak of South China (9:30-10:30): The bus takes you directly to the mountain top parking lot, and a 3-minute walk leads to the 2,141.5-meter-high viewing platform. On clear days, you can see the winding source of the Li River among the layered mountains; on cloudy days, you’ll enter a sea of clouds, with mist flowing beneath your feet—every snapshot is atmospheric and stunning. There’s a “Peak of South China” stone monument here, no need to queue to easily snap your check-in photo.

• Trace the Old Mountain Boundary (10:40-11:20): Take the bus to the next stop, then a 10-minute gentle walk leads to the Red Army Long March site. Along the way, interpretive signs tell the history, dappled sunlight filters through the forest, and when tired, you can rest on wooden benches to feel the blend of nature and history—no mountain climbing fatigue at all.

• Explore the Source of Three Rivers (11:30-12:00): As the origin of the Li, Zi, and Xun Rivers, this primitive forest naturally feels cool. The trail is well-paved, and after a few steps, you’ll see thousand-year-old iron fir trees covered in moss. The air is full of negative ions, taking a deep breath here is more refreshing than any energy drink.

Afternoon: Relax by the Water and Enjoy Leisure Time

Avoid the sun in the afternoon, focusing on easy water play and relaxing on the grassland to fully release fatigue.

• Light Hike in the Li River Source Grand Canyon (13:30-14:30): A 10-minute ride from the visitor center, choose the “highlight section” for just a 1-kilometer flat walk. The creek water is jelly-clear, stepping on the shallow beach to play in the water is super refreshing. Along the way, there are small waterfalls and sculptures of mythical beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. When tired, sit on the creekside rocks and listen to the water sounds. No uphill walking is required, so elderly and children can easily complete the route.

• Lie Back at Xingyun Ranch (15:00-16:00): Known as the “Northern Altay of Guilin,” this grassland near the canyon is like a green carpet spread across the mountains. You can feed the free-range ponies and peacocks or just lie on the grass and sunbathe. The breeze carries the scent of bamboo, and even your speech slows down unconsciously. There are few people here, no need to squeeze for photos—just relax however you like.

• Light Water Experience (Optional, 16:00-16:30): If you still want to play in the water, try the “Lazy Drift” at the water sports center near the ranch—lie on a floating mat and drift with the current, no paddling or effort needed, letting the cool creek water wash away the heat, truly a “lazy person’s blessing.”

Return and Tips

Return to the visitor center by 16:30 to catch the bus back. The last bus to Guilin departs at 16:20, so timing is just right.

Friendly reminder: To photograph the starry sky or sunrise, you need to stay overnight on the mountain, but a one-day tour fully captures the core fun; from April to June, you can see seas of azaleas, and from December to February, frost scenes appear—different seasons bring different surprises. The total walking distance is under 5 kilometers, with most time spent on the bus or leisurely sightseeing, making it easy and fulfilling.

The beauty of Cat Mountain is never about conquering the peak, but about finding relaxation amid the mountains and waters. Follow this guide to check in at the core spots and truly enjoy a leisurely holiday.