Folded Brocade Hill (Diecai Hill)

Situated in the northeast of Guilin by the Li River, Folded Brocade Hill (Diecai Hill) is one of the most popular local attractions, a place known for its amazing scenery and stone carvings. It gained its name because of the resemblance of its rock formations, piled up layer upon layer on each other, to folded brocade. Many other special names have been given to this picturesque spot: the name Laurel Hill (Gui Hill), derived from the laurels that have spread across the slopes since ancient times, and the name of Wind Cave Hill, due to the remarkable wind cave on the hill. Four small hills, Yuyue Hill, All-Direction-Looking Hill (Siwang Hill), Crane Peak and Bright Moon Peak surround Folded Brocade Hill.

Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill
Enchanting landscape
Enchanting landscape

A visual feast of magnificent scenes such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Wind Cave and Cloud-Catching Pavilion, along with countless stones with inscriptions created by famous Chinese scribes, awaits your eyes.

Through the gate of Folded Brocade Hill Garden, within a few steps of the southern foot of the hill, you will first reach the distinctive Folded Brocade Pavilion, occupying an area of about 64 square kilometers (15,815 acres) on the hillside of Bright Moon Peak. 5 meters (16 feet) high, 7.5 meters (25.6 feet) long and 8.5 meters (27.9 feet) wide, it is surrounded by Bright Moon Peak to the north, All-Direction-Looking Hill to the west and Yuyue Hill to the east. Although only a single storey high, it is well designed and elaborately built with red poles, green tiles, and four unique angles. Your fantastic journey will start from here.

After Folded Brocade Pavilion, you will see a stele commemorating the two loyalists Qu Shisi and Zhang Tongchang of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Wind Cave, which the wind blows through in all seasons, waits for you a little further along. This cave penetrates Bright Moon Peak, with a wide mouth protruding from either side of the slope and a narrow part in the middle. What makes it famous is the changing temperature of its winds. Whatever the weather is outside, a cool breeze is always blowing in the Wind Cave. For this reason it is known as the 'Cool World' by many people. The cave is worth a visit not only for its winds but for its rock carvings, both inside and outside of the cave. Nearly 100 Buddha images of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, as well as 210 stone carvings, can be found here. If you are interested in Chinese calligraphy and want to experience the peculiar nature of this remarkable cave, now is your chance!
 

After some more steps, and a journey through more marvelous landscapes, you can congratulate yourself as you reach the top of Bright Moon Peak. This is where the Cloud-Catching Pavilion, a building with a round shape, single eave and a pinnacle, is located. No other place offers you a better vantage position to admire the picturesque Li River, as well as the magnificent city of Guilin in its entirety. A journey to the summit will also offer you the opportunity to admire the Solitary Beauty Peak and Wave-Subduing Hill (Fubo Hill), the other two notable hills in Guilin.

Of course, the other three ranges of Folded Brocade Hill connected to Bright Moon Peak are all very attractive, and notable for their unique pavilions, eminent stones and cliff carvings, Buddhist sculptures and abundance of evergreen trees. Places such as Yuyue Pavilion, Huanbi Garden (Trees' Garden) and Wood Dragon Cave are all well worth a visit.

The highest peak of Folded Brocade Hill, the Bright Moon Peak is only 223 meters (732 feet) tall and comparatively easy to climb. So in choosing to make a journey up the hill, you choose an enjoyable and not too difficult hill-climb.
 

How to get to Folded Brocade Hill

1. Take bus 2 or 203 and get off at Diecai Hill (Diecaishan) Station.
2. Take bus 1, 18, 89, 100 or 203 to Dongzhen Rd, you will see the hill.
Guilin Bus Search

Entrance Fee CNY 25
* Free for children below 1.2 meters (3.9 feet)
Opening Hours Apr. to Nov.: 06:00 - 18:30
Dec. to Mar.: 07:00 - 18:00

 Top 10 Things to Do in Guilin 
- Last updated on Apr. 18, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Folded Brocade Hill (Diecai Hill)
Asked by Backpacker from INDIA | May. 15, 2015 02:38Reply
Travel to Guilin and Yangshuo
Am arriving in Gui Lin on the 27th afternoon in July by flight from Beijing.I am leaving on 29th to Malaysia.With a tight schedule can i base in GL and visit Yangshuo on the 28th July.How many hours does it take to visit Folded Brocade Hill, Reed Flute Cave, The Longji Terraced Field.Can i finish visiting these places leisurely on 27th afternoon to evening ,say before 05.30 pm.
Is Li River on a cruise to Yangshuo highly recommended.Are these cruise very safe.Will there be any water currents.How much time does it take and the best timing for it.

Out of these hostels which is the best suited for my itinerary ,
How Flowers Youth Hostel
Wada Hostel
This Old Place Int'l Youth Hostel
Ming Palace Youth Hostel
Answers (1)
Answered by Ian | May. 16, 2015 04:37
01Reply


Longji Terrace is far from GL and Yangshuo. Time is not enough at all. For Folded Brocade Hill, Reed Flute Cave, you can finish them rather leisurely in one day; actually you can also go to Elephant Trunk Hill or Seven Stars Park.

I think you should not miss Li River cruise. It's very safe, no worry. The ships depart in the morning once fully occupied and gets to Yangshuo in 4-5 hours. If possible, book a seat in advance with the help of your hotel.

I like How Flowers Youth Hostel more than others.
Asked by Mangesh from INDIA | Nov. 14, 2014 03:11Reply
What should I be covering in Guilin in 4 days.
I am covering Elephant Trunk Hill, Folded Brocade hill, Seven Star park, reed flute cave and 1 total day in Li River Cruise. Am I missing any good places or should i drop any place what i mentioned above

Thanks in advance
Mangesh
Answers (1)
Answered by Yun from FRANCE | Nov. 14, 2014 03:25
10Reply


Your plan is perfect. The spots you mentioned above, in fact, are exactly the must-sees in the city. Trust me, you won’t miss something better than these. Just enjoy your trip.
Asked by Mangesh from INDIA | Oct. 28, 2014 10:50Reply
which hotel is better: Shangri-La or Sheraton in Guilin
Can you please let me know which hotel is better. Shangri-La or Sheraton, from Location and comfort perspective.
Answers (1)
Answered by Robert from HONDURAS | Oct. 29, 2014 21:12
20Reply


As I know, Sheraton Hotel is located in the downtown area and has a more convenient transportation. It’s cheaper than Shangri-la. But Shangri-la is more comfortable. But there wouldn’t be much difference in terms of comfort. So I suggest you choose Sheraton Hotel.
Asked by Jen from USA | Dec. 08, 2012 11:16Reply
How far is Diecai Hill from Guilin center area?
Hi I am visiting Guilin during April. I would like to know how far (time wise) is the city center area from Diecai hills? Also is it possible to visit Diecai Hill and surrounded peaks and Elephant trunk hill on the same day? How far are Diecai hill and Elephant trunk hill from each other? Last question: can you give me a estimate of how much would it cost me to hire a local guide for a day it would just be my husband and I? Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Dave | Dec. 09, 2012 01:26
20Reply


The hill is on the northeast of the city, so it will cost you about no more then half an hour to reach the hill.
It is possible to visit the around peak such as Elephant Trunk Hill on the same day. The Elephant hill is about 3.5 km from Diecai Hill. You can take Toursim Bus from Elephant Trunk Hill to reach Dongzhen Road and then you can see the Diecai Hill in about half an hour.
If you hire a local English tour guide, generally speaking, it will cost you about 700 RMB per day.
Asked by marc from IRAN | Jul. 23, 2012 04:23Reply
hi, i m looking for some one be as my guide and friend for Guilin for travel?
Answers (1)
Answered by Michelle | Jul. 24, 2012 21:19
21Reply


Actually, you can join in a travel agency, which can provide you English tour guide. I know a travel agency named TravelChinaGuide, which can provide you such kind of service. Their service is very good and comfortable.
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