Curious about the hill that resembles a pile of brocades? That’s Diecai Hill. This elegant hill is composed of four scenic peaks. Diecai Hill is a renowned tourist attraction in Guilin. It stands proudly on the western bank of the Li River.
Diecai means Folded Brocade Hill in Chinese. The sunlit stratified rocks give it this name. They resemble piles of colorful brocades. Diecai Hill became well-known during the Tang Dynasty about 1,000 years ago. Poets and writers gathered here. They found poetic inspiration in the enthralling scenery. Hundreds of poems are inscribed on the hill’s cliffs. They add extra charm to this special place.
Now, a park graces Diecai Hill. It features the Diecai Pavilion. You will also find Wind Cave, Wangjiang Pavilion, and Cloud-Catching Pavilion here. Diecai Pavilion offers a charming bird’s-eye view. You can see the surrounding scenery. To the west lies unique garden architecture. It is designed in the style of the Dong ethnic group.
Let’s talk about Wind Cave. This 20-meter-long cave is on Mingyue Peak. It was originally an underground watercourse. The cave penetrates through the peak. This creates a draught and gives the cave its name.
Diecai Hill park offers the best panoramic views of the city. I suggest spending about one and a half hours here.
Diecai Hill is also known as Osmanthus Hill. Legend says many osmanthus trees once grew here.
The Wind Cave is calabash-shaped. It has two wider mouths and a narrow passage. Only one person can pass through at a time. A cool breeze blows through it all year round. Inside the cave, you can find 90 Buddha sculptures. They date back to the Tang and Song dynasties. There are also dozens of ancient stone inscriptions here.
As you walk up the narrow stone path, you’ll discover Face-the-Cloud and Over-the-River Pavilions. These pavilions offer a welcome rest. They are perfect spots to take a break during the journey to Bright Moon Peak. Bright Moon Peak is the summit of Diecai Hill. The Cloud-Catching Pavilion stands here. From this pavilion, you get the finest view of Guilin. The scenery looks like a huge picture of embroidery.
Through the gate of Diecai Garden, you’ll soon reach the distinctive Diecai Pavilion. It occupies an area of about 64 square kilometers on the hillside of Bright Moon Peak. Though only a single story high, it is well designed. It features red poles, green tiles, and four unique angles.
Not far from Diecai Pavilion, you will see a stele. It commemorates two loyalists of the Ming Dynasty. A little further along, Wind Cave awaits. This cave penetrates Bright Moon Peak. A cool breeze always blows here. This has earned it the nickname Cool World. Nearly 100 Buddha images from the Tang and Song dynasties are inside. You can also find 210 stone carvings here.
After some more steps, you’ll reach the top of Bright Moon Peak. This is where the Cloud-Catching Pavilion is located. No other place offers a better view of the Li River. You can also admire the city of Guilin in its entirety. You can also see Solitary Beauty Peak and Fubo Hill.
Diecai Hill’s highest peak is only 223 meters tall. It is comparatively easy to climb. So, a journey up Diecai Hill is enjoyable. It is not too difficult. As you leave Diecai Hill, remember the folded brocade. Remember the poets and the breathtaking views. Let the beauty of Diecai Hill stay with you.