Folded Brocade Hill

Introducing Folded Brocade Hill
Towering over the west bank of Li River, Folded Brocade Hill (literally means Diecai Hill) lies in the northern part of Guilin City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwest China. Because of the resemblance of its rock formations, piled up layer upon layer on each other, to folded brocade, it is known as Folded Brocade Hill. Folded Brocade Hill is renowned for its amazing scenery, stone carvings and bird aviary.

Folded Brocade Hill Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Diecaishan 叠彩山
• Best Time to Visit: April to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 06:00-18:30 from Apr to Nov; 07:00-18:00 from Dec to Mar
• Entrance Fee: ¥25
• Address: No. 2 Longzhu Road, Diecai District, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

What to expect at Folded Brocade Hill

Historical Charm

The stone carvings of Folded Brocade Hill feature different kinds of handwriting styles, with its contents covering a wide range of themes from education, Buddhism, politics to painting arts. These stone carvings are vividly described as “the encyclopedia of the local culture in Guilin.” The earliest stone carving can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, during which time poets and writers found their poetic inspiration amidst the enthralling surrounding scenery. Hundreds of poems inscribed on the hill’s cliffs add extra charm to the site.

Highlights of Folded Brocade Hill

Wind Cave runs from north to south halfway up the hill. A cool breeze blows here it in all seasons. It features 90 Buddha images of the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as dozens of ancient stone carvings. 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 local people.

Standing in the “Cloud-catching Pavilion” on the Bright Moon Peak (the highest peak of Folded Brocade Hill), you can get a magnificent view of the Li River and the downtown of Guilin. The railings on the peak are covered with brass locks. Each lock has an inscription on it. It is believed that if you buy a lock, have it engraved, lock it onto the railing and throw the key down that your good luck will last as long as the hill. Lovers and couples prefer it to pray for eternal love. Obviously many people believe it because there were thousands of locks there.

There is an aviary inside Folded Brocade Hill. It is filled with full grown trees and has a pond and a building which houses a stone museum. It is big, filled with many indigenous birds. The birds are not afraid of people, and if you buy a little cup of ground corn they practically attack you.

The other 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.

How to get to Folded Brocade Hill
• Take bus No. 1, 18, 89, 100 or 203 and get off at Dongzhenlu Station.
• Take bus No. 2, Tourist Line 1 or 2 and get off at Diecaishan Station.

Additional travel advice on Folded Brocade Hill
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Please take care when hiking up the hill.