Ruyi Peak: Experience the Glass Bridge & Panoramic View of Yangshuo
Travel in Yangshuo
Hot China City Tours
Table of Contents
- 1. Quick Guilin Ruyi Peak Facts
- 2. Highlights of Ruyi Peak - What to See and Do
- 3. Best time to Visit Ruyi Peak
- 4. Travel Tips for Visiting the Ruyi Peak
The Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu once described the landscape of Guilin (one of the most beautiful places in China) as "a green ribbon flowing through the river, mountains like jade hairpins." And, "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin." Located in Yangshuo, Ruyi Peak offers breathtaking views of countless peaks rising like jade bamboo shoots from the clouds. Its name, Ruyi Peak, comes from its ridgeline's resemblance to the traditional Chinese auspicious symbol—the Ruyi (a type of scepter).
Within the Ruyi Peak scenic area, Ruyi Peak, Yuanbao Peak, and Necklace Peak stand majestically, interspersed with Caixi Valley and Baihua Valley. Major attractions include: the Ruyi Peak cable car, the Ruyi suspension bridge, the Ruyi Cloud Top viewing platform, forest walking trails, and the Ruyi glass walkway. It is Yangshuo's only "sky terrace" offering panoramic views of the beautiful Yangshuo landscape.
Since its official opening to the public on January 6, 2020, it has become a popular attraction on social media platforms such as Instagram, and is one of the things to do for a Yangshuo adventure travel.
Quick Guilin Ruyi Peak Facts
Highlights of Ruyi Peak - What to See and Do
Ruyi Peak Cable Car
The total length is approximately 2 kilometers, with a vertical height difference of 242 meters. The one-way passenger capacity can reach 2,000 people per hour, and the speed can be adjusted from 0.25 to 6 meters per second. The cable car uses imported equipment from the French POMA company. It features a single-line circular detachable suspension car with a design of 8-person cabins. The overall operation and safety system adopt advanced passenger ropeway technology and a full-process digital automated control system.
The starting statio is located within the Xingtianle Tourist Town, while the terminal station is situated on the magnificent Yuanbao Mountain. You will slowly ascend in a closed cabin (about 10 minutes), and the continuous mountain forest landscape beneath your feet will be fully visible. If you are lucky, you might encounter a transparent "crystal" cabin at the bottom, providing an even more stunning view.
The Ruyi Suspension Rope Bridge
The Ruyi Suspension Rope Bridge spans the steep cliffs between Yuanbao Mountain and Ruyi Peak. It is 142.4 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 58 meters above the valley floor. This towerless, cable-stayed steel structure bridge resembles a red ribbon in the air.
Standing on the Ruyi Suspension Bridge, the gentle swaying is thrilling and exciting. Looking into the distance, let your imagination run wild. One mountain resembles a robust chimpanzee, while another, a bearded old man, sits serenely on its slopes, surrounded by a group of devout believers prostrating themselves before him.
People also hang red ribbons with their wishes written on them on them on the Ruyi Suspension Bridge, entrusting their hopes and praying for good fortune.
Ruyi Cloud Peak
Ruyi Cloud Peak, the highest point of Ruyi Peak, is a 360° viewing platform at an altitude of 499 meters. It is a circular viewing platform with a diameter of 20 meters. It is a sacred place for people to pray for their wishes to come true, and also a place to enjoy panoramic views of the spectacular karst peaks.
The handle of the "Ruyi" scepter is called the "Ruyi Jade Path," and the zigzag steps leading up Ruyi Peak are called "Ruyi Step by Step Higher." Looking down, Ruyi Cloud Peak resembles a red seal covering the verdant mountain peaks.
Standing atop Ruyi Cloud Peak, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Yangshuo's karst peaks. Looking down at the forest walkway, its unique and exquisite design resembles a dragon winding through the green mountains and clear waters. Mist rises from the forest, swirling and veiling the farmhouses in the paddy fields—a natural Chinese ink painting.
Forest Walkway
The Forest Walkway of Ruyi Peak Scenic Area is a 258-meter-long elevated walkway connecting Ruyi Peak and Necklace Peak, with its highest point about 32 meters above the ground. Because the walkway is paved with transparent glass, the valley below is clearly visible, and looking down, you can see the trees below, making it feel like walking on treetops. There are also many golden pumpkins and cute little rabbits along the walkway.
Standing and looking around, you can see not only the Ruyi Suspension Bridge suspended in mid-air, but also admire the majestic presence of Ruyi Peak standing proudly among the peaks.
Ruyi Peak Glass Skywalk
Leaving the Forest Walkway and arriving at Necklace Peak, the Ruyi Glass Skywalk is located on the east side of the Necklace Peak cliff. Built along the cliff face, it is about 138 meters long and 1.8 meters wide, made of 68 double-layered tempered glass panels.
One side of the glass skywalk clings to the cliff face. Standing on the transparent glass, you can clearly see the precipice below, a truly thrilling experience. Looking into the distance, verdant peaks rise one after another, dotted with farmhouses and wisps of smoke rising from chimneys. The G65 Baomao Expressway traces a perfect arc beneath your feet, showcasing the wonders of nature in its entirety.
>> Further reading: Top 10 Glass Bridges in ChinaSing and Explore Guilin Experience Center
Located at the upper station of the Ruyi Peak Cableway, this immersive digital experience space showcases the creative combination of Guilin's karst landscapes and ethnic customs through digital technology and environmental art, offering visitors a unique and interactive experience.Best time to Visit Ruyi Peak
Based on the weather of Yangshuo, spring and autumn, from March to May, and September to November, are the best months to visit Ruyi Peak. You will see the limestone peaks shrouded in mist in spring, though there are also chances for rain.Looking for the best places to visit in China in summer? With dense forest, Ruyi Peak is also a popular summer retreat.
What is the best time of the day? It is recommended to go after 3 p.m. If the weather is good, you might be able to see the sun slowly set over the limestone peaks while descending the mountain.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Ruyi Peak
- The suggested visiting route: Take the cable car up the mountain to admire Yuanbao Peak, walk the Ruyi Suspension Rope Bridge, overlook Yangshuo from Ruyi Cloud Top, stroll along the forest trail to admire the peak forest landscape, experience the glass walkway, visit the "Singing and Touring Guilin" experience hall, and return down the mountain.
- Wear comfortable waking shoes.
- You can bring your own water and snacks. However, there are also cafes and convenience stores on the top of the mountain.
- If you have limited physical strength (such as the elderly or families with young children), you can choose to visit only some of the attractions and then return to the cable car station to go down the mountain via the same route.
- During traditional Chinese festivals, such as the March 3rd Festival of the Zhuang ethnic group, there will be performances like singing, dancing and throwing embroidered balls.
How to get to Ruyi Peak from Yangshuo
Explore Yangsuo’s Karst Peaks and Countyside with Easy Tour China
Many of our Guilin tours are designed to venture into Yangshuo’s countryside and discover the Karst landscape, offering a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to biking. If you want to customize a trip to Ruyi Peak, feel free to talk with us about your plan today.
