Fubo Hill

Written by Vivian Updated Jun. 17, 2021

Fubo Hill in the naturally-blessed city of Guilin is situated on the west bank of the Li River and stands out in its neighborhood uniquely. Unlike a traditional hill of gradual gradation, Fubo Hill stands out as a large vertically rising rock in the middle of a stretch of flat land.

Partially submerged in the river and partially above ground, it is 213 meters above sea level and 62 meters above the ground. Measuring 120 meters long and 60 meters wide, it covers an area of 0.7 hectares. Because of its location and height, Fubo Hill can tame the waves, stopping the surging waters when they begin to form whirlpools.

The natural landmark gets its name from the great General Fubo of the Tang Dynasty who built Mayuan Temple on top. Attractions include Pearl-Returning Cave, One-Thousand-Buddhas Cave, Sword Testing Stone, Listening-to-the-Waves Pavilion, One-Thousand-Persons Pot, and Big Iron Clock. These portions of the Hill each hold their own myth relating to stories of General Fubo, the local fisherman lifestyle, and the pearls that could once be found here.

Attractions

The Pearl-Returning Cave

The Pearl-Returning Cave is located inside the hill. Legend has it that an old fisherman offended the Sea Dragon King when he picked up a pearl in the cave. The King brought misery to the land by creating strong winds and huge waves. Later, a feudal official ordered the fisherman to return the pearl and peace returned.

Inside the cave, there are many precious artworks. There is a stalactite stone column close to the river, thick at the top and slim at the bottom, nearly touching the ground with barely an inch of space in between. It is said that General Fubo tested his sword here and left that space; hence its name Sword Testing Stone.

Listening-to-the-Waves Pavilion

Built in 1964, Listening-to-the-Waves Pavilion is a two-story building erected against the cliff of Fubo Hill. The total area is 106 square meters. The Pavilion has glazed yellow tile roofs and a large balcony perfect for viewing the sceneries around it.

One-Thousand-Buddhas Cave

Stone steps wind their way from the Sword Testing Stone to the One-Thousand-Buddhas Cave. In fact, there are only 139 Buddha images, together with 400 more that are incomplete. The cave and its carvings are important indications of people's devotion to Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty.

The most valuable relics inside the cave are the self-portraits of Mipei carved on the rock wall. The lifelike portrait is 1.2 meters tall. Mipei was the first person to draw pictures of Guilin's hills and water. He came to Guilin in 1074 and painted a picture of the hills in Yangshuo.

Big Iron Clock

After entering the gate of Fubo Hills Park, the first sight is the Big Iron Clock which weighs 5,000kg.

One-Thousand-Persons Pot

On-Thousand-Persons Pot is located in a cloister along the Li River. It is said that this pot can be used to cook for one thousand people. This huge iron article was originally in the Dingyue Temple but later moved here to protect it from being destroyed during the war. Together with the Big Iron Clock, these two items have a history of more than 300 years but are still well preserved. The designs and inscriptions can be made out easily.

Location:

To the northeast of downtown Guilin by the Li River

How to Get There?

Tourist can take Bus No. 2 or Bus No. 58 (free bus)to the Fubo Hill

Ticket Price:

15yuan per person (half price for visitors between 1.00m-1.40m, free for those who are short than 1.00m)

Opening Hours:

7:00am-6:30pm;

More Tips:

Do not miss the bird's-eye view of the city below on top of the hill.

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