At the junction of Tianjia River and Li River, about two kilometers away from Yangshuo County stands the smallest peak along the bank of Li River - the Schoolboy Hill. It is a cylindrical hill. Seen at a distance it is just like a slim young girl. When getting approached to it, it looks as if a schoolboy concentrating on his study. Take a close look at it, the schoolboy bears calm expression, seemingly as if pondering with his eyes closed, that is the reason why it derives its name.
The Schoolboy Hill is about 185 meters above sea level with the relative altitude of 70 meters, the length of 130 meters. To the south of this hill lies the majestic Chanticleer Hill, which looks like a rooster heralding the break of the day. Lying to the west of the Schoolboy Hill is the Tianjia Bay, studded with hamlets and bamboo. On the east side of Schoolboy Hill sits at the towering Zhuobi Peak, taking the shape of an upside-down brush, which is believed to have been the magic brush the Great Poet Li Bai deserted. All these mountains and its surroundings are mirrored in the Li River, composing a fantastic landscape painting, which adds more charm to the mountains and waters of Guilin.
There is the legend related to Schoolboy Hill. Once upon a time, a schoolboy was in company of a rich boy in his studies. The rich boy was preoccupied with having fun all day long, and then he had the schoolboy take his place in dealing with all academic studies. After the accumulation of knowledge for several years, the clever schoolboy made great progress in academic performance, while the rich boy learned nothing at all. When it came to the year for the imperial exam taking, the schoolboy accompanied him to take the exam. As a result, the rich boy suffered the failure in the exam, while, the schoolboy enjoyed great success in the exam. However, to everyone's surprise, the schoolboy gave up the position, luxury and wealth decisively and he went back to his hometown and kept on studying hard year after year. Finally, the schoolboy was converted into the stone images among the fabulous scenery of Yangshuo. Standing there predominantly, the schoolboy read through the changes of the history. He was always there in company of the local people.
There are other different versions of the legends. Another version goes like this: there was an evil dragon in the Li River, which threatened the local people and disrupted their life. One day, the schoolboy was given a sealed book by which he was taught how to conquer the malicious creature. The dragon fell into the water when he saw the book. To ensure the dragon will not appear any more, the schoolboy changed into a stone hill in protection of the local people. It doesn't matter so much regardless which legend dominated, it is just a nice story. What counts most is that the great joy of the visit comes from your endless imagination of the natural attractions.
The soft sunlight, the green water, the diligent schoolboy, the crowing rooster and the magic brush are all reflected in the water forming a vivid picture.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Transportation: You may rent a bicycle, take a taxi or just go to the hill on foot. The route is like this, cross the Yangshuo Bridge, turn right and move forward for 2 - 3 hundred meters (219 - 328 yards), and then the hill is in front of you.
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