Yangtai Mountain （阳台山）Hike from Shiyan (石岩） to Xili （西丽）
Five guys did the trail in early Jan. It was cool and about 20 C. Sunny and a little foggy. The first part of the trail is through paved (stoned) trail leading up the Yangtai summit (587 meters above sea level). Then the paved road ends. There was a dirt road going down through the woods. The trail is NOT marked but can be easily seen because it is well traveled. In the middle of the trail going down the mountain, you sill see the famous elephant stone (大象石）. The trail ends in a village where you can take a bus to Xili （西丽）.
Tips:
The trail is well marked for the first part. Then second part coming down the mountain is through the well walked but not marked trail. There are lots of shades under the tree. The trail can be completed in 3 hours.
Taking a bus from the end of the trail in the village is easy. But, finding a taxi there is almost impossible. After getting down the mountain, you shall take the bus to Xili zoo （西丽动物园）and from there to whereever you want to go.
Difficulty : easy to moderate
Distance: 8 km
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 500 meters
Trail: First part is well maintained. The second part is not paved (do not go after a rain)
Season: All year round
Vicinity: Shiyan（石岩），Xili (西丽)
How to get there: Take a taxi to Shiyan to the trail head. Take a bus from the exit to Xili Zoo