Hike the Sole UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in Guangdong
Daytripper is a regular column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.
“It is most beautiful because it is natural.” The inscrutable statement appears on signs throughout the Danxia Mountains in a declaration that’s hard to argue with. The stunning splendor of this red-tinged hikers’ paradise is so unique in Guangdong that it constitutes the sole UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in the southern province.
Situated in the northern Guangdong city of Shaoguan, this beguiling range of karst-like mountains boasts steep cliffs, lush trails and fresh, clean air. Though popular with visitors year-round, its massive size and numerous trails mean it’s rarely overwhelmed by crowds.
Upon arriving at the gate of the scenic area, you’ll likely be approached by scalpers offering discounted tickets for entry. Decline the sketchier touts but do take advantage of the favorable pricing on more plausible offers as long as you have no need of tax receipts. Full-price tickets sell for RMB150 at the ticket office and grant you passage to both of the geopark’s main scenic areas.
The Danxia Mountains take their name from the Chinese word for ‘rosy clouds.’ It’s a reference to the spectacular sunset and sunrise views from atop the mountains’ dramatic peaks, as well as the reddish stone that makes up their cliffs and ridges. Of the park’s two main scenic areas, Zhanglao Mountain is the more popular and approachable peak, boasting a ‘Sunrise Pavilion’ which is perfect for camping and, on a clear day, offers splendid views of the rose-pink dawn. Even in thick mist and heavy clouds, chirping birds and the mystical silhouette of the far-off ridges make for a contemplative vista.
En route to the peak, hikers pass through a Buddhist temple, calligraphic inscriptions etched into massive, multicolored cliffs and can detour to visit a historic Taoist shrine. On your descent, be sure to stop off at the famed Yinyuan Stone, a natural rock formation that bears a striking resemblance to an enormous human vulva.
Cross a narrow valley on foot or by complimentary bus ride towards the neighboring Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area. The elegant Jin River, which can be toured by boat, winds its way between the two and a tightly clustered village bristles with simple restaurants serving delicious home-style Hakka fare.
The Yangyuan Stone Mountain is less lofty, but the climbing here is considerably more strenuous. A narrow path of steps is carved crudely from a truly steep cliff face, through rocky passages scarcely wider than two adult hikers standing abreast.
The main draw here is the Yangyuan Stone, a soaring column of phallic rock bearing an indisputable likeness to an erect penis. Ximei Fortress crowns the peak: a crumbling Ming Dynasty redoubt built by a despotic feudal tyrant from a nearby village that serves as an ideal place to admire a rosy sunset and enjoy a well-earned rest.
How to get there:
Guangzhou: Take a one-hour fast train (RMB105) at Guangzhou South Railway Station to Shaoguan Railway Station. From there, take a shuttle bus (RMB21) to Danxiashan (Mount Danxia).
Shenzhen: Take a fast train at Futian Station (RMB186) or Shenzhen North Railway Station (RMB179) to Shaoguan Railway Station in less than two hours.
For more Daytripper click here.
Get the weekly newsletter!
Sign up to get the entertainment, lifestyle and event news from Urban Family every week!
News
