Danxia Mountain Scenic Area in Shaoguan City is located within Renhua County and Zhenjiang District of Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. It is a World Natural Heritage Site, a Global Geopark, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The total area of the scenic area is 292 square kilometers, making it the largest scenic area in Guangdong Province. Characterized by red cliffs and crags, Danxia Mountain is the naming place of the "Danxia landform". With its unique geological structure and rich landform features, it boasts various peculiar peaks, canyons, caves and other landscapes. Scenic spots such as Zhanglaofeng Peak, Yangyuan Stone, and Yinyuan Stone within the scenic area are highly representative. The supporting facilities in the scenic area are relatively complete. There are various hotels and homestays for accommodation, numerous restaurants and snack stalls providing catering services, as well as facilities like tourist service centers and parking lots, which facilitate tourists' visits.
History and Culture
Danxia Mountain has a long history. As early as the Sui Dynasty 1,400 years ago, there were traces of human activities here. At that time, people built temples in the mountains, practiced Buddhism, and left behind many religious and cultural relics.
During the Tang and Song dynasties, Danxia Mountain became a popular scenic spot for literati and scholars. They left a large number of poems, songs, and inscriptions on precipices here. These works not only have literary value but also reflect people's admiration and love for the beautiful scenery of Danxia Mountain at that time.
In modern and contemporary times, the geological research value of Danxia Mountain has gradually been recognized. In 1928, geologists Feng Jinglan and others discovered red sandy conglomerate layers in Danxia Mountain. After years of research and demonstration, the concept of "Danxia landform" gradually took shape and was widely recognized. Thus, Danxia Mountain became the naming place of the Danxia landform and holds an important position in the field of geology.
Today, Danxia Mountain is not only an important base for geological research but also a tourist destination, attracting tourists from all over the world. It carries rich historical and cultural connotations and has become an important window for showcasing China's natural scenery and cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Zhanglaofeng Peak
Zhanglaofeng Peak is one of the main peaks of Danxia Mountain, with an altitude of 409 meters. It is an excellent location to enjoy a panoramic view of Danxia Mountain. Tourists can climb up along the hiking trail and enjoy numerous unique peaks and rocks along the way, such as the Teapot Peak and the Sisters' Peak. Standing on the top of Zhanglaofeng Peak, with a broad view, the Danxia landform scenery all around comes into sight. The red peaks are particularly spectacular under the sunlight. There are also many historical and cultural relics on Zhanglaofeng Peak, such as Jinshiyan Temple. The temple was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and has a long history. Many precious Buddhist cultural relics and murals are preserved in the temple, and tourists can feel the edification of Buddhist culture here.
Yangyuan Stone
Yangyuan Stone is one of the iconic scenic spots of Danxia Mountain. It is 28 meters high and 7 meters in diameter. Its shape is very similar to the male genitalia, and it is known as the "Strangest Stone in the World". Yangyuan Stone was formed by hundreds of millions of years of geological changes, weathering, and erosion. Its unique shape attracts many tourists to come and admire it. Around Yangyuan Stone, there are many related scenic spots, such as Yangyuan Mountain and the Ninety-nine Heaven Ladder. The Ninety-nine Heaven Ladder is steep and challenging. Climbing it allows you to experience the joy of conquering nature and also enjoy the beautiful scenery around Yangyuan Stone.
Yinyuan Stone
Yinyuan Stone echoes with Yangyuan Stone. It is 10.3 meters high and 4.8 meters wide. Its shape is similar to the female genitalia, and it is another unique natural landscape of Danxia Mountain. Yinyuan Stone is hidden among the mountains and forests, with a peaceful and secluded environment surrounded by green trees. When tourists come here, they can not only admire this unique geological wonder but also feel the mystery and magic of nature. There are also some hiking trails and viewing platforms near Yinyuan Stone, which are convenient for tourists to view this landscape from different angles.
Jinjiang Gallery
The Jinjiang Gallery is a tour route along the Jinjiang River. Tourists can take a cruise ship and go downstream to enjoy the Danxia scenery on both banks. The Jinjiang River is crystal clear, and the peaks on both banks are reflected in the water, forming a beautiful landscape painting scroll. Along the way, you can see scenic spots such as the Sleeping Beauty and the Thumb Peak. These peaks, set off by the river water, have different shapes and look lifelike. Taking a cruise on the Jinjiang Gallery, you seem to be in a poetic and picturesque world, which makes you reluctant to leave.
Food
Danxia Fermented Bean Curd Fish
Danxia Fermented Bean Curd Fish is a characteristic delicacy around Danxia Mountain. Fresh local river fish is selected and prepared with unique fermented bean curd. The fermented bean curd, through a special fermentation process, exudes a unique aroma. Combined with the fish meat, it tastes delicious and has a unique flavor. This dish is very popular in local restaurants and is a must-try for tourists to taste local cuisine.
Baitu Mooncakes
Baitu Mooncakes are traditional delicacies in Shaoguan and can also be tasted around Danxia Mountain. They are made with a unique production process and selected high-quality ingredients, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, walnuts, etc. as fillings. The crust is crispy, and the filling is sweet. Baitu Mooncakes have a variety of flavors to choose from, such as five-nut mooncakes and red bean paste mooncakes, with rich tastes, which are deeply loved by tourists. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, Baitu Mooncakes become a popular delicacy in the local area.
Taro and Braised Pork Belly
Taro and Braised Pork Belly is a classic dish in Guangdong and is also commonly found in restaurants around Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. The taro and pork belly are sliced and arranged alternately, and then cooked through processes such as steaming. The taro is soft, glutinous, and sweet, and the pork belly is fatty but not greasy. The combination of the two complements each other, with a rich taste, and it is a delicious and satisfying dish.
Shaoguan Ox Tripe
Shaoguan Ox Tripe is a local specialty snack and can be found at snack stalls or restaurants around the scenic area. The ox tripe includes various ingredients such as beef tripe, tendons, and intestines. After a long time of stewing, the soup is rich, and the ox tripe has a rich taste and delicious flavor. Paired with seasonings such as chili peppers and coriander, it tastes even better. Tourists can eat while walking and feel the local street food flavor.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price of Danxia Mountain Scenic Area in Shaoguan City is about 100 yuan per adult (the price may be adjusted according to factors such as peak and off-peak seasons). Special groups such as children under 1.2 meters in height and the elderly over 70 years old (with valid certificates) are exempt from tickets. Children with a height between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters, the elderly between 60 and 69 years old (with valid certificates), students (with student ID cards), etc. can enjoy a half-price discount. Some scenic spots within the scenic area may charge separately. For example, the price of the Jinjiang cruise ticket varies according to different ship types and routes, generally ranging from 50 yuan to 100 yuan. Tourists can buy tickets at the ticket window of the scenic area or book tickets in advance through online travel platforms to get more favorable prices and save queuing time.
Opening Hours
Danxia Mountain Scenic Area in Shaoguan City is open throughout the year, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day. However, the opening hours of some scenic spots may be different. For example, some hiking trails may close in advance in the evening to ensure the safety of tourists. During holidays or peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may appropriately adjust the opening hours according to the actual situation. Tourists can pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or relevant announcements to arrange their itinerary reasonably. At the same time, the scenic area may temporarily close some areas or scenic spots in case of special weather conditions (such as heavy rain, strong winds, etc.). Tourists need to pay attention to the weather changes before traveling.
Itinerary for Visiting
One-day Itinerary: After arriving at Danxia Mountain Scenic Area in the morning, first go to Zhanglaofeng Peak. Climb along the hiking trail, enjoy the unique peaks, rocks, and historical and cultural relics such as Jinshiyan Temple along the way, and overlook the panoramic view of Danxia Mountain from the top of the peak. Have lunch at a restaurant inside or around the scenic area and taste local delicacies such as Danxia Fermented Bean Curd Fish. In the afternoon, go to the Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area, admire the unique landscape of Yangyuan Stone, and challenge the Ninety-nine Heaven Ladder. After that, you can choose to go to the Yinyuan Stone Scenic Area to appreciate the wonder of Yinyuan Stone. Finally, move freely in the scenic area or buy souvenirs to end the day's trip.
Two-day Itinerary: After arriving at the scenic area in the morning on the first day, visit Zhanglaofeng Peak. In the afternoon, go to the Jinjiang Gallery and take a cruise to enjoy the scenery on both banks. Stay at a hotel or homestay inside or around the scenic area in the evening. In the morning of the second day, go to the Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area, and in the morning, admire Yangyuan Stone and its surrounding scenic spots. In the afternoon, go to the Yinyuan Stone Scenic Area. After the visit, return. If time permits, you can also explore some niche scenic spots and hiking trails in the scenic area in depth to feel the charm of Danxia Mountain more comprehensively.
Transportation
- High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail to Shaoguan Station. After getting off the station, you can take a special line bus to Danxia Mountain at the tourist distribution center of Shaoguan Station. The journey takes about 1 hour. There are many shifts of the special line bus, which is convenient for travel.
- Train: If you take an ordinary train to Shaoguan East Station, you can take a bus to Renhua County at the square of Shaoguan East Station, and then transfer to another vehicle to Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. This way may take longer and requires multiple transfers.
- Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can enter "Danxia Mountain Scenic Area in Shaoguan" in the navigation software and follow the navigation prompts to get there. Starting from Shaoguan urban area, it takes about 1 hour to reach the scenic area by driving along the relevant roads. There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area for convenient parking. However, during peak tourist seasons, parking spaces may be relatively tight, so it is recommended to arrive in advance.
- Long-distance Bus: Some cities have long-distance buses directly to Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. Tourists can inquire in advance and buy tickets. This method is relatively direct, but the number of trips may be small.
Must-visit Attractions
- Zhanglaofeng Peak: One of the main peaks of Danxia Mountain, with an altitude of 409 meters. It is an excellent location for panoramic views, with numerous unique peaks and rocks. It also has the Jinshiyan Temple with a long history, allowing you to feel Buddhist culture.
- Yangyuan Stone: An iconic scenic spot, 28 meters high and 7 meters in diameter, shaped like the male genitalia. There are also scenic spots such as Yangyuan Mountain and the Ninety-nine Heaven Ladder around it, where you can experience the fun of climbing.
- Yinyuan Stone: Echoing with Yangyuan Stone, 10.3 meters high and 4.8 meters wide, with a unique shape. The surrounding environment is peaceful and secluded, enabling you to feel the mystery of nature.
- Jinjiang Gallery: You can take a cruise downstream to enjoy scenic spots such as the Sleeping Beauty and the Thumb Peak on both banks and feel the poetic and picturesque Danxia landscape.
Suggestions for Visiting
- Check the weather conditions of the scenic area in advance and choose a suitable time to visit. Avoid climbing mountains in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds.
- Prepare comfortable sports shoes and light clothing. Since visiting Danxia Mountain requires a lot of walking, comfortable equipment can make the trip more relaxed.
- If you plan to climb peaks like Zhanglaofeng Peak and Yangyuan Mountain, it is recommended to bring enough water and food, take appropriate breaks on the way, and avoid excessive fatigue.
- When admiring scenic spots such as Yangyuan Stone and Yinyuan Stone, observe them in a civilized manner and do not climb or damage the landscape.
- When tasting local cuisine, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid physical discomfort caused by unclean food.
- You can learn about the geological knowledge and historical culture of Danxia Mountain in advance, so that you can better appreciate and understand the connotations of the scenic spots during the visit.
Precautions
- During the climbing process, follow the designated route and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission to prevent potential dangers.
- Some hiking trails in the scenic area are relatively steep. Pay attention to safety when climbing, especially for the elderly and children, who need to be accompanied by adults.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When taking a cruise, follow the instructions of the staff, put on a life jacket, and do not walk around or make noise on the ship.
- Take good care of personal belongings, especially in crowded places such as the entrance of the scenic area and restaurants, to prevent the loss of belongings.
- When staying in the scenic area, keep the room key properly and abide by the regulations of the hotel or homestay.