Danxia Mountain Scenic Area
Nestled in northeastern Guangdong Province, Mount Danxia Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global geological marvel. Covering 292 square kilometers, it is the eponymous site of "Danxia landform"—a unique red sandstone cliff landscape shaped over 65 million years. With 680 towering peaks, ancient villages, and rich biodiversity, the park offers a blend of natural grandeur and cultural heritage. Designated a national geological park in 2001 and a UNESCO site in 2004, it is a must-visit for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Historical Overview
The Danxia landform originated during the Late Cretaceous (90–70 million years ago), when red sandstone and conglomerate layers deposited in a basin. Subsequent tectonic uplift and erosion by the Red River carved the cliffs into their iconic steep, flat-topped forms. Human history dates to the Neolithic era, with ancient villages like Changlou and Xiafu showcasing 1,000-year-old architecture. The area was listed as a national scenic spot in 1988 and later expanded to include cultural and ecological protection zones.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into five core zones:
- Danxia Mountain Core Zone: Centered on Changlou Peak (618m), featuring cliffs, caves, and the Jinshi Rock Buddhist temple.
- Shaoshi Mountain Zone: Known for prehistoric rock carvings and悬棺 (hanging coffins) sites.
- Xianglong Lake Zone: A dragon-shaped reservoir with walking trails and lotus ponds.
- Dashi Mountain Zone: Remote valleys with rare plant species and waterfalls.
- Jinjiang River Zone: Scenic river cruises past red cliffs and villages.
Key structures include the 1,000-year-old Jinshi Rock Temple and the Yangyuan Stone (a phallic-shaped cliff, symbol of fertility).
Major Attractions
- Yangyuan Stone & Yinyuan Stone: Natural rock formations representing yin and yang, revered as symbols of harmony.
- Changlou Peak: The highest peak, offering panoramic views and sunrise vistas.
- Xianglong Lake: A serene lake with dragon-shaped contours and surrounding pagodas.
- Jinshi Rock: A 30-meter-high cliff with ancient Buddhist carvings and a 1,000-year-old temple.
- Shaoshi Ancient Village: A well-preserved Ming-Qing era settlement with stone lanes and ancestral halls.
- Hanging Coffins Site: Cliffside tombs dating to the Warring States Period (475–221 BCE).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Jinshi Rock → Changlou Peak Observatory → Xianglong Lake → Exit
Highlights: Geological wonders and core cliffs. - Cultural Route (5–6 hours):
Add Shaoshi Ancient Village, Hanging Coffins Site, and Yangyuan/Yinyuan Stones. - Adventure Route (Full Day):
Include Dashi Mountain hiking, Jinjiang River cruise, and night camping at Xianglong Lake.
Ticket Purchase
- Adult Tickets: ¥100 (1-day), ¥160 (2-day).
- Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
- Purchase: Book via official website (https://dxs.sg.gov.cn/en/) or WeChat.
Transportation
- By Train: From Shaoguan East Station (regular train), take bus #6 (¥17, 10-min intervals).
- By High-Speed Rail: From Shaoguan High-Speed Station, take bus #64 (¥21, 30-min intervals).
- By Car: Follow G56 Expressway to Danxia Mountain Exit. Parking available at main gates (¥10/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (April–May) for blooms, autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for steep trails.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Photography allowed except in caves/temples.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, open flames, and loudspeakers.
- Cultural Note: Respect ancient sites—do not climb on cliffs or touch carvings.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
