The Shaoguan Danxia Mountain Scenic Area is located in Renhua County and Zhenjiang District, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. It is a World Natural Heritage site, a Global Geopark, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 292 square kilometers, it is the largest scenic area in Guangdong Province. Danxia Mountain is characterized by red cliffs and sheer rock faces and is the place after which "Danxia landform" is named. Its unique geological structure and rich variety of landforms include spectacular peaks, canyons, caves, and other natural wonders. Representative attractions such as Elder Peak, Yangyuan Stone, and Yinyuan Stone are particularly iconic. The scenic area is well equipped with facilities, including various hotels and guesthouses for accommodation, numerous restaurants and snack stalls for dining, as well as a visitor service center, parking lots, and other amenities to facilitate tourists' visits.
History and Culture
Danxia Mountain has a long history. As early as the Sui Dynasty, some 1,400 years ago, there were traces of human activity here. At that time, people built temples in the mountains for Buddhist practice and worship, leaving behind many religious and cultural relics.
During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Danxia Mountain became a popular retreat for literati and poets, who left behind a wealth of poems, verses, and cliffside inscriptions. These works not only hold literary value but also reflect the admiration and love people felt for the beauty of Danxia Mountain at that time.
In modern times, the geological research value of Danxia Mountain gradually became recognized. In 1928, geologist Feng Jinglan and others discovered red sandstone conglomerate layers here. After years of research and discussion, the concept of "Danxia landform" was gradually established and widely accepted, making Danxia Mountain the type locality for this landform and giving it significant status in the field of geology.
Today, Danxia Mountain is not only an important base for geological research but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. It carries rich historical and cultural connotations and serves as an important window showcasing China's natural scenery and cultural heritage.
Major Attractions
Elder Peak
Elder Peak is one of the main peaks of Danxia Mountain, with an elevation of 409 meters. It is an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of the entire scenic area. Along the climbing trails, visitors can enjoy numerous oddly shaped peaks and rocks, such as Teapot Peak and Sisters Peak. From the summit, the view is vast, and the surrounding Danxia landforms appear especially magnificent under the sunlight. Elder Peak also hosts several historical and cultural sites, including Jinshiyan Temple, which was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty. The temple has a long history and preserves many precious Buddhist relics and murals, allowing visitors to experience Buddhist culture.
Yangyuan Stone
Yangyuan Stone is one of the landmark attractions of Danxia Mountain, standing 28 meters high and 7 meters in diameter. Its shape resembles the male genitalia, earning it the title "the world's most extraordinary stone." Formed over hundreds of millions of years through geological changes and weathering, its unique shape draws numerous visitors. Around Yangyuan Stone, there are related sights such as Yangyuan Mountain and the Ninety-nine Steps. The Ninety-nine Steps are steep and challenging, offering an adventurous climbing experience while providing beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Yinyuan Stone
Yinyuan Stone stands in contrast to Yangyuan Stone, measuring 10.3 meters high and 4.8 meters wide. Its shape resembles the female genitalia, making it another curious natural formation in Danxia Mountain. Hidden among the forests, the area around Yinyuan Stone is quiet and surrounded by greenery. Visitors can appreciate this unique geological wonder and feel the mystery and marvel of nature. Nearby walkways and viewing platforms allow for different perspectives on the formation.
Jinjiang Gallery
The Jinjiang Gallery is a sightseeing route along the Jinjiang River. Visitors can take a boat ride downstream to enjoy the Danxia scenery on both banks. The clear river reflects the peaks on either side, creating beautiful landscape paintings. Along the way, visitors can see attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Peak and Thumb Peak, which take on vivid forms with the river as a backdrop. A boat trip along the Jinjiang Gallery feels like being in a poem or painting, making it a memorable experience.
Suggested Routes：
One-Day Tour:
Arrive at the scenic area in the morning and head to Elder Peak. Climb along the trails, enjoying the odd peaks and rocks as well as historical sites like Jinshiyan Temple. Reach the summit for a panoramic view of Danxia Mountain. At noon, have lunch at a restaurant inside or near the scenic area, and try local specialties such as Danxia stinky fermented bean fish. In the afternoon, visit the Yangyuan Stone area to see its unique shape and challenge the Ninety-nine Steps. Afterwards, you may go to Yinyuan Stone to appreciate its wonder. Finally, spend some free time or shop for souvenirs before ending the day.
Two-Day Tour:
Day 1: Arrive in the morning and visit Elder Peak. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Jinjiang Gallery to enjoy the riverside scenery. Stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in or near the scenic area.
Day 2: In the morning, visit the Yangyuan Stone area and its surrounding sights. In the afternoon, go to Yinyuan Stone. After the visit, depart for home. If time permits, you can also explore some lesser-known trails and smaller sites to gain a more comprehensive experience of Danxia Mountain's charm.
Travel Tips：
Check the weather forecast in advance and choose appropriate days for your visit, avoiding heavy rain, strong winds, or other severe weather for mountain climbing.
Wear comfortable sports shoes and light clothing, as the tour involves a lot of walking. Proper gear will make your trip more enjoyable.
When climbing Elder Peak, Yangyuan Mountain, or other peaks, bring enough water and food, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.
Be respectful when viewing Yangyuan Stone and Yinyuan Stone; do not climb or damage the formations.
When trying local food, pay attention to hygiene to prevent stomach upsets.
Learn about Danxia Mountain's geology and history beforehand, so you can better appreciate and understand the attractions during your visit.
Safety and Regulations：
Follow designated routes during hiking; do not enter undeveloped areas to avoid danger.
Some trails are steep; exercise caution, especially for seniors and children, who should be accompanied by adults.
Help protect the environment—do not litter and keep the scenic area clean.
When taking a boat ride, follow the staff's instructions, wear life jackets, and do not walk around or play on the boat.
Keep your personal belongings secure, especially in crowded places like entrances and restaurants, to prevent loss.
When staying overnight, keep your room key safe and follow the rules of the hotel or guesthouse.
Transportation：
High-speed train: Take a high-speed train to Shaoguan Station, then take the special shuttle bus from the tourism hub at Shaoguan Station to Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. The journey takes about 1 hour, and there are frequent departures.
Regular train: If you take a regular train to Shaoguan East Station, you can take a bus from the station square to Renhua County, then transfer to another bus to the scenic area. This option may take longer and involves multiple transfers.
Self-driving: Use a navigation app and enter "Shaoguan Danxia Mountain Scenic Area" for directions. From Shaoguan city center, it takes about 1 hour by car. Multiple parking lots are available, but during peak seasons parking spaces may be limited—arrive early.
Long-distance bus: Some cities have direct long-distance buses to Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. Check and book tickets in advance; this is relatively direct but services may be infrequent.
Opening Hours：
The Shaoguan Danxia Mountain Scenic Area is open year-round, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, some specific attractions, such as certain hiking trails, may close earlier in the evening for visitor safety. During holidays or peak tourist seasons, the opening hours may be adjusted; visitors are advised to check the official website or announcements for updates. Additionally, in case of severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds), parts of the area or certain attractions may be temporarily closed, so travelers should pay attention to weather conditions before heading out.
Ticket Price：
Admission: 100 RMB per person.