Danxia Mountain Shaoguan
Explore the surreal, rainbow-colored sandstone peaks of Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering dramatic cliffs and unique geological w...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Danxia Mountain Shaoguan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the surreal, rainbow-colored sandstone peaks of Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering dramatic cliffs and unique geological wonders.
"This place is stunning, one of the UNESCO sites. It's not the easiest to get to, but totally worth it."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Purchase tickets at the official counter, ignoring touts. Tickets are valid for 48 hours.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Small shops sell drinks but can be pricier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rainbow-Colored Peaks
Witness surreal, vibrant red sandstone formations that look like a painting come to life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Danxia Mountain Trail
Conquer the extreme, adrenaline-pumping stairs carved directly into steep cliffs. Not for the faint of heart!
Father Rock & Mother Rock
Iconic geological formations that are a testament to nature's artistry and a significant part of the geopark.
Jinjiang River Night Cruise
Experience a dreamlike cruise along the Jinjiang River, offering unique perspectives of the illuminated mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Peaks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Purchase tickets at the official counter, ignoring touts. Tickets are valid for 48 hours.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Small shops sell drinks but can be pricier.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Sturdy shoes are a must for the trails. [:athletic_shoe:]
🗺️ Stick to Marked Paths
Avoid unmarked forest paths, especially in remote areas, as getting lost is a risk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Purchase tickets at the official counter, ignoring touts. Tickets are valid for 48 hours.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Small shops sell drinks but can be pricier.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Sturdy shoes are a must for the trails. [:athletic_shoe:]
🗺️ Stick to Marked Paths
Avoid unmarked forest paths, especially in remote areas, as getting lost is a risk.
🚗 Utilize Park Buses
Free buses run every 30 minutes from the main entrance to each area's entrance.
🧗♀️ Admire the Climbers
Witness daring climbers scale sheer cliffs – a truly unique and thrilling sight!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, unique red sandstone landscapes and geological formations, calling it a 'must-see' UNESCO World Heritage Site. The challenging cliff trails and scenic river cruises are highlights, though the park's vastness and potential for large crowds during peak times are noted drawbacks.
"The park is really big. It may take 2 days to visit all of them. The entrance fee is 50 CNY. The cable car is 60 CYN(2 way). The Cable car mountain took me 3 hours to explore. Remember to bring water with you."
Matthew Hamilton
"This place is stunning, one of the UNESCO site. It's not the easiest to get to, but totally worth it. The area is made up of 3 area of different mountain group. Of which, 2 areas have paths set-up for trekking/hiking. While the last (furthest from entrance 1 is natural hike) location - locals suggested for us to not visit as many hikers get lost with no signals there.
We completed each area in 3 hours without much stops. Can be strenuous if you're not usually active. If you're looking to do a leisure strolling pace, might want to consider a 2D1N here. Tickets are valid for 48 hours from date of purchase.
Purchase the tickets outside the entrance (ignore the touts and go straight into the official purchasing counter). Once you enter the main entrance there are free buses every 30minutes to bring you into each area's entrance.
Along the mountain trails there are small shops around to purchase snacks and drinks. Regular paths are rather clear - no guides needed. We didn't take the forest paths.
Be prepared to see endless natural mountain views. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G."
Michelle Chong
"Amazing red sandstone landscape with weird landforms and very rich religious and cultural relics. One of the 'must see' places before I die."
Young NG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Shaoguan city, you can take a bus or taxi to Danxia Mountain. Buses are a more budget-friendly option and run regularly. The journey typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.
It's not the easiest to get to, but the journey is considered totally worth it for the stunning scenery.
Yes, once you enter the main entrance, free buses operate every 30 minutes to take you to the entrances of different scenic areas.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is parking available at the park. However, be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak times.
The park provides free shuttle buses that connect the various scenic areas, making it convenient to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets are valid for 48 hours from the date of purchase, allowing for a more relaxed exploration.
The cable car costs around 60 CNY for a round trip. It's a convenient way to reach some of the higher viewpoints.
While online booking might be available, it's recommended to purchase tickets directly at the official counter to avoid issues with touts.
Information on specific discounts can vary. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival or check the official park website if available.
The park is generally open throughout the day, but specific attractions or cable car operating hours may vary. It's advisable to check in advance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park is very large. To see all areas, it might take two days. Each main area can be explored in about 3 hours at a brisk pace.
Yes, Danxia Mountain offers excellent hiking opportunities with established paths. Some areas are more strenuous than others.
The 'Stairs to Heaven' on the Danxia Mountain Trail and the views from the peaks like Father Rock and Mother Rock are highly recommended.
While guides aren't strictly necessary for the regular paths, local advice suggests caution on unmarked trails. You can hire local guides if desired.
Expect stunning red sandstone formations, unique landforms, and beautiful mountain scenery. Some areas offer sea of clouds views.
📸 📸 Photography
The rainbow-colored peaks, the dramatic cliff faces, and panoramic mountain vistas offer incredible photo opportunities. Drone shots can capture the scale.
Drone photography is permitted in certain areas, and many visitors capture stunning aerial views. Always check local regulations before flying.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for capturing the colors of the sandstone. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.
Father Rock, Mother Rock, and the unique cliff formations are highly photogenic. The winding Jinjiang River also provides scenic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help capture details of the rock formations and distant peaks. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions. [:camerawithflash:]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Jinjiang River bamboo boat ride for a relaxing and scenic activity that most children will enjoy.
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the park can be limited and more expensive. 🚶♀️ Active Adventurers & Hikers
Be prepared for steep ascents and descents, and ensure you have good stamina. Explore the various trekking paths across the different mountain groups. While the main paths are clear, adventurous hikers might be tempted by more rugged, natural trails. However, heed the local advice to avoid unmarked routes due to potential for getting lost and poor signal.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing the vibrant hues of the rocks. Look for panoramic viewpoints to capture the vastness of the park, and don't miss the iconic Father Rock and Mother Rock. Drone photography offers spectacular aerial perspectives of the Danxia landforms and the surrounding greenery.
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens to capture details of the rock formations. The Jinjiang River also provides beautiful photographic opportunities, especially during the night cruise when the mountains are illuminated. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Danxia
The scenic area is divided into several parts, each showcasing different aspects of this geological phenomenon. Visitors can explore areas with steep, almost vertical cliffs, as well as more rounded hills and valleys. The sheer scale and unique shapes of these formations make Danxia Mountain a truly unforgettable natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the area also holds cultural significance, with numerous temples and religious relics scattered throughout the mountains, adding another layer of depth to the visitor experience.
Adventure and Adrenaline
Social media is abuzz with videos of daredevils scaling these vertical cliffs, often without apparent safety gear, showcasing incredible feats of athleticism and bravery. While watching these climbers is a spectacle in itself, visitors are advised to stick to designated paths and use safety measures if attempting any challenging climbs.
+2Beyond cliff climbing, the park offers opportunities for hiking and exploring its vast network of trails. The Jinjiang River also provides a more serene adventure with its bamboo boat rides, offering a different, more relaxed way to appreciate the majestic scenery.
Planning Your Visit: Beyond the Basics
When purchasing tickets, be wary of touts outside the entrance and head straight to the official ticket counter.
While the main trails are well-maintained and generally safe, local advice suggests caution regarding unmarked forest paths, particularly in the furthest areas, due to potential for getting lost and lack of mobile signal.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit