Nanling National Forest Park

Nanling National Forest Park

Nanling National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Nanling National Forest Park is the largest nature reserve in Guangdong Province and a treasure trove of rare flora and fauna. The park is located at the heart of the Nanling Mountain Range, on the border between Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County and Hunan Province. It lies 70 kilometers southeast of downtown Shaoguan, 50 kilometers north of Pingshi Town, and 10 kilometers east of the Daqiao exit on the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, covering an area of 273 square kilometers.

Home to over 2,000 plant species, it boasts Guangdong’s only primeval forest. Established in 1993 with approval from the Ministry of Forestry, it lies at the heart of China’s subtropical broadleaf evergreen forest zone. Vast stretches of pristine forest here preserve one of the most intact natural ecosystems. In 2012, Nanling National Forest Park was designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

The Nanling Mountain Range is the largest mountain range in southern China and an important natural geographic boundary. It spans the borders of four provinces—Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region—and lies at the core of the Five Ranges, centered around the southern parts of the Dayuling, Qitianling, Dupangling, Mengzhu Ling, and Yuechengling ranges. Roughly between 24°00′N and 26°30′N latitude, it stretches east-west between the Hunan-Guangxi, Hunan-Guangdong, and Jiangxi-Guangdong regions and extends eastward into southern Fujian. It spans approximately 600 kilometers from east to west and 200 kilometers from north to south. Since the Nanling Range is composed of five major mountain ridges—Yuechengling, Dupangling, Mengzhu Ling, Qitianling, and Dayuling—it is also known as the Five Ranges. These ranges generally run east-west and form the watershed between the Yangtze River system and the Pearl River system. The broader definition of the Nanling Range also includes the Miaoshan, Haiyangshan, Jiuyishan, Xianghuashan, Yaoshan, and Jiulianshan ranges.

Nanling National Forest Park features the highest mountains in Guangdong. Shikengkong Peak, at an elevation of 1,902 meters, is known as the “First Peak of Guangdong,” while Shijiu Ridge, at 1,888 meters, is the second highest. Towering peaks are distributed across the landscape in striking arrangement. The park contains Guangdong’s largest primeval forest and is hailed as the “Biodiversity Hotspot of Lingnan.” Endless forests stretch beyond the horizon, with ancient trees growing tall. The woods feature pines, cypresses, and a rich variety of wildlife; Nanling bamboo, along with various unique flowers and plants, is found throughout the park. From the foothills upward, three distinct vertical vegetation zones can be observed: evergreen broadleaf forest, mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest, and alpine dwarf forest.

Little Huangshan Scenic Area

At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Little Huangshan’s summit is Ru Peak, which preserves the world’s largest expanse of primeval “Guangdong Pine” forest. In winter, visitors can enjoy the region’s unique ice formations and rime frost. What makes the Guangdong Pine particularly distinctive is that its needle color shifts with the seasons—from yellowish-green and vigorous in spring and summer to a bluish-pink hue in winter, earning it the nickname “Blue Pine.” At the entrance of Little Huangshan stands a famous “Welcoming Pine” viewing platform. All year round, this pine extends its hospitable branches from the mountainside, greeting every visitor.

Major Attractions: Guangdong Welcoming Pine, Twin Pine Forest, Clouds and Mist, Summit Buddha’s Light, Ru Peak.

Waterfall Cluster Scenic Area

The Waterfall Cluster is the largest natural waterfall group in southern China, notable for its large number, impressive scale, and high elevation. Originating from Facailing (Prosperity Peak), the Second Highest Peak of Guangdong (1,888 meters), the water plunges nearly 500 meters down steep valleys, forming nearly 100 cascading waterfalls of various sizes. Among them, the eight major waterfalls are the most renowned. Along the way, verdant trees sway, mountain flowers bloom, and the area is alive with short-tailed monkeys, squirrels, and a variety of birds and fish, creating a vibrant scene.

From top to bottom, the waterfall cluster consists of eight major falls: Kilometer Waterfall, Peacock Waterfall, Flying Waterfall, Heart-Stopping Waterfall, Tiger’s Mouth Waterfall, Clear-Heart Waterfall, Melody Waterfall, and Twin-Flying Waterfall.

Water Interaction Valley Scenic Area

Water Interaction Valley is famed for its “secluded gorges, emerald pools, and peculiar rocks.” The area features towering cliffs, offering a tranquil atmosphere in the valley where birds frequently flit through the mountain streams. Especially in spring and summer, wildflowers blanket the valley, and butterflies flutter about, earning it the name “Lover’s Valley.” It also preserves classic pothole landforms, making it one of the remarkable sights of Nanling.

Note: Pothole landforms are circular depressions formed in riverbeds by the abrasive action of waterborne gravel and stones. Often accompanied by whirlpools, these currents carve out the riverbed. At locations with fault lines, differing rock types, or downstream of waterfalls, the abrasive force of the water tends to form deep cavities with smooth, mirror-like walls—shaped like wells. These are geographically referred to as “potholes.” Major Attractions: Flying Flower Pool, Pearl Pool, Serpentine Pool, Green Pine Pool, Tranquil Gorge, Fairy Pool, Crouching Dragon Gorge.

Shikengkong Scenic Area

At an elevation of 1,902 meters, Shikengkong is known as the “Roof of Guangdong.” The towering peak presents ever-changing scenery, and the former site of an Air Force radar station evokes historical reflection. The mountaintop offers different views in each season. In spring, azaleas dot the hillsides in brilliant red; summer and autumn bring spectacular sunrises and sunsets; and in winter, the landscape is frozen in a vast expanse of silver, resembling a “northern scene.”

Major Highlights: Golden Toad Gazing at the Moon, Former Site of Air Force Radar Station, Sea of Clouds, Sunrise.

Transportation: Around noon each day, a shuttle bus departs from Shaoguan Bus Station directly to Nanling Forest Park, with a fare of about 18 RMB. If you miss this bus, you’ll need to take a passing vehicle.

Tip: Temperatures in northern Guangdong’s mountainous regions are relatively low and weather conditions are changeable. Bring an extra layer of clothing and rain gear. The forest floor can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. In summer, wear long pants and sleeves to protect against insect bites.

Address: Ruyuan County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province

Type: Waterfall, Mountain, Forest

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day

Phone: 0751-5236666

Official Website: http://www.nlslgy.com

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket:

Adult ticket for Shaoguan Nanling National Forest Park   120 yuan