Danxia Mountain

What is the most famous mountain in Shaoguan? Danxia Mountain is located about 9 kilometers south of Renhua County and approximately 56 kilometers from downtown Shaoguan, with an elevation of 408 meters.

Danxia Mountain is a National Scenic Area, a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Geopark, a Science Education Base, and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Danxia Mountain is situated about 9 kilometers south of Renhua County and approximately 56 kilometers from downtown Shaoguan. Along with Luofu Mountain in Nanhai, Luofu Mountain in Boluo, and Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing, Danxia Mountain is ranked among the Four Famous Mountains of Guangdong. In 1988, it was designated as a National Scenic Area by the State Council. The entire mountain is composed of red sandstone and gravel, and when viewed from afar, “its colors are as rich as cinnabar and as dazzling as bright clouds,” earning it the nickname “Red Stone Garden.” Its geological strata consist of clastic red rock, conglomerate, and powdery sandstone containing calcium, iron oxide, and small amounts of gypsum, presenting a reddish hue that is representative of sandstone landforms. This type of terrain is similar to that of Wuyi Mountain in Fujian and Golden Rooster Ridge in Shaoguan, and is classified as Danxia landform. Danxia Mountain was anciently known as the Old Site of Burning Wooden Buddha and also called Elder’s Stronghold. According to the *Guangdong General Annals*, during the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, Buddhist layman Fayun had already meditated at Jinshiyan (Golden Stone Cliff) on the mountain.

Danxia Mountain is one of the Four Famous Mountains of Guangdong, located nine kilometers south of Renhua County in northern Guangdong. It is famed for being “peculiar, precipitous, and beautiful,” and is named for its “colors as rich as cinnabar and as dazzling as bright clouds.” “The scenery of Guilin may be the best under heaven, but it cannot rival a single Danxia peak in Guangdong.” This is how people praise Danxia Mountain. Legend has it that long ago, a young couple rode a chestnut-red steed, riding the wind and clouds in search of an ideal place to settle down and build a life. One day, as they arrived at Dongting Lake, they suddenly spotted, to the south of the Five Ridges and by the Zhen River, lush trees, blue skies, flowers as splendid as brocade, birds flying in flocks, and butterflies dancing in colorful array—a scene of breathtaking beauty. So they urged their horse southward and stopped beneath a tall osmanthus tree. Captivated by the area’s wondrous mountains and exotic waters, they decided to make it their home. The magical horse, too, grew fond of the place, drinking the clear, leisurely-flowing river water daily, and over time transformed into a majestic and beautiful mountain—that mountain is Danxia Mountain.

In modern geology, Danxia Mountain is referred to as “Danxia landform.” According to geologists, over 20 million years ago, the Danxia Mountain area was once a massive lake. Later, due to crustal uplift, the lakebed emerged, and its rock layers were eroded by wind, rain, and flowing water, eventually forming the spectacular peak forest seen today.

There are three major peaks on Danxia Mountain. From a distance, the three peaks stand tall opposite each other, towering as if piercing the sky, twisting and transforming along the ridgeline. Baofeng Peak stands to the north, Hailuo Peak lies in the center, and Laoshou Peak is situated to the south, with Hailuo Peak being the most majestic of the three. Danxia Mountain is rich in scenic spots and historical sites. In addition to attractions such as Biechuan Temple, Jinshiyan, Haitian Gate, and One-Line Sky, there are also poems and inscriptions left behind by literati and poets throughout history. The extraordinary peaks and marvelous views, with their divine shapes and celestial forms, are truly a feast for the eyes and leave visitors lingering without wanting to leave.

Suggested Duration

1 day

Transportation

Shaoguan East Railway Station offers a Danxia Mountain tourist shuttle bus (every 15 minutes, 16 yuan per ticket) that goes directly to the New Mountain Gate of Danxia Mountain. Free shuttle buses within the scenic area transport visitors to the hiking starting points. However, returning buses from Danxia Mountain go to Shaoguan Station—note that high-speed trains all arrive at Shaoguan Station.

Tickets

Scenic Area Admission: 150 yuan per person (valid for two days; half-price for students, seniors, and children; relevant identification required).

Cable Car: Regular one-way up 40 yuan/person, round-trip 60 yuan/person. Holiday one-way up 45 yuan, round-trip 70 yuan.

Xianglong Lake Boat Ticket: One-way 20 yuan/person, round-trip 35 yuan/person.

Jinjiang Boat Ticket: 90 yuan/person.

Bamboo Rafting: Full course 100 yuan/person, half course 50 yuan/person.

Tour Guide Fee: 100 yuan.

Sedan Parking Fee: 15 yuan.

Bus Parking Fee: 30 yuan.

Opening Hours

Peak Season (April–October): 8:00–18:00; Off-Peak Season (November–March): 8:30–17:30.

Location

Danxia Mountain Scenic Area, Renhua County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of National Scenic Areas