Lion Rock

Lion Rock

Lion Rock is located 1.5 kilometers southwest of Qujiang County and 18 kilometers from downtown Shaoguan. It is the site of the world-famous Maba Man and Shixia Culture relics. Lion Rock consists of two exquisite limestone peaks—one tall and one short—standing side by side from north to south. When viewed from the north, it resembles a sleeping lion; from the south, it looks like a dancing lion, hence the name Lion Rock. The rock formation features caves crisscrossing inside, with a variety of uniquely shaped stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars.

The local "Maba Man" relics and "Shixia Culture" site are renowned both in China and abroad. The Maba Man represents an ancient human type that bridges the gap between Chinese apemen and modern humans. Archaeologists and artists have reconstructed the living scenes of the Maba Man from 120,000 years ago in the Silver Cave, and those of the Maba New Man from four to five thousand years ago in the Osmanthus Cave. Outside the caves, there are various recreational facilities, including an antique-style "Wild Grill Cave" and "Hunting Rush," as well as the option to take a traditional dugout canoe to tour the cave lake.

Transportation: You can take a direct bus from Shaoguan to the site and also visit the nearby Nanhua Temple.