Yingde Butterfly Valley

Yingde Butterfly Valley

Yingde Butterfly Valley, a pristine nature reserve, has not been officially developed yet, but it attracts a constant stream of visitors and adventurers every day.

Yingde Butterfly Valley is located in Shigutang Town, approximately 52 kilometers west of Yingde City, Qingyuan, Guangdong Province, at the southwestern end of the Yingde Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve. Departing from Jin Tan Reservoir in Shigutang Town, it takes about 45 minutes by boat to reach the valley’s entrance. The area features a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons, lush vegetation, and a rich diversity of plant species, including both natural flora and economically valuable or timber forests. The valley is characterized by undulating mountains, uniquely shaped peaks, reflections in clear green waters, and breathtaking natural scenery. With rolling hills and scattered mountain waterfalls, along with crystal-clear streams, it is even hailed as one of the best canyoning spots in Guangdong. The valley is home to a vast and diverse population of butterflies that are unafraid of humans—often seen swarming around people—which is how the valley got its name. Here, amidst nature, humans and the environment exist in perfect harmony. In recent years, driven by profit, some local villagers and boat operators have bypassed government supervision and illegally guided large numbers of hikers into the butterfly valley, Zhongkong Canyon, and along the Shimen River within the Shimentai National Nature Reserve for canyoning and swimming activities. This has caused damage to the local ecosystem. In response, the Guangdong Shimentai National Nature Reserve has issued a notice stating that Diandi Ding (Boat Bottom Peak), Butterfly Valley, and the Shimen River are all within the protected area. No individual or organization may enter the core zone of the nature reserve without approval. Violators will be fined between 100 and 5,000 yuan by the reserve management authorities.

Location

Shigutang Town, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province