The arrival of summer ushers in the peak season for all water-based activities. Summer creek trekking allows you to enjoy fresh air, ever-changing scenery, cool water temperatures, and the thrilling challenge of going against the current—making it a favorite among many. Some prefer to explore remote, untouched mountain streams, while others opt for more “packaged” and popular creek treks in scenic areas.
From Dongguan, what are some good nearby spots for creek trekking? Given the high physical demands and endurance required for creek trekking, our reporter recommends only one popular route in a scenic area, along with two easier routes favored by hiking enthusiasts.
Nandan Mountain
Major travel agencies in Dongguan offer group tours to Nandan Mountain at any time. If driving from Dongguan, you can take the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Huancheng Expressway, Guangfo Expressway, and Guangsan Expressway, then turn right at the Sanshui exit onto Nanfeng Avenue. Pass through Dasha Town in Sanshui, Youjin Bridge, and Nanshan Town in Sanshui to reach Nandan Mountain Scenic Area.
The creek trekking adventure route at Nandan Mountain is known as the “Number One Adventure Route in Foshan.” Various small waterfalls are key elements of the trek, and climbing ropes are installed on the rock walls of the falls to make the experience easier.
The creek trekking route follows the scenic area’s mountain hiking trails. The stream water flowing down from the mountain is crystal clear. Jagged rocks covered in moss, shallow waters that just reach the ankles, and fine, slippery sand on the creek bed create a unique environment. Towering trees and dense tropical rainforests act like a giant umbrella, thoroughly shading the trekking path and the stream.
Adventure waterfalls are found throughout the trekking route. Some have significant drops with rushing water, while others feature gentle trickles. By holding onto the specially designed climbing ropes provided by the scenic area, you can slowly climb up, enjoying the thrill of rock climbing and the refreshing splash of water. Of course, extra caution is needed to avoid slipping. The 3-kilometer creek trekking route involves several challenging sections, including navigating through rock piles, sidestepping, wading and swimming across, climbing waterfalls, and crawling over high obstacles.
Zhuhai Guogaidong
Zhuhai Guogaidong is a well-established creek trekking route and is also highly recommended on the local outdoor forum “Hunter Outdoor.” If driving from Dongguan, you can set your navigation to “Doumen Jianfeng Bridge,” traveling via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Humen Expressway, Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, Western Coastal Expressway, and Jiangzhu Expressway to Doumen.
Due to the remote and hard-to-find location, it is recommended to join a “Hunter” hiking group. On June 24th, buses will depart from three locations: Dongkeng Intersection (7:10 AM), Dongguan Stadium (7:40 AM), and Chang’an Square (8:20 AM).
Guogaidong is the second highest mountain in Zhuhai, with an elevation of 464 meters. It is located at the border of Qianwu Town and Jing’an Town in Doumen District, Zhuhai, facing Zhuhai’s highest mountain, Huangyang Mountain. The area is surrounded by three reservoirs: Qianwu, Longjing, and Zengkeng. Among them, Qianwu Reservoir is the largest in Zhuhai. There is also a 20-meter-high Shijing Waterfall, featuring both mountain and water views in a single area. It is a picturesque destination where you can enjoy the scenery while hiking, making it a favorite route for creek trekking and mountain climbing enthusiasts.
Zengcheng Dafengmen
Zengcheng Dafengmen is another well-established creek trekking route. This trail has a medium difficulty level and is not very long—only 1.3 kilometers. However, it involves wading and climbing, which can be challenging for those with less creek trekking experience, typically taking about 3–4 hours. Since the mountain stream water is quite cold, it’s best to go trekking around noon or in the afternoon.
If driving from Dongguan, use GPS to navigate to Dafengmen Ecological Tourism Area or Zengcheng Dafengmen Forest Park. You can reach the destination via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and National Highway 107 (eastbound) via Guangshen Road.
Dafengmen features four large and small sky ponds, the largest being Dafengmen Reservoir, which covers nearly 10 square kilometers and is known as the “Guangdong version of Lake Kanas.” The entire scenic area is lush with vegetation and abundant in water resources. The magnificent Jinxiu Waterfall, with an 88-meter drop, cascades dramatically from the cliffs, splashing violently into Crocodile Pool after hitting the rocky walls. A 300-meter walk from the visitor center allows visitors to experience the overwhelming power of the waterfall up close.
Creek trekking at Dafengmen usually starts from Dafengmen Reservoir, following the stream upstream to its source. Along the way, you’ll encounter rapids and scattered rocks. Although you’re carrying a backpack, you may find yourself tempted to jump into the clear spring water.
Precautions for Creek Trekking Adventures
Creek trekking activities must always be done in a group—never enter a creek valley alone. Having experienced members in the team to provide guidance is crucial.
Avoid traveling in the dark, as uneven terrain in the creek valley can easily lead to slips and injuries.
When the weather turns bad, always consider the potential weather conditions of the creek and its upstream areas in advance, especially in rainy regions, to avoid the risk of flash floods.
When wading across rivers, choose spots where the water is shallow (less than knee-deep) and the current is calm. Avoid crossing in fast currents or upstream of waterfalls, and steer clear of stepping on mossy rocks.
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