How long has it been since you last enjoyed a trip to an ancient forest? You don’t need to travel deep into the heartland of China to find one. Here in Guangdong, there are plenty of places where you can replenish yourself in an area outside of time. Just climb into that tool of modern urban life known as a car and explore the forests and villages that predated us and will outlive us.

    Shendushui, Shaoguan

    The name Shendushui is not a famous one, but the small ecological county in Shaoguan City is known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Guangdong Province.”

    The road from Shixing to Aizi Town in Shaoguan is surrounded by mountains, rivers, fields and woods.

    There are ancient houses in the woods. It is said that these buildings were built by rich families in ancient times and some are open to the public.

    In this unspoilt area, there are mountains at more than 1,000 meters above sea level, including Jiangjundong Mountain, Jigong Mountain, Wuzhi Mountain and Xiaotianlongxing Mountain.

    The 17-kilometer Huangshikeng Valley is the most famous attraction due to its large amount of chrismatites. Although it is very difficult to walk on the brambly lanes along the valley, it still attracts many nature lovers due to the beauty of its views.

    When you visit Shendushui, you can also visit tourism attractions in neighboring areas such as Chebaling, Hakka Tulou, Shiwaitaoyuan Ancient Village.

    Transport: Drive to Shendushui through Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Conghua Road, No. 106 Road.

    Buses to Shaoguan leave Shenzhen major bus stations like Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station every day. Transfer to local buses to Shendushui when you arrive in Shaoguan.

    A train from Shenzhen to Shaoguan departs the city every day.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels in Shendushui and you can also stay with locals.

    Huoshan Mountain, Heyuan

    Located in Longchuan in Heyuan, Huoshan Mountain is one of the seven famous mountains of Guangdong Province.

    Climbing up the mountain is a challenge due to the narrowness of its steps.

    There are many scenic spots in the mountain, including its peculiar rock formations. There is a cave next to the Lingshan Temple. It is said that there used to be a well inside the cave that connected to the sea.

    Chuantou Peak is a must-go place because it is the best spot from which to see the whole mountain. Standing on the peak, it feels like looking at a magnificent landscape with rivers, fields and houses.

    Transport: Drive from Shenzhen to Longchuan through Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and No. 205 Road. The mountain is located on the northeast of Longchuan.

    Buses to Heyuan are available at Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Bao’an Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Longchuan and you can also stay with locals in the mountain.

    Tianmengou, Yingde

    Tianmengou in Yingde is a park with waterfalls and unique tree houses. You can also see a high mountain grassland, a rarity in Guangdong Province.

    The grassland is about 1,100 meters above sea level. Although it cannot be compared with the large grasslands in the north of China, it still has unique and fresh style with hills and colorful flowers.

    You can also camp on the grassland and watch the sunrise in the morning, but thicker clothes are needed at night because the temperature is more than 6 degrees Celsius lower than Yingde.

    Transport: Drive from Shenzhen to Tianmengou through Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway.

    Buses to Yingde are available at Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Bao’an Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Yingde and you can also stay with locals or camp on the grassland.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)