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.

    Yangshan, Lianjiang

    Yangshan is a small town in Lianjiang City and is famous for its Shuikou Lianjiang Gallery and Shikengkong Mountain, Guangdong’s highest mountain.

    Shuikou Lianjiang Gallery is about 10 kilometers from Yangshan with scenic mountains, ancient village houses and green fields. It was called “a natural gallery” by the painter Guan Shanyue.

    The Dubu Flyover on Qingyuan-Lianjiang Expressway is another exciting spot for drivers as it is described as “a roller coaster in an ancient Chinese painting.”

    There are also many rafting places in neighboring areas such as the famous Huanglong Valley, Tianlong Valley, Gulong Valley and Xuanzhen Valley. You can also experience a tour of ancient temples in the Beishan Mountain.

    Transport: Drive to Shuikou on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Qingyuan Expressway and Qingyuan-Lianjianig Expressway.

    Buses to Lianjiang leave Shenzhen major bus stations like Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station every day.

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

    Xichang, Heyuan

    Xichang is on the west bank of Wanlu Lake. As there is no industry in the neighboring area, the small townis an unspoilt wonderland with valleys, brooks, woods and wild flowers.

    Xidi is a popular spot for hiking and camping. Sanli Valley by Wanlu Lake is an ideal place for hikers to settle down and enjoy an adventure in the mysterious woods.

    You can also learn “skills” such as bee-raising in Hedong Village, ganoderma-planting in Heshikeng Village and tea making in Yangmei Village.

    Transport: Drive from Shenzhen to Xichang on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Conghua Expressway and No. 105 Road.

    Buses to Heyuan leave Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station every day. Transfer to local buses to Xichang when you arrive in Heyuan.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Xidi and you can also stay with locals or go camping.

    Dongping, Yangjiang

    Although the Pearl Bay in Dongping is less famous than Zhapo, the small fishing harbor is still a convenient place for swimming, picking up shells and camping.

    The 2.8-kilometer beach along the bay is surrounded by green woods and a small number of visitors has made it a peaceful place for the family to enjoy a weekend away from a metropolis.

    Going fishing is a must-try activity in Dongping. You can not only learn traditional fishing skills from the local fishermen but also enjoy the freshest seafood cooked by them.

    Transport: Drive from Shenzhen to Pearl Bay through Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Foshan Expressway, Kaiping-Yangjiang Expressway and Yanhai Highway.

    Buses to Yangjiang leave Luohu Bus Station, Futian Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station and Longgang Bus Station every day. Transfer to local buses to Dongping when you arrive in Yangjiang. (Wang Yuanyuan)