Autumn is a charming season for hiking. As one of the most popular tourism destinations in China, Guangdong has many places which are great for an autumn hiking trip. Here are some recommendations:

    Yingxi Corridor,

    Yingde City

    Located in the southwest of Yingde City, the Yingxi Corridor of Mountain Peaks (also known as Yingxi Fenglin) is said to have the best mountain peaks in South China and is known as “Little Guilin in West Yingde.”

    There are more than 1,000 mountain peaks with brooks, caves and ancient buildings. These mountain peaks are ideal for rock climbing. In 2002 the area designed a special route for rock climbers.

    Recommended hiking routes start from Shuijinping Village to Yanbei Township via Cow Cave, Zhaibei Primary School, Jiulong Township, Zhongxin Primary School, Tuanjie Primary School, The Peng’s Ancestral Hall, Huanghua Township, Zhaozhou Ancient Bridge, Yongfeng Ancient Temple, Guanyin Valley and Qianzu Brook.

    Transport: Take a coach from Shenzhen to Qingyuan, and transfer to a coach to Jiulong Township.

    Danxia Mountain,

    Shaoguan City

    Also called Chinese Redstone Park, Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan City is a world-famous geological park. China has the world’s largest area of Danxia landscape, or redstone, the majority of which is found on this mountain.

    The scenic area contains more than 680 stone peaks, fortresses, walls, pillars and bridges. Many stones take the shapes of human bodies, birds or animals.

    Danxia Mountain consists of many other wonderful scenic spots, including Zhanglao Peak, Yangyuan Hill, Xianglong Lake and Jinhe River.

    It is also a great place for camping and rock climbing.

    Transport: Take a train or a coach to Shaoguan City from Shenzhen, and then take a bus to Danxia Mountain.

    Dapeng Peninsula,

    Shenzhen

    Located in the east of Longgang District, the peninsula is surrounded in the northeast by Daya Bay. The coastline along Dapeng Peninsula was named one of the eight most scenic coasts in China by Chinese National Geography magazine in 2005.

    Covering an area of 294 square kilometers with coastline of 133 kilometers, the area has unique natural views of green mountains and the sea. There are more than 230 types of birds and more than 1,500 types of plants in the area, which are ideal for a fun family trip.

    Hiking from Dongchong to Xichong in Dapeng is also a popular activity for many local residents. Other routes are also recommended, including one starting from Guodian to Dongchong via Haichaijiao and another starting from Nan’ao to Dalu Harbor via Egong Bay.

    Transport: Take a bus to Nan’ao Township from downtown Shenzhen, and then get to Dongchong or Xichong by bus, motorbike or taxi.

    Mountain areas,

    Lufeng City

    Located in the southeast of Jieshi Bay in Guangdong Province, Lufeng is a small city situated by the South China Sea with foothills, terraces, plains and bottomlands, making it an ideal place for parasailing lovers in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

    Main venues for parasailing include the Lion Mountain and Shuidi Mountain in Hexi Township. Top heights at the Lion Mountain and Shuidi Mountain reach 280 meters and 630 meters, respectively.

    Strict training is needed when undergoing parasailing activities.

    Transport: Take a coach to Lufeng from Shenzhen. It is better to drive to Lufeng if carrying heavy parasailing equipment. Drive from Shenzhen to Lufeng via Meiguan Expressway, Jihe Expressway, and Shenzhen-Shantou Expressway.(Wang Yuanyuan)