Shaoguan Travelogue: Step into the Lingnan Secret Realm of Mountains, Waters, and Zen

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway where you can see stunning mountains and waters and feel the weight of history, then I have to tell you all about Shaoguan. This place is truly a “hidden gem” of Guangdong, definitely worth spending two or three days exploring deeply. Day 1: Embrace Nature’s Masterpiece — Danxia Mountain When you come to Shaoguan, Danxia Mountain is the top priority. Don’t be intimidated by the word “mountain” and think it’s just about panting up stairs—it’s not like that at all! The essence here is in the “view,” seeing the kind of red sandstone landforms you usually only find in textbooks. The real scene is absolutely breathtaking! · Morning: Climb Elder Peak and be a “Sun Chaser” If you want to see the sunrise, you need some determination to get up early. Take the shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, then start climbing. Honestly, the climb is a bit breath-taking, but when you stand at the Sun Viewing Pavilion and watch the sun slowly rise from among the strange peaks and rocks, with golden sunlight flooding the red cliffs, you’ll feel all the sweat was worth it! The grandeur is something your phone can’t capture—you have to witness it with your own eyes. If you can’t get up early, no worries, the daytime scenery is just as stunning, and every angle looks like a painting. · Afternoon: Explore Yangyuan Stone and Xianglong Lake After Elder Peak, head to see the Yangyuan Stone in the afternoon. Seeing it in person will make you marvel at nature’s craftsmanship! Taking photos and checking in is a must. Then you can take a boat ride on Xianglong Lake. The lake surface is calm, surrounded by mountains, instantly switching from the morning’s grandeur to a peaceful mode. The breeze on your face is very refreshing, a perfect way to relax after the morning’s climb. Day 2: Seek Zen and Visit Ancient Sites, Feel the Pulse of History · Morning: Nanhua Zen Temple, a Journey of Calm On the second day, slow down the pace and visit the famous Nanhua Zen Temple. This is the birthplace of the “Southern School Zen” promoted by the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, and the incense is very prosperous. Walking into the temple, the solemn and reverent atmosphere instantly calms you. Don’t forget to see the true body of the Sixth Patriarch. Although I don’t understand profound Buddhist doctrines, in that atmosphere, people naturally become devout and feel very peaceful inside. The temple is large with towering ancient trees—walk slowly, look around slowly, don’t rush. · Afternoon: Travel Through Time — Jinglv Lun Cultural Tourism Town or Mantang Hakka Walled Village If you like quiet and elegant places, you can visit Jinglv Lun Cultural Tourism Town. The architecture there has a strong Tang Dynasty style, the environment is especially beautiful, like a large garden, great for photos and also perfect for strolling and reflecting on life. Or, if you’re more interested in ancient architecture and cultural history, I strongly recommend driving to Shixing’s “Mantang Hakka Walled Village.” This is one of Guangdong’s largest and best-preserved Hakka walled buildings! Walking into that huge fortress-like structure, touching the thick walls, and seeing the maze of alleys and rooms inside, you can almost hear the lively and tough life of the Hakka people here hundreds of years ago, defending their home. The sense of historical time travel is very strong. Tips on Food, Accommodation, and Transportation: · What to eat? When in Shaoguan, give your stomach over to Hakka cuisine and local flavors. Stir-fried mountain snails are a must-order, richly savory, and you can pick the snail meat out with a toothpick—super flavorful. Lechang taro with braised pork is another favorite; the taro is sticky and soft, the pork is fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and is perfect with rice! There are also various dishes made with wild vegetables and farmhouse tofu, all very fresh. · Where to stay? It’s recommended to stay in Shaoguan city center or near Danxia Mountain scenic area. The city center is convenient for dining and shopping with many options; staying near the scenic area makes it easy to get up early the next day for the mountain climb and sunrise. · How to get there? The high-speed rail is super convenient now. It takes about an hour from Guangzhou South to Shaoguan Station. After arriving, you can rent a car to drive yourself, or take buses or taxis to various attractions. The transportation network is very mature. In summary: Shaoguan can really surprise you. It has the awe-inspiring natural power of Danxia Mountain and the heart-soothing cultural depth of Nanhua Temple. Don’t pack your itinerary too tightly—choose what interests you and enjoy at your own pace. Wishing you a great time in Shaoguan and lots of beautiful photos!