An Autumn Fairy Tale Secret Realm Above the Clouds

Lingnan Red Leaf Ceiling, Sea of Clouds and Starry Sky Camping Site Lingnan Red Leaf World is located in the Qingyun Mountain range of Xinfeng County, Shaoguan, Guangdong, on a high mountain over 1,000 meters above sea level. It boasts more than 80,000 maple and dawn redwood trees, making it the largest and most diverse red leaf viewing area in the Pearl River Delta region. Featuring "autumn red leaf viewing, winter rime watching, spring tea tasting, and summer heat avoidance," it enjoys over 90 days of sea of clouds annually and is known as the "Shangri-La of Guangdong." In autumn 2025, the scenic area will launch the "Maple Leaf Art Festival," combining camping, handicrafts, stargazing, and other diverse experiences to create an immersive autumn feast. Five Must-Experience Scenes 1. Red Leaf Aesthetics: A Visual Feast of Colorful Forests ◦ Red Maple Avenue: A 2-kilometer maple forest trail planted with rare species such as American red maple and Japanese maple, turning from green to red from late October to mid-December, forming a "gradient palette." Strolling here in light-colored Hanfu amid morning mist feels like walking in a painting. ◦ Mirror of the Sky: A transparent viewing platform at 1,000 meters altitude, overlooking the magnificent scene of red leaves intertwined with the sea of clouds. At sunset, the evening glow dyes the horizon red, reflecting on the glass surface—perfect for stunning photos. ◦ Hobbit House: A replica of the dwarf house from "The Lord of the Rings," with round doors and windows surrounded by red leaves, paired with the nearby Magpie Bridge and Sky Lake, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. 2. Family Fun: A Joyful Collision of Nature and Cute Pets ◦ Mie Mie Valley Pet Park: Gentle animals like alpacas, goats, and rabbits await your feeding. For 10 yuan per portion of carrots, you can enjoy healing moments. The lawn next to the ranch is perfect for picnics—remember to take your trash with you! ◦ Magic Forest Non-Powered Playground: Free access to super-long slides, swing sets, and go-karts, where kids can play freely and parents can rediscover their inner child. Weekend nights feature bonfire parties and karaoke, creating a lively atmosphere. 3. Starry Sky Camping: A Romantic Night Sleeping Under the Stars ◦ Cloud Camping Base: Offers unique accommodations such as starry sky tents, bubble houses, and RVs, with 270° glass canopies for direct Milky Way viewing. Weekend stays are recommended to join bonfire parties and outdoor movies. ◦ Stargazing Guide: The high altitude and low light pollution of the area come with professional telescopes to observe celestial bodies like Jupiter and the Andromeda Galaxy. Astronomy lectures are held every Saturday night (advance reservation required). 4. Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts: Autumn Memories at Your Fingertips ◦ Cyanotype Printing Workshop: Use maple leaves and wildflowers to create unique cyanotype prints or leaf vein bookmarks, preserving the colors of autumn forever. ◦ Tea Picking and Making Experience: Enter the high mountain tea gardens to hand-pick autumn tea and learn traditional tea-making techniques. Finished products can be taken home as souvenirs. 5. Culinary Feast: A Taste Journey of Mountain and Wild Flavors ◦ Starry Sky Restaurant: Uses homegrown mountain vegetables and free-range poultry. Recommended signature dishes include "Tea-Baked Chicken" and "Hakka Stuffed Tofu," paired with local black tea to enjoy nature’s gifts. ◦ Snack Market: Traditional snacks like roasted sweet potatoes, sugar-fried chestnuts, and radish cake are freshly made and sold. The 1.5 yuan radish cake brushed with spicy sauce is known as the "Chinese burger." ◦ Bonfire Barbecue: The camping area offers grill rentals to cook fresh lamb and corn, paired with beer for a lively night. 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary Recommendation Day 1: Explore the Red Leaf Secret Realm • Morning: Drive from Guangzhou/Shenzhen (about 2.5 hours), navigate to "Lingnan Red Leaf World." Parking at the scenic area entrance costs 10 yuan per visit. • Noon: Check into a starry sky tent or guesthouse upon arrival. Recommended is "Cloud Residence Sunrise Courtyard," where you can see red maples and the sea of clouds right from the window. • Afternoon: ① Take photos and check in at Red Maple Avenue, enjoy an osmanthus latte at a maple forest rest spot; ② Take the sightseeing bus to Mirror of the Sky to capture reflections of red leaves and the sea of clouds; ③ Visit the Hobbit House and interact closely with alpacas. • Evening: Dine on Hakka cuisine at the Starry Sky Restaurant, then join the bonfire party to listen to folk singers and gaze at the dazzling stars. Day 2: Immerse in Nature and Culture • Early Morning: Wake up at 5:30 to go to "Cloud Residence Sunrise Terrace" to watch the sea of clouds surge at sunrise (around 6:20). • Morning: ① Experience tea picking and making, learn how to roast black tea; ② Visit "Zhiqing Tea Garden" to learn about the history of educated youth struggles; ③ Play on slides and swings in the Magic Forest to release energy. • Afternoon: Before returning, buy local specialties such as high mountain tea and chestnut potatoes, or visit nearby Senlai Dafeng Tea Garden to experience fruit wine brewing. Complete Guide to Transportation, Tickets, and Accommodation 1. Transportation ◦ Self-drive: From Guangzhou → South China Expressway → Jingzhu-Ao Expressway → Exit at Xinfeng on Daguang Expressway, about 2.5 hours total. Free parking is available at the scenic area. ◦ High-speed Rail + Shuttle: After arriving at Shaoguan Danxia Mountain Station, take a taxi for 1 hour to the scenic area (about 80 yuan); or take the scenic area shuttle bus (advance reservation required). ◦ Public Bus: From Shezhou Square, take bus 921 to Xucun Transfer Center (1 hour/4 yuan), operating from 6:10 to 17:00. 2. Tickets and Discounts ◦ Tickets: Adults 78 yuan; children 1.2-1.4 meters tall and seniors 60-69 years old 38 yuan; seniors over 70 and military personnel free. ◦ Package Deal: 88 yuan (ticket + round-trip sightseeing bus), offering better value. ◦ Promotions: Follow the "Lingnan Red Leaf Resort" official account and participate in short video contests to win free accommodation and tickets. 3. Accommodation Recommendations ◦ Premium Experience: Starry Sky Glass House (about 600 yuan/night), lie in bed and watch the stars and red leaves; Lakeview Detached Villa (about 1,200 yuan/night), ideal for families or friends gatherings. ◦ Budget Option: Guesthouses outside the scenic area like "Red Leaf Cottage," a 5-minute walk to main attractions, priced around 200 yuan/night. ◦ Unique Camping: Bring your own tent for 50 yuan/night; tent rental 120 yuan per tent (includes moisture-proof mat and sleeping bag). 4. Notes ◦ Seasonal Limit: Late October to mid-December is peak red leaf season, best in mid to late November; rime may appear in December, bring down jackets. ◦ Dressing Tips: Sports shoes + light jacket (mountain top wind and temperature difference up to 8°C), bright scarves or hats enhance photos. ◦ Signal and Payment: Some areas have weak signal, carry some cash; WeChat and Alipay are accepted inside the scenic area. This autumn, why not leave the city noise behind and come to Lingnan Red Leaf World for a romantic date with nature? Above the clouds, meet the most beautiful autumn.