Jilongding Hiking Guide: For Hikers Planning to Visit from March to May
Want to see the azaleas blooming all over Jilongding? Then be sure to schedule your trip between mid-April and May. During this time, you can not only enjoy the sea of azaleas, but also see the vast meadows and leisurely cattle. It's as beautiful as a fairyland! Take this super detailed hiking guide, pick a sunny day, and set off towards poetry and distant lands!
I. Transportation Guide
Navigation: Qixing Village (Qixingyong), Shuangjiao Town, Yangchun City, Guangdong Province.
Transportation:
- Self-driving is free and convenient, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
- Don't want to worry about itinerary planning? You can also join our team for a worry-free trip!
II. Hiking Difficulty
- Total distance: Approx. 10 km.
- Cumulative climb: Approx. 900 m. A two-day, one-night itinerary is recommended, so you can fully enjoy the hike and avoid peak crowds.
III. Best Time to Visit
- Azalea blooming season: April is the main season for azaleas, blooming all over the mountains.
- Green Jilongding: The meadows start to turn green at the end of April. If you want to see Jilongding completely covered in greenery, May to June is the best choice.
IV. Hiking Routes
Jilongding mainly has two routes: a crossing route and a loop route. The crossing route, from Xinyi to Yangchun, is highly recommended for beginners. Compared with the loop route, it is less difficult, the road is wider, and the scenery along the way is exceptional. Every step offers a new view, a feast for the eyes.
- Uphill road: Mostly farm roads and mountain trails, full of primitive natural atmosphere.
- Downhill road: Mainly mountain trails and some paved roads, making the walk relatively easy.
V. Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Guangzhou/Shenzhen and arrive at a guesthouse at the foot of Jilongding. Enjoy dinner, play some fun games, relax, and get a good rest to prepare for the next day's hike.
- Day 2: Get up early and gather at the trailhead to start your hike. After reaching the end of the trail, descend to a farmhouse to taste local cuisine, and then return home with wonderful memories.
VI. Accommodation Recommendations
Guesthouses at the foot of Jilongding offer cozy accommodation during your hike. However, the conditions are relatively basic, mostly with shared bathrooms. Remember to bring your own toiletries. While not luxurious, it will provide you with a good night's sleep after a tiring day.
VII. Packing List
1. Trekking poles, gloves, and knee pads to protect you during your hike.
2. Headlamp (essential) and power bank to ensure power for nighttime use and electronic devices.
3. Backpack, rain cover, and rain gear for changing weather conditions.
4. Quick-drying clothes, a change of clothes, and a warm jacket to meet the needs of different times of day.
5. Professional hiking boots or trekking shoes (no high heels or flat shoes!).
6. Your own snacks (essential), 2–3 liters of drinking water, and energy-boosting foods such as beef jerky, energy bars, and pickled mustard tuber.
7. Mosquito repellent and any other personal medications (you can bring black whirlwind leech repellent).