A Guide to Touring the Mountains Around Guangzhou

Dinghu Mountain is the greatest of the four famous mountains of Guangdong Province. There is a clear lake (Hu) at the summit and it is said that an ancient bronze cauldron (Ding) was cast here by the emperor after a legendary battle, hence the name Dinghu. Situated on the Tropic of Cancer, the mountain is green all year round, so it is known as the "emerald on the Tropic line."

Dinghu Mountain is also a famous devotional site for Buddhists and is home to the ancient Baiyun and Qingyun temples, which date back to the Tang dynasty and are ever busy with devotees burning incense. Qingyun Temple is one of the four great famous temples of the Lingnan region, and it is worth stopping here during your tour of the lake and mountain.

Normally a half-day is sufficient to see the highlights of Dinghu Mountain; there are electric buggies to take visitors around the various sightseeing points. Nearby is another of Zhaoqing's tourist sites: the Seven Star Crags, which you can add on to your outing and spend half a day in each place.

Mount Danxia in the city of Shaoguan is the province's largest World Natural Heritage Site. It has joined the ranks of the world's most beautiful natural sites thanks to the unique Danxia landscape. China National Geography magazine once voted this the most beautiful place in China.

Mount Danxia is composed of a variety of plateaus, steep outcroppings, and footslopes of red glutenite. The name Danxia means "red dawn.” The foothills are encircled by a lake, and visitors can take a wooden boat out to admire this veritable outdoor geology museum in close proximity.

Mount Danxia covers a total of 292 square kilometers, so you're not likely to cover it in a day. Visitors usually take two days, the first to see Yanyuan Stone and the second to see Changlao Peak. Homestay accommodation is available on the mountain, but rates are on the high side. Food isn't cheap either, so it's best to go equipped with provisions if you can.

Mount Luofu is a famous Taoist mountain eulogized as a dwelling-place of Taoist immortals and held to be the "foremost mountain in Lingnan." The Song dynasty poet Su Shi wrote some famous lines here which are known throughout China.

Mount Luofu has three standout features: its odd-shaped peaks and rocks; its "flying" waterfalls and springs; and its mystical caves, in which the immortals are said to reside. To see all three you need at least two days, which includes crossing mountains. It will be a true test of your fitness. Alternatively you can take the cablecar, although there is normally a wait to get on, especially on holidays.

Backpackers can stay on the mountain, where there are campsites near to the Fenshui'ao and Huanglongguan sightseeing spots. Those looking for a less strenuous option can stay at the foot of the mountain, where there are not only hotels galore, but also plenty of restaurants whose local delicacies (such as earthen kiln baked chicken) are well worth a try.

Mount Xiqiao, 27 kilometers from the city of Foshan, is an extinct volcano over 40,000 years old. Four kilometers in diameter, it is claimed to have 72 mystical peaks and 36 mystical caves, as well as its most famous feature, the statue of the Nanhai Bodhisattva (Guanyin), which is known as an auspicious site for asking for children.

The Nanhai Bodhisattva is 61.9 meters tall, and is supposed to be auspicious for requesting both children and peace--but incense here is rather expensive, so Buddhist adherents may be better bringing their own. Apart from the statue, Mount Xiqiao also boasts the largest peach blossom garden in the Pearl River Delta. Climbing up to admire the flowers in March is an unforgettable experience.

Mount Xiqiao can be approached from all four points of the compass. Tourists normally enter by the north or south gates, the north being primarily for pedestrians and the south for cars. The sightseeing points are quite spread out throughout the park, so we recommend taking the sightseeing carts, which stop at most of the main spots and will save you a lot of effort.

Also known as the Mount Yinping Forest Park, this is the highest mountain in Dongguan city, with five peaks over 700 meters within the park boundary. A reservoir, waterfall, and orchard are nestled in among the mountains. You need about three hours to get to the top and back down, so it makes for a good weekend day-trip.

The most exhilarating part of the park is at Shigu Reservoir, in the central section, where the steep gorge towers over the water. The hillsides are also bedecked with flowers of all kinds, and a visit in spring or wintertime will reveal the glory of the forest landscape in all its color.

Standing 1417 meters above sea level, Jinzi Mountain is the eighth highest peak in Guangdong Province. The highlight is the hanging walkway at a slope of some 80 degrees, where you are almost pressed to the rock face with nothing but a sheer cliff in both directions. Other attractions include the high-altitude swimming pool and sightseeing deck.

Online reviewers have remarked on the beauty of the cloud-tinged sunrise over Jinzi Mountain. There is a hostel on the mountain where you can shack up if you haven't brought a tent, but there is only one restaurant, so bringing your own provisions is recommended.

There is only one route up the mountain, and you come back down the same way, so you won't have to worry about getting lost. Fast walkers will make it there and back in three hours, while leisurely strollers and selfie-takers will probably need six.