Departing from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, enter the ice and snow kingdom in 2 hours! 6 weekend-accessible snow-viewing paradises
As a child who grew up in the south, who understands the obsession with snow every winter! I used to think seeing heavy snow meant crossing half of China, until I discovered these treasure snow-viewing spots reachable within a weekend! Starting from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the fastest high-speed train takes just 2 hours to enter a real ice and snow fairy tale. Personally tested and compiled this "6 Best Snow-Viewing Spots Around Guangdong Guide." This winter, let's go see the snow together!
🗺️ Quick Guide to 6 Major Snow-Viewing Spots
Destination | High-Speed Train Duration | Highlights | Suitable For
Nanyue Hengshan | About 2h | Rime, sea of clouds, sunrise, blessing | Hiking enthusiasts, weekend travelers
Chenzhou Mangshan | About 2h | Rime, cliff hot springs, barrier-free sightseeing | Lazy snow viewers, family trips
Wugong Mountain, Jiangxi | About 2.5h | Alpine meadow snowfields, sea of clouds, ice formations | Outdoor lovers, photographers
Lushan, Jiangxi | About 5h | Snow pine, rime, ice waterfall, old villas | Art youth, deep experience seekers
Yunbing Mountain, Qingyuan | 4h by car | Windmill mountain rime, popular check-in spot | Self-driving enthusiasts, short trips
Jinzi Mountain, Qingyuan | 4h by car | Guangdong’s own ice formations, mountain climbing challenge | Those who don’t want to leave the province, challenge seekers
❄️ In-Depth Guide to Six Snow-Viewing Destinations
1. Nanyue Hengshan: The Nearest Ice and Snow Blessing Journey
- 📍Location: Hengyang, Hunan
- 🚄Transport: Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Hengshan West Station, about 2h
- 🎫Ticket: 110 RMB (winter), shuttle bus extra
- 🏔️Highlights: The closest snow-viewing peak to Guangdong! Very high chance of rime, combined with sunrise and sea of clouds at Zhuru Peak, extremely stunning. Many temples on the mountain, perfect for snow viewing and blessing.
- 💡My advice: Be sure to stay overnight on the mountain! Wake early next day to hike 5km to the summit, with rime thickening along the way for a full experience. Ice claws and trekking poles are life-saving gear.
2. Chenzhou Mangshan: A Hot Spring Paradise to Watch Snow While Relaxing
- 📍Location: Chenzhou, Hunan
- 🚄Transport: Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Chenzhou West Station, then transfer about 1.5h
- 🎫Ticket: East Gate Wuzhifeng Scenic Area, peak season 104 RMB (includes cable car and elevator)
- 🏔️Highlights: A snow mountain you don’t have to climb! Cliff elevator + barrier-free boardwalk, very friendly for elderly and children. After enjoying the rime-covered mountains, head straight to the hot springs below for a thrilling ice and fire experience.
- 💡My advice: Choose "Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel," snow viewing by day and soaking in hot springs by night is the right way to enjoy.
3. Wugong Mountain, Jiangxi: Step Into a Comic Snowfield
- 📍Location: Pingxiang, Jiangxi
- 🚄Transport: Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Pingxiang North Station, about 2.5h
- 🎫Ticket: 70 RMB
- 🏔️Highlights: In winter, Wugong Mountain sheds its green and dons silver. Hundreds of thousands of acres of alpine meadows covered in snow with elegant lines, like stepping into a 2D world. High chance to see sea of clouds, ice formations, and starry skies together.
- 💡My advice: If physically fit, challenge the 4-5 hour hike up, or take the first-level cable car to Zhong’an and hike from there. Mountain inns may close in winter, confirm in advance.
4. Lushan, Jiangxi: The Southern Alternative to Northeast Snow Scenes
- 📍Location: Jiujiang, Jiangxi
- 🚄Transport: Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Jiujiang Station, about 5h
- 🎫Ticket: 160 RMB (includes sightseeing bus)
- 🏔️Highlights: One-stop for all snow scenes! Snow pines, rime, ice waterfalls, frozen lakes, paired with Republic-era old villas, full of artistic vibe. After snow, Qin Lake and Lulin Lake look like ink paintings.
- 💡My advice: Stay in Guling Town to experience the "not recognizing the true face of Lushan" snowy stroll. Sightseeing buses are the main transport; bring motion sickness medicine if needed.
5. Yunbing Mountain, Qingyuan: The "Frozen Fantasy" on Windmill Mountain
- 📍Location: Border of Lianzhou, Qingyuan and Yongzhou, Hunan
- 🚗Transport: Recommended self-driving, about 4h from Guangzhou/Shenzhen
- 🎫Ticket: 80 RMB
- 🏔️Highlights: A popular snow-viewing spot in the hearts of Guangdong people! Mountains full of windmills with rime and ice formations, like a Nordic scene. Moderate altitude, easy hiking, the famous "520" steps and mountaintop café are great for photos.
- 💡My advice: Follow official notices; heavy snow may cause traffic control. The mountaintop is very windy, so windproof and warmth are essential.
6. Jinzi Mountain, Qingyuan: Challenge Guangdong’s "Snow Mountain"
- 📍Location: Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan
- 🚗Transport: Recommended self-driving, about 4h from Guangzhou/Shenzhen
- 🎫Ticket: 80 RMB
- 🏔️Highlights: See ice formations and rime without leaving the province! The "Guangdong’s First Heavenly Ladder" is steep and thrilling, making for a challenging climb after snow. The mountaintop "Fairyland Palace" and Love Ladder are popular check-in spots.
- 💡My advice: The mountain path is steep and slippery, ice claws are a must. Those with average fitness can take the cable car (extra fee) but expect queues.
💡 Super Practical Pre-Trip Must-Reads (Save Half Your Worries)
1. Timing is key: Check "mountain weather forecasts" 3 days in advance, more accurate than city forecasts. Follow official scenic area WeChat; sunny days after snow are best for viewing.
2. Arrange transport early: Weekend high-speed train tickets are tight, buy at least a week in advance. For self-driving, prepare snow chains; some mountain roads may have traffic control.
3. Gear is your lifeline:
- Ice claws: Buy online in advance (20-30 RMB), expensive and poor quality at scenic spots.
- Clothing: Follow the "three-layer rule" (quick-dry + warmth + windproof/waterproof), shoes must be slip-resistant and high-top.
- Others: Thermos, hand warmers (stick to phone), power bank, sunscreen, sunglasses.
4. Keep a calm mindset: Food options on the mountain are limited and expensive; bring snacks and self-heating meals. Cable car queues are normal, allow enough time for your trip.
🤔 Finally, how should I choose?
- If you only have 2 days on the weekend: Hengshan or Mangshan are top picks, direct high-speed trains, compact and not tiring.
- If you want hot springs: Mangshan is the only choice, perfect combo of snow viewing and soaking.
- If you’re a photography/hiking enthusiast: Wugong Mountain’s snowfields and Lushan’s diverse scenery won’t disappoint.
- If you don’t want to leave the province or prefer driving: Yunbing Mountain or Jinzi Mountain, ready to go anytime.
Waiting for snow in the south is not easy, but precisely because it’s rare, every trip is full of ceremony. This winter, don’t just envy snow scenes on social media. Save this guide, pick a spot, and set off!
The most beautiful moment isn’t the snowy day itself, but the moment you finally decide to go see the snow. ❄️