* In 2004, Danxia Mount is named World Geopark. Click to read the news

Click to view Photo Gallery of Danxia Mount

Located in the northeast of Shaoguan city in Guangdong Province, Danxia Mountain is called "Red Stone Park of China", 45 kilometers away from downtown Shaoguan. Because of the brilliant red color, the red stone group covering a total area of 282 square miles is called "Danxia Mountain", meaning "red rays of the sun" in Chinese word. Formed of the red sandy rock, Danxia Mountain area is characterized by the red steep cliffs with precipitous landform of even peak, sheer body and flat valleys. In geography, it is also the name place of "Danxia Landform", which refers to the sort of landform similar to the Danxia Mountain. Since 1988, Danxia Mountain has been successively appointed as National Scenic Spot, National Natural Protection Zone for Geology and Geomorphology in China, Grade AAAA National Tourist Spot, and National Geological Park of China.

The Danxia Mountain Area was originally a huge inland basin between 0.14 billion years and 70 million years ago. Then, there was severe uplifting of the area around the basin, which resulted in the development of the deep red bed on the basin after the accumulation of a mass of detrital matter. In 70 million years ago, the red bed was gradually eroded because of the earth's crust uplifting. In the past 6 million years or so, the basin had intermittently uplifted by one meter per 10 thousand years while being down-cut by flowing water. Finally, a group of red mountains took shape out of the red bed, which is named as Danxia Mountain Area at present.
 
Among more than 1200 places in the world found to have the Danxia landform, Danxia Mountain is the one with largest area, the most typical characteristics, the richest landform and the most beautiful scenery.

Moreover, Shaoguan Danxia Mountain is the most studied in detail and profundity in China, providing information in the areas of stratum, tectonics, landform performance, developing process, force action, natural environment and ecological evolvement. It is also a base for the Danxia landform research, scientific education, and practice teaching worldwide.

The scenic area contains more than 680 stone hills, stonewalls, stone pillar and natural bridges of various size. With its red cliffs, tranquil green trees and beautiful Jingjiang River flowing from the south to the north, Danxia Mountain is characterized by magnificence, trill, rareness, beauty, seclusion, wideness and deepness. It is not only praised as the most unique mountain in Guangdong and Guangxi areas and best one of the most famous four mountains in Guangdong, but also valued highly as both a tourist and convalescent center.

Ticket: 60 yuan

Best seasons for tour: spring (March -- May), autumn (October -- December)

Day I:

   1. Tianhe District, Guangzhou ==> the South-China Expressway ==> Northern 2nd Ring ==> Taihe Intersection ==> Beijing-Zhuhai Express Highway, get off at the Shaoguan South Toll and into downtown Shaoguan. (about 2.5 hours)
   2. Drive from downtown Shaoguan to Danxia Mountain (about 1 hour).
   3. Visit Zhanglao Peak of Danxia Mountain, the Xianglong Lake, Yangyuan Rock and Jingjiang River.
   4. Stay overnight in Danxia Mountain area or back to downtown Shaoguan to visit Fengcai Building.

Day II:

   1. 20 minutes' Driving from downtown Shaoguan to visit the Site of ancient Maba Man, then another 10 minutes' driving to Nanhua Buddhist Temple.
   2. After lunch, get on the Beijing-Zhuhai Express Highway at Shaxi Toll and back to Guangzhou.

Editor: Catherine