Walkabout Shuilian Mountain Forest Park, Dongguan, China

 

Exploring Shuilian Mountain in Dongguan was a refreshing escape from the urban sprawl. Nestled in the bustling city, this mountain felt like an oasis—a place where nature took center stage amidst the concrete. It was early Sunday morning, and I was eager to beat the crowds that were sure to descend later in the day.

The day began with a quick breakfast at McDonald’s since Starbucks wasn’t open yet. I set off toward Shuilian Mountain, where families and groups of older locals were already gathered. There was a palpable energy in the air—voices echoed from team-building groups, while others were simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

As I began my climb, I was immediately struck by how well-maintained the paths were. The entrance was lively, lined with small stalls selling breakfast items and cell phone accessories. But once I ventured further into the park, the noise started to fade. The trail split in several directions, with none of the signs in English, so I had to rely on instinct to navigate.

Dongguan itself is one of the five dragons of the Pearl River Delta—a massive city with a booming industrial reputation. However, I didn’t expect to find such serene forest parks like this. Shuilian Mountain, the most popular of these parks, offered a green reprieve from the constant hum of city life. The city’s reputation, especially its history with its red-light district, was a far cry from the peaceful scene unfolding around me. The government had cracked down on the more notorious elements of Dongguan, and the city today seemed bright, clean, and welcoming.

As I walked deeper into the park, I noticed the level of care that had gone into creating a space where nature could thrive. The streams that crisscrossed the pathways, the trees towering overhead, and the cool morning air made for the perfect hiking experience. There were a few moments when I found myself alone, a rare treat in a city as populous as Dongguan.

Shuilian Mountain, like many parks in China, is interspersed with unexpected finds. While climbing, I stumbled upon graves and tombs tucked away in the hillside—quiet reminders of the past. I imagined these resting places had been there for centuries, preserved amid the ever-growing city.

At the peak of the mountain stood a large pagoda, though I couldn’t quite enjoy it the way I’d hoped. The summit was packed with visitors, many of them chatting loudly and taking in the sights. The overcast sky shrouded the city in a mist, making it difficult to appreciate the view. Still, there was something rejuvenating about reaching the top, and I felt the climb had been worth it.

Despite the clouds and the looming rainstorm, I was glad to have made the trek. The quiet moments, when I found them, were golden. The lush greenery and peaceful pockets of solitude were exactly what I needed to reset. As I made my way back down the mountain, I passed by more groups of hikers, many of them taking their time and enjoying the day.

Dongguan may not be on everyone’s travel radar, but Shuilian Mountain and parks like it make it worth exploring. After all, it's not every day you get to find a natural haven in the middle of one of China’s largest industrial cities.