I spent a day at Guanyin Mountain National Forest Park, a
stunning scenic area in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. This place is a hidden
gem nestled between the industrial sprawl of Dongguan and the more rural
landscapes of its outskirts. It’s a national scenic spot known for its serene
forests, historic temples, and well-preserved trails, making it a perfect
getaway for anyone looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. We arrived
on a Monday, and the park was almost completely empty—a rare treat for a destination
like this in China.
The entrance fee was 45 RMB per person, which is quite reasonable considering the natural beauty and the well-maintained facilities. The park features a visitor center and a small museum showcasing ancient wood specimens, almost like a petrified forest exhibit. For anyone who loves trees and nature, this is a great little stop to kick off the visit.
Most people opt for the shuttle bus that takes you partway
up the mountain, but we decided to walk the entire six kilometers instead. It’s
a gradual incline, and the path is lined with random homes and small snack
shops, though almost all of them were closed that day. This seems to be a
common theme in China—places are either bustling with crowds or completely
deserted, with very little in between. On busy weekends or public holidays, I’m
sure it’s packed, but on a quiet weekday, it felt like we had the entire mountain
to ourselves.
About a kilometer up, we came across a small zoo area
featuring some interesting animals like swans, ostriches, white peacocks, rare
birds, and even a couple of snakes. There’s also a children’s ropes course
running through the trees, which looked like a lot of fun. It’s great to see
that the park has activities for all ages, making it a popular spot for
families as well as solo hikers like myself.
The trail continues upward, winding through lush greenery.
Around the halfway point, you start getting glimpses of the view below—a
sprawling cityscape slightly obscured by the ever-present haze. It’s typical
for southern China, but it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the experience.
It’s still a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle of Dongguan’s city
center.
We took a detour off the main road and found a lesser-used
hiking path that was much steeper but incredibly scenic. The trail was lined
with small, irregular stone steps, making it feel almost like climbing a
ladder. It’s definitely a workout, but the solitude and the sounds of birds
chirping made it worth the effort. At the top of the steep trail, we paused for
a quick snack and to catch our breath. We could see the temple complex just
ahead, with the giant statue of Guanyin looming above us.
The temple area is beautifully maintained, with intricate
woodwork and detailed eaves that showcase traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
This place has a long history, with many of the buildings dating back to the
Ming and Qing Dynasties. The green glazed tiles on the roofs, combined with the
lush backdrop of the forested mountain, create a picturesque setting that feels
both peaceful and grand.
One of the highlights is the massive Guanyin statue.
Although it’s not as large as the famous one at Xiqiao Mountain in Foshan, it’s
still impressive, especially considering its location on top of the mountain.
The statue stands as a symbol of compassion and mercy, which Guanyin is known
for in Buddhist tradition. Unfortunately, the temple complex was closed for
maintenance, so we couldn’t enter the main halls or burn incense. We did see a
couple of monks sweeping the grounds and performing some upkeep, which added a
bit of a serene, monastic vibe to the place.
The park also features a zip line that runs from the top of
the mountain down to a landing area below, offering a thrilling way to descend
if you’re feeling adventurous. We decided to skip that and take a more
leisurely route down, opting for the bus this time. By this point, our legs
were tired from the climb, and taking the bus back felt like a well-earned
break.
The walk down the mountain offers a different perspective,
with the path winding through bamboo groves and dense forest. The air was
fresh, and the sounds of nature were soothing. It’s moments like these that
make you appreciate the natural beauty that can still be found, even in a
rapidly developing area like Dongguan. It’s easy to forget that you’re just a
short drive away from one of China’s busiest industrial cities.
On our way down, we passed by several small tea shops and
stalls selling local snacks. I couldn’t resist stopping for a quick ice cream,
which was the perfect treat after a hot and humid hike. The tea shops here
often serve locally grown green tea, and many people come just for a chance to
sip tea while enjoying the mountain views.
Overall, Guanyin Mountain National Forest Park is a
fantastic day trip destination if you’re in the Dongguan area. Whether you’re
interested in hiking, exploring historical temples, or simply enjoying some
fresh mountain air, this place has a bit of everything. It’s especially nice to
visit on a weekday when the crowds are thin, allowing you to experience the
tranquility of the forest and the beauty of the mountain trails in peace.