My second trip to Xiqiao Mountain began with a sense of
anticipation and a little apprehension about the weather. Xiqiao Mountain,
located in Foshan, is one of my favorite destinations in Guangdong, offering a
serene blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. However, getting there
can be quite an ordeal. Despite being just an hour and a half by car from my
location, taking public transportation is a different story. It involves
multiple bus transfers and about three hours of travel through industrial towns
and factory landscapes. Nonetheless, the promise of Xiqiao Mountain’s
tranquility was more than enough to motivate me to make the journey.
I started my day with a much-needed Starbucks coffee, hoping
it would keep me energized for the trip. The weather forecast wasn’t
encouraging—thunderstorms were predicted throughout the day—but I decided to
press on, determined to make the most of this outing.
The first leg of the journey took me through Shunde, a well-known district in Foshan famous for its rich culinary heritage. Shunde cuisine is considered one of the pillars of Cantonese food, renowned for its fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. The city itself used to be a film production hub and still carries a distinct charm, though I didn’t have time to explore it in depth during this trip. Navigating the local bus system in Shunde was a bit of a challenge since most of the signage and announcements were in Chinese. However, my rudimentary Mandarin and some guesswork got me onto the right bus heading toward Xiqiao.
After three bus rides and a total travel time of about three
and a half hours, I finally arrived in Xiqiao town, which sits at the base of
the mountain. From there, I needed to take one more bus to reach my hotel on
the far side of the mountain. Unfortunately, due to a local festival, many of
the streets were closed, and buses were rerouted. I ended up walking a
significant distance, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The rain
began to drizzle lightly, cooling the muggy air and creating a calm, almost
meditative atmosphere.
The approach to Xiqiao Mountain is stunning. The mountain rises majestically against a backdrop of lush greenery, its slopes dotted with temples, ancient villages, and modern resort developments. One such area is a newly developed man-made lake surrounded by hotels, apartments, and shopping complexes. Despite its potential as a bustling resort town, the place was eerily empty—an intuitively rare sight in a country as populous as China, but noticeably common.
I checked into the Xiqiao Mountain Resort, also known as
Xiqiao Shanju Liansuo. Having stayed there before a few months prior, I was
excited to return to this peaceful retreat. The resort is nestled at the base
of the mountain, offering a perfect escape from the noise and stress of city
life. The last time I visited, it was one of my first excursions in China, and
the experience had left a lasting impression. I vividly remembered the sense of
serenity and the deep, restful sleep I had during my previous stay.
The hotel is a three-and-a-half-star property, though I would argue it deserves four stars for its cleanliness and ambiance. My room was spacious and inviting, with a king-sized bed, a small lounge area, and a private patio that offered stunning views of the mountain. The bathroom design was thoughtful, with sliding doors providing the option for privacy or openness. Being a Monday night, the hotel was nearly empty, amplifying the sense of seclusion and tranquility.
Xiqiao Mountain is a dormant volcano that has been shaped by
centuries of geological activity and human history. Today, it is a national
park and cultural site, boasting scenic hiking trails, ancient temples, and
historical landmarks. The mountain is home to the iconic Guanyin statue, one of
the tallest bronze statues of the bodhisattva in the world. Standing at 61
meters tall, the statue is a symbol of compassion and mercy, and its sheer
scale is awe-inspiring.
After settling into my room, I ventured out to explore the
mountain. The trails are well-maintained, making them accessible to hikers of
all levels. The air was fresh and cool from the earlier rain, and the sounds of
birds and rustling leaves provided a soothing soundtrack to my hike. Along the
way, I passed several small temples, each with intricate carvings and vivid
paintings that told stories of the region’s Buddhist heritage.
What I love most about Xiqiao Mountain is its ability to
transport you to another world. Sometimes, the unrelenting concrete and steel
of city life can become overwhelming. Despite
being just a short distance from bustling urban centers, the mountain feels
like a sanctuary of peace. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe
deeply, and reconnect with yourself.
Xiqiao Mountain is one of those places that stays with you
long after you leave.. Whether you’re hiking the trails, exploring the temples,
or simply soaking in the views, Xiqiao Mountain offers a little something for
everyone. It’s a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of modern China,
pockets of serenity still exist, waiting to be discovered.
That day, though, the mountain seemed a bit busier than my
first encounter. The rumble of construction in the distance signaled the
constant march of development, even in a place meant for reflection and
serenity. However, the mountain’s beauty quickly took over, and I began my
exploration.
The mountain is a government-rated 5-star scenic spot. At
just 70 RMB for a full day, it’s an affordable way to immerse yourself. The
lower parts of the mountain are dotted with temples—some ancient, others more
recent but equally impressive. I came across crews setting up for a red-carpet
event or a TV shoot near one of the temples, a reminder of how iconic this
location is for filmmakers.
I decided not to linger long at the temples, opting instead
to head further up the mountain. As I climbed, the air grew fresher, the sounds
of the city faded, and the forest canopy shaded the path. My first stop was a
well that supposedly feeds water to the entire area year-round. Nearby, I spotted a cave along the
mountainside. Scaling the rocks to reach it wasn’t easy, but the view made the
effort worthwhile. The landscape below stretched out in every direction, and
for a moment, it felt as though I was the only person in the world.
The path eventually flattened out, leading through a lush
canyon where mosquitoes buzzed and spiders built intricate webs. Bug spray was
a necessity, but the surrounding beauty made up for any inconvenience. This
trail is said to lead to the Big Buddha, a massive bronze statue that stands
atop the mountain.
One stretch of the journey could be tackled by cable car, a
modern addition that makes the ascent more accessible. Unfortunately, the cable
car wasn’t running when I arrived. A group of workers kindly got it started
just for me, and I soon found myself gliding above the treetops. The ride
offered incredible views of the surrounding landscape, from the dense greenery
below to the sprawling city in the distance.
Reaching the Big Buddha feels like an achievement. The
statue is one of the tallest in China, standing at nearly 200 feet. The complex
surrounding the statue is equally impressive, with both new and old temples
scattered across the mountaintop.
As I made my way back to the hotel, the peaceful atmosphere
of the mountain gave way to the lively buzz of a street fair. I had stumbled
upon it entirely by accident, as is often the case in China. Vendors lined the
streets, offering everything from local snacks to handcrafted goods. The rain,
which had threatened all day, began to fall lightly, but it didn’t dampen the
festive mood.
The street fair felt like the perfect end to a day spent
exploring Xiqiao Mountain. It was a reminder of the vibrancy and
unpredictability of life in China, where even a quiet day in the mountains can
end with a lively celebration.
