Walkabout Guangdong Great Canyon (Ruyuan Canyon), Shaoguan, China
My trip to the Guangdong Great Canyon was off to a rocky start, quite literally, as the weather took a turn for the worse just as we began the drive up into the mountains. This area, located in Ruyuan County of northern Guangdong Province, is known for its stunning natural scenery, including towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. It’s a part of the Nanling mountain range, the longest and most complex mountain system in southern China. The canyon itself is often called "China’s version of the Great Canyon," though on a smaller, more lush scale, and is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
We had originally planned to camp overnight, but with heavy rain in the forecast, we decided it would be safer to stay at one of the local cabin resorts. After a quick stop at a country store to stock up on supplies—some snacks, drinks, and essentials—we arrived at our cabin. The accommodations were cozy and and lacked a lot of amenities; a typical rural resort. Despite being labeled as a three-star, it had all the amenities you’d expect from a standard hotel: air conditioning, a small TV, and even a tea set for that quintessential Chinese touch. Our cabin also had a private balcony overlooking a serene lake, adding a peaceful vibe despite the rain pounding down.
The next morning, the rain hadn’t let up. It was a cold, misty day as we set out for the canyon. The rain added a mysterious quality to the landscape, with clouds hanging low over the mountains and mist swirling through the valleys. This was my first visit to the Guangdong Great Canyon, which stretches over 15 kilometers and covers more than 20 square kilometers. It’s renowned for its steep cliffs, dense forest, and numerous waterfalls, and is one of the most scenic spots in the province.
Our first stop was a popular viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Even in the rain, the view was breathtaking. The canyon walls rose sharply on either side, blanketed in thick greenery, and the sound of rushing water echoed through the valley. Two major waterfalls could be seen from this vantage point—one that cascaded gently down the rock face and another that dropped dramatically into a deep pool below. This spot, often referred to as the “best view in the park,” offered a nearly 270-degree panoramic view. It was clear why this place attracts so many visitors, although on this rainy day, we had it almost entirely to ourselves.
We decided to hike down into the canyon despite the weather. The trails here are well-marked but can be challenging, especially in the rain. The path started with a descent down a series of steep concrete steps, hugging the side of the ridge. The wind picked up as we made our way down, and we could see rows of wind turbines on the surrounding peaks, harnessing the strong mountain breeze.
One of the highlights of the Guangdong Great Canyon is its impressive slot canyon, a narrow gorge carved by the river over thousands of years. As we entered the slot canyon, the rock formations became even more dramatic, with walls towering above us on either side. The rocks were slick from the rain, making the descent tricky, but the scenery was worth every careful step. The gorge felt like a hidden world, far removed from the busy cities of Guangdong.
We passed a group of hikers on their way back up who warned us that the trail to the lower waterfall was difficult to navigate in the rain, with parts of it submerged in water. But we were determined to see it for ourselves. Making our way down to the bottom of the canyon, we were greeted by a stunning hidden waterfall, completely surrounded by dense foliage. It was a magical moment; the water was crystal clear, cascading into a deep pool, and the only sounds were the splash of the falls and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
There’s a sense of tranquility here that’s hard to describe. The rain kept most people away, so we had this little piece of paradise to ourselves. We found a small dry spot under an overhang where we took a break and had a quick snack. It was peaceful, almost like being in a fairy tale forest. The greenery was so vibrant it didn’t seem real; everything was covered in a layer of mist, enhancing the enchanted atmosphere.
Continuing along the trail, we came across a series of handrails and metal bars that had been installed for safety. The trail became narrow and steep, requiring us to climb carefully up and down slick rocks. It was an exhilarating part of the hike, feeling like a real adventure deep in the wilderness. Despite the rain and slippery conditions, we pressed on, eager to explore more of the canyon.
We made it to a hydroelectric dam, a surprising sight in the middle of the wilderness. The dam’s turbines were spinning, adding a mechanical hum to the otherwise natural soundtrack of the forest. It was fascinating to see how the area’s natural resources are harnessed, even in such a remote location.
The final stretch of the hike took us to the base of the tallest waterfall in the canyon. This was the showstopper, the one that truly takes your breath away. It was massive, easily over 100 meters tall, and reminded me of the iconic waterfall from the movie Up. The sheer scale of it was awe-inspiring. A long staircase zigzagged up the cliffside next to the waterfall—our only way out of the canyon.
The climb up was grueling. The stairs seemed to go on forever, and with each step, my legs burned a little more. But the view kept us motivated. Looking back, you could see the entire canyon laid out below, with the waterfalls, the river, and the dense forest all blending into a spectacular panorama. The rain had finally started to ease up, and the sun even peeked through the clouds as we reached the top, casting a golden light over the landscape.
At the top, we passed through an old, abandoned building that looked like it might have once been part of the dam infrastructure. It added a bit of mystery to the hike—an old relic slowly being reclaimed by nature.
By the time we got back to our cabin, we were exhausted but exhilarated. The hike had taken several hours, and we had barely seen another soul the entire time. It felt like a hidden gem, a place not yet overrun by tourists. The Guangdong Great Canyon exceeded my expectations, offering a mix of natural beauty, challenging trails, and moments of solitude that are hard to find in more popular destinations.
If you’re ever in Guangdong Province and looking for an adventure, I highly recommend making the trip out here. It’s a bit off the beaten path, and the weather can be unpredictable, but that’s all part of the adventure. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in nature. And as I sat on the balcony that evening, listening to the sound of the rain on the lake, I couldn’t think of a better way to end the day.
