Nanling National Forest Park

Nanling National Forest Park is the largest nature reserve in Guangdong Province, and also the center of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. It has the only primitive forest and rare animals and plants in Guangdong. The park is located in the core of Nanling Mountain Range, at the junction of Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County and Hunan Province, 70 kilometers away from Shaoguan City, covering an area of 273 square kilometers. The park has rich natural and cultural landscapes, and you can enjoy hiking, camping, photography, sightseeing and other activities. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, breathe fresh air, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Location, climate, and travel time

Nanling National Forest Park is located in the northern part of Guangdong Province, at the junction of two provinces and four counties: Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Yangshan County, Lechang County and Yizhang County in Hunan Province. It is located in the south-central part of Nanling Mountain Range, adjacent to Mangshan National Forest Park in Hunan Province in the north, Dadongshan Nature Reserve in Lian County in the west, Tianjing Mountain Forest Farm and Nanshui Lake Reservoir in Ruyuan in the south, and Bibei Yao Village in Ruyuan in the east.

Nanling National Forest Park belongs to subtropical monsoon climate, with mountain climate characteristics. The annual average temperature is 17.7°C, the highest temperature is 34.4°C, and the lowest temperature is -3.6°C. The rainy season starts in March, and the rainfall is concentrated from March to August. Due to the difference in altitude, Nanling climate has a very obvious vertical distribution, which is suitable for summer vacation.

Best time to visit: Nanling National Park is a tourist destination suitable for all seasons. If you want to see more animals and plants, you can choose to go to Xiaohuangshan Scenic Area in spring, or Shikengkong Scenic Area in autumn. If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves, the best time is November. You can go to Qingshui Valley Scenic Area in summer to escape the heat and experience water activities.

What to see: four main scenic areas

Xiaohuangshan 

Xiaohuangshan is located in the east of the park, with an altitude of 1600 meters. It is the largest pine forest in the world. The peak is Ruyuan Peak, where there are welcoming pines at the entrance and Ruyuan Pavilion. Xiaohuangshan has beautiful scenery and changes with seasons. Spring flowers bloom, summer is cool and pleasant, autumn leaves are full of mountains, winter snow is white. Here you can enjoy the spectacular mountains and greenery, feel the fresh air and cool climate. Xiaohuangshan also has a natural lake called Tianjing Lake, which has a calm surface and clear water. It is a must-see attraction.

Waterfall Group 

Waterfall Group is located in the west of the park. It is a major feature of Nanling National Forest Park. There are eight main waterfalls, including Qianmi Waterfall, Peacock Waterfall, Feiliu Waterfall, Jingxin Waterfall, Hukou Waterfall, Qingxin Waterfall, Yinyun Waterfall and Shuangfei Waterfall. The total length is 2200 meters. These waterfalls have their own styles, some are majestic and magnificent, some are delicate and elegant, some are like paintings and poems, some are like songs and dreams. Here you can hear the sound of water flowing, see the water splashing, feel the moisture of water.

Qingshui Valley

Qingshui Valley is located in the south of the park. The main attractions are Feihua Pool, Pearl Pool, Jiuqu Pool, Qingsong Pool, Tongyou Gorge, Xianu Pool and Wolong Gorge. This place preserves pot-hole landforms, which are a wonder of Nanling National Forest Park. You can enjoy various water activities such as boating, rafting, fishing, swimming, etc., or admire the beautiful water scenery and karst landforms on the shore. This is a good place to get close to nature and enjoy the coolness.

Shikengkong

Shikengkong is the highest point of Nanling National Forest Park, with an altitude of 1902 meters. It is the first peak in Guangdong. Below Shikengkong is Babao Mountain Wildlife and Plant Nature Reserve. On the top, you can watch the sunrise and sunset, the sea of clouds and fog, the starry sky and moonlight and other magnificent natural landscapes. Shikengkong also has a special place, which is the tunnel group. These tunnels were dug by the People’s Liberation Army during the Korean War for air defense, and formed a complex underground project in the mountain body. You can explore the secrets of history and military here.

Visiting information

Transportation: It takes about 1 hour to drive from Shaoguan to the park, and about 4 hours from Guangzhou to the park. 
Opening hours: temporarily closed, hours to be determined 
Playing time: Generally speaking, you can choose to spend 2-3 hours to visit the main attractions of the park. If you want to feel the freshness and enthusiasm of the mountains and forests, you may need about two days. You can choose to stay in hotels or farmhouses in or around the park.