Nanling National Forest Park Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Nanling National Forest Park in this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the cultural, natural and adventurous attractions in the park, accommodations, transportation, local customs and tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.


Nanling National Forest Park is one of the most treasured hidden gems of Northern Guangdong. With its sprawling forest with lush green trees and cascading waterfalls, this serene park is a dream destination for nature lovers, hikers, and cycling enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the natural and cultural attractions the park has to offer, what to eat and buy in the park, accommodations, transportation, and other necessary information for a safe and memorable trip.

Introduction to Nanling National Forest Park

Located in the northern Guangdong province of China, Nanling National Forest Park is a serene park spanning over 745.98 square kilometers. This park consists mostly of expansive forests, waterfalls, and streams. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare birds, mammals, and reptiles. Hikers and photographers love the park for its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

List of Places to Visit in Nanling National Forest Park

The Park is divided into two areas

  • Deqinggong Scenic Area
  • Guifeng Scenic Area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visitors looking for a cultural experience can visit the following famous locations:

  • Dajiuxian Temple: A famous temple built-in 579 AD looks stunning with the steep mountain cliffs in the background
  • Relic of the Eastern Han Dynasty: This ancient tomb epitomizes the craftsmanship of the eastern Han dynasty and is recognized as an attraction by Chinese Archaeological Authority.

Natural Attractions of Nanling National Forest Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you are looking for outdoor adventures and scenic views, then these are the must-visit destinations:

  • Mount Danxia: This mountain is among the most stunning in the park, with tiny peaks that appear to be a masterpiece of nature.
  • Xianren Cliff: Nestled deep in the woods, this cliff got its name from the myth that fairies lived here. If you are lucky, you can see fantastic panoramic views of the park from the top of the cliff.
  • Jiuwan Stream: Jiuwan Stream is the lifeblood of the park, with crystal clear water and various aquatic plants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nanling National Forest Park

Nanling National Forest Park offers some of the best scenic hikes and bike rides to match the park’s allure. All the trails are well-marked, with signboards and maps placed at regular intervals for guidance.

Some of my favorites are:

  • Jiamen Valley Trail: This trail is recommended for avid hikers and offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys. It has dense forests and steep trails, and you can cover the 16 km round trip in about 5-6 hours.
  • Qifeng’ao Trail: This short yet stunning walk takes only an hour and offers a bird’s eye view of the park from a hill. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food, drink and the especially the famous Qifeng’ao tea.

Best Things to Do in Nanling National Forest Park: Activities and Tours

With its diverse range of natural and cultural attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Nanling National Park:

  • Bird-watching: The park is home to a diverse range of bird species, and bird-watching is a popular activity among visitors. Cherry-headed Parrotbills, Grey Capped Woodpecker, Fork-tailed Sunbird and Whiskered Yuhina are some of the species you can spot in the park.
  • River Rafting: The crystal-clear waters of Jiuwan Stream provide an excellent opportunity for river rafting. The rafting holds excitement and unforgettable experiences as it is one of the most thrilling activities in the park.
  • Camping: Camping under the stars in the park is a rewarding experience, giving you more time to explore the park and enjoy its natural beauty.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nanling National Forest Park

A week-long itinerary for Nanling National Forest Park, China, can include:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Guangzhou; travel to the park by bus or train
Day 2-3 Explore the varied cultural attractions, like Daijuxian temple and relic of the Eastern Han dynasty
Day 4 Go River Rafting, one of the must-do activities in the park
Day 5 Visit Mount Danxia and Xianren Cliff; hike and bike trails and relish the scenic view
Day 6 Camping day; take a few hours to explore the forest and waterfalls
Day 7 Breakfast at Qifeng’ao Trail, do a little shopping, and return home with memories

Food and Drink Scene of Nanling National Forest Park

The park offers an abundance of local and delicious snacks you can try while exploring the park. Sip on the sweet and floral Qifeng’ao tea and taste the local flavors within restaurants serving Cantonese cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Xifengjiu Fish: This is one of the most memorable delicacies you will have in the park. The spicy and savory fish balanced with Sausage and Bamboo shoot makes it a perfect meal.
  • Rooster in bamboo tube: Chicken cooked in the bamboo tube delivers delicious and smoky flavors that give it a new texture and aroma compared to ordinary chicken dishes.

Local Beverages

Nanling National Forest Park is famous for its tea production heritage. The Qifeng’ao tea grown on the nearby hills is unique and aromatic, with floral and fruity notes, making it a must-have while exploring the park.

Where to Stay in Nanling National Forest Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Accommodations in and around the park are plenty, and visitors can find suitable places to stay, depending on the budget.

Some of the options are:

  • Nanling Mountain Resort: With modern amenities, this resort is the ideal place to stay for those looking for comfort and relaxation.
  • Qiaochang Hostel: This hostel offers more affordable and basic accommodations for travelers who prefer less expensive accommodation.

What to Buy in Nanling National Forest Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip is ever complete without souvenirs or mementos from the places we visited. Some popular items to bring back home include:

  • Qifeng’ao tea: It’s one of the tea production centers in the south of China, and Qifeng’ao tea is a perfect souvenir for tea lovers.
  • Bamboo articles: The park is widely known for bamboo weaving, and visitors can buy various bamboo articles, including bowls and chopsticks.

Local Culture and Customs of Nanling National Forest Park

The park is known for its rich culture and customs, with the Bai Minority Culture, Buddhist Culture, and Yao Minority Culture playing significant roles. Visitors can enjoy the local music, crafts, and dances while immersing themselves in the cultural diversity.

Best Time to Visit Nanling National Forest Park

The best time to visit the park is during autumn and winter when the weather is cooler and relatively less humid. The peak season to visit is from March to April and November to December.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nanling National Forest Park

Do:

  • Respect local cultures and customs.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and park activities.
  • Follow the signage, and don’t wander off-trail when hiking.

Don’t:

  • Litter, smoke, or pollute the park.
  • Bring prohibited items.
  • Disturb or feed wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nanling National Forest Park

The park has an emergency response team to ensure visitors’ safety. However, visitors should take necessary precautions while enjoying the following activities:

  • Hiking or Biking trails alone, especially in remote areas.
  • River rafting and camping activities. All necessary safety measures should be taken, such as carrying a life jacket for rafts and choosing a suitable place to camp.

Health in Nanling National Forest Park

Carry mosquito repellents, sunscreen lotions, and other necessary medications suitable for your health condition in your first aid kit. Due to the humid weather, guests should take proper precautions against heat stroke or dehydration.

Getting to Nanling National Forest Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach the park via different modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Nanling National Forest Park

  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the nearest international airport, located 120 km from the park.

Bus Stations Near Nanling National Forest Park

  • Guangzhou Bus Station is the most preferred bus station. Travelers can take a bus service directly from Guangzhou to Nanling National Forest Park.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi from Guangzhou to the park, making it easy to access.

How to Get Around in Nanling National Forest Park

Visitors can walk some of the trails or rent bikes or mobility scooters. Alternatively, you can hire a car or cab for the day or use the shuttle buses in and around the park.

Where to Go Next from Nanling National Forest Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby Excursions from the park include the following:

  • Yunfu City: Yunfu City is famous for its beautiful mountain ranges and crystal clear waterfalls.
  • Chengjiao Ancestral Hall: Located about 10 kilometers from Nanling National Forest Park, Chengjiao Ancestral Hall is a famous spiritual and historical attraction.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide has covered all the essential information you need to plan your visit to Nanling National Forest Park. With its impressive natural beauty, cultural attractions, and adventure activities, Nanling National Forest Park is a perfect destination for a memorable trip.