tailor made tour

Ask a Question

Code:


I accept the Privacy Policy.

Questions & Answers

Danxia Mountain

Location

Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, China

Reasons to visit

A beautiful scenic area to enjoy Danxia landform landscape and natural heritage

Our Ratings

Opening Hours

  • All day
Danxia Mountain is located in northeastern suburb of Renhua County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, with a total area of ​​292 square kilometers. The northern gate is 45 km away from Shaoguan City. Danxia Mountain is the largest scenic spot in Guangdong Province, a scenic spot dominated by Danxia landforms and a world natural heritage site. Danxia Mountain is composed of more than 680 pieces red sand conglomerate, including stone peeks, stone walls, stone columns and natural bridges. Hence it is named Danxia Mountain, meaning red mountain (Dan and Xia all indicate the color-red in Chinese language)
 
Officially opened in January 1980, Danxia Mountain is one of the earliest tourist areas opened to the outside world in China. Danxia Mountain was listed by the State Council as a national scenic area in 1988, andas a national nature reserve in 1996. On February 13, 2004, it was listed as one of the world's first batch of World Geopark by UNESCO. Later, on August 2, 2010 , together with 6 areas of Danxia Landform in 6 provinces in South China were listed World Natural Heritage named as "China Danxia".

Named

Renhua Danxia Mountain is named from the Danxia Mountain in Nanzhao County, Henan Province. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Li Yongmao and his family refuged here for many times, and bought the mountain here from Liu Wang Fu, Liu Songtao. Because Li could not forget his hometown, he used the name Danxia Mountain according the name of the mountain in his hometown.

Formation of Danxia Mountain

The material basis of the danxia landform formed by the danxia world geopark is the red fluvial lacustrine conglomerate formed in the late cretaceous period about 70 to 90 million years ago. Danxia Mountain used to be a huge inland basin in between 140 million and 70 million years ago. Affected by the Himalayan orogeny, the surrounding mountains are strongly uplifted, and the basin receives a large amount of debris deposits, forming a thick red stratum. Later, the basin had occurred many times intermittent rise, and as erosion of water, the Danxia Basin’s red bed were cut in to a group of Redstone Hills, which is the beautiful Danxia Mountain today.

Danxia Mountain

Danxia Mountain Geopark

Danxia Mountain Geopark was approved by the UNESCO as a World Geopark in February 13, 2004. It covers an area of ​​approximately 280 square kilometers. Danxia Mountain is divided into Danxia Scenic Area, Shaoshi Scenic Area, Bazhai Scenic Area, Xianrenji Scenic Area and Jinjiang Gallery Tourist Area. The Danxia Landform here has its typicality, diversity and irreplaceability.
 
Danxia Mountain - located 4 km south of Renhua County.
Shaoshi Mountain - located in the east of the geopark, neighbored, Zhou Town, 25km from the city of Shaoguan.
Dashishan Mountian - Geopark is located in the west of Danxia Geopark

Aizhai - Geopark is located in the south of Danxia Geopark


Scenic Areas

Danxia Mountain is divided into Danxia Scenic Area, Shaoshi Scenic Area, Bazhai Scenic Area, Xianrenji Scenic Area and Jinjiang Gallery Tourist Area.

Zhanglao Peak Scenic Area, Yangyuan Mountain Scenic Area, Xianglong Lake resort, Jingjiang Lake Scenic Area and Bazhai Scenic Area have been developed in Danxia Scenic Area.

【Yangyuan Mountain Scenic Area】 阳元石游览区
There is a wonder view - Yangyuan Rock which is 28.5 m in height and 7 m in diameter, it just looks like the reproductive organ of the male. In China, male indicates to Yang and Yuanqi, Hence the name of the Scenic Area. The whole area is 6 square km, including scenic spots: Yangyuan Rock, Kunyuan Mountain, 7 Natural Bridges, 3 ancient villages and so on.
 
【Xianglong Lake Scenic Area】 翔龙湖游览区
Located at the south valley of Danxia Mountian, it was named for its layout which just looks like a flying azure dragon. Beside the lake there are attractions such as Jiulong Peak, Xianju Rock, Wuyin Rock, Chenlong Pavilion, Qilong Pavilion and so on.
 
【Jinjiang Scenic Area】 锦江画廊
Jinjiang, like a jade belt, passes through the peaks of Mount Danxi from north to south. There are dozens of attractions along the river such as Wangjiang Pavilion, Xianshanqiong Pavillion, Carp Jumps over the Dragon Gate and so on. 
 

【Bazhai Scenic Area】 巴寨景区

The Bazhai scenic spot is 10 kilometers southwest of Danxia Mountain, commonly known as Dashi Mountain. It is the core area of Danxia landform. Among the 27 mountain peaks with an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, Bazhai accounted for 20, and the highest peak was 619 meters above sea level. Beautiful natural scenery, steep mountains and magnificent waterfall making it the most typical, spectacular, quintessential and perfect representation of Danxia landform.

 
Best Tours Recommended to you

5 Days Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie Tour

Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Temple of Chen Family, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Shamian Island, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

View Details >

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May)

The climate is pleasant during this season as temperatures gradually warm up. The vegetation of Danxia Mountain begins to flourish, with azaleas blooming across the hillsides, filling the air with fragrance. From late March to late April, the air carries the scent of pomelo blossoms, while April through June offers views of mountain hibiscus. Additionally, after spring rains, the sky often clears to reveal sea-of-clouds vistas. Landmarks like Monk's Hat Peak and Sister Peaks appear and disappear amidst the mist, creating a fairy-tale landscape.

Autumn (October–December)

Crisp and clear, clear skies, and high air transparency make this season ideal for sunrise and sunset viewing. As the sun rises and sets, the spectrum shifts endlessly—red hues paint the sky while layered mountain shadows create a spectacular scene. From late November to December, maple trees across Danxia Mountain burst into crimson, harmonizing with the red cliffs to create a uniquely charming landscape.

How to get to Danxia Mountain

High-Speed Rail + Shuttle Bus

This is a relatively efficient and hassle-free option. First, take the high-speed rail from Guilin West or Guilin North to Shaoguan Station, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. Second-class seats start at 269 yuan. Upon arrival at Shaoguan Station, walk 100 meters to the left front to find the Danxia Mountain shuttle bus. The shuttle operates from 08:40 to 18:10, with departures every 30-60 minutes. The fare is 21 yuan, and the journey takes about 70 minutes, arriving directly at the Danxia Mountain Bus Terminal near the scenic area.
 

Train + Shuttle Bus / Train

For greater cost efficiency, consider trains arriving at Shaoguan East Station, then transfer to the scenic area. Alternatively, choose direct trains to Danxia Mountain Station, such as K528 or K9208 departing from Shaoguan East Station. These offer a 20-30 minute journey at 9 yuan. After exiting the station, take a bus for about 20 minutes to reach the scenic area. If you miss a direct train to Danxia Mountain Station, exit Shaoguan East Station and walk 50 meters to the left front. Take the Shaoguan-Renhua shuttle bus, which runs from 6:50 AM to 7:00 PM with departures every 20-30 minutes. The fare is 17-20 yuan, and the journey takes about 50 minutes.
 

Driving

Ideal for groups or those seeking flexible itineraries. From Guilin, take the Guilin Ring Expressway → Quannan Expressway → Xiamen-Chongqing Expressway → Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Expressway → Leizhou-Guangzhou Expressway, exiting at Danxia Mountain on the Wushen Expressway. Proceed approximately 5 kilometers via the connecting road to reach the scenic area. Total distance: 502 kilometers. Travel time: about 6 hours. Fuel and toll fees total approximately 546 yuan. Road conditions are generally good, allowing for flexible rest stops and visits to scenic spots along the way.
 

Airplane + Ride-Hailing / Shuttle Bus

For air travel, fly to Shaoguan Danxia Airport. The airport is about 78 km from Danxia Mountain Scenic Area. After landing, you can directly book a ride-hailing service for a roughly 1-hour journey. Alternatively, transfer to Shaoguan Railway Station or Shaoguan East Railway Station first, then take the Danxia Mountain shuttle bus to the scenic area. This option suits travelers prioritizing quick boarding but involves a relatively cumbersome transfer process.

Top Attractions in Guangzhou

Recommended Guangzhou Tours