Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area
Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area, located in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, is China's first national natural reserve (established in 1956) and a UNESCO-designated "Man and Biosphere" reserve. Covering 1,133 hectares, it protects South China's last remaining sub-tropical primary forests, with over 2,500 plant species and 327 animal species, including the white pheasant. Revered as the "Green Jewel of the Tropic of Cancer," it blends ecological significance with Ming-Qing cultural heritage.
Historical Overview
The reserve was proposed by scientists in 1956 to protect its unique ecosystem, marking China’s first modern conservation effort. In 1979, it joined UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve program. Human history dates to the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620), with temples like Qiyun Temple founded during this period. The area later became a hub for ecological research, hosting carbon sink studies and biodiversity monitoring.
Structural Layout
The area is divided into three zones:
- Core Conservation Zone: Primordial forests with 300-year-old trees, restricted to scientific research.
- Eco-Tourism Zone: Public access areas including Qiyun Temple, Flying Waterfall, and Butterfly Valley.
- Cultural Heritage Zone: Ming-Qing era sites like Baoding Park (Nine-Dragon Cauldron) and ancient pavilions.
Key structures include the Flying Waterfall (40m cascade with Sun Yat-sen’s swimming site) and Celestial Lake (a crater-like basin formed 200 million years ago).
Major Attractions
- Qiyun Temple: One of the "Four Great Temples of Lingnan," founded in the Ming Dynasty, housing Buddhist relics and offering vegetarian cuisine.
- Flying Waterfall: A 40-meter cascade where Sun Yat-sen swam in 1912; cliffside inscribed with Soong Ching-ling’s calligraphy.
- Butterfly Valley: A rainforest accessible by boat, home to over 300 butterfly species and ancient ferns.
- Baoding Park: Features a 16-ton bronze cauldron (China’s largest) and ritual platforms for traditional ceremonies.
- White Pheasant Valley: Observation decks for spotting rare birds and tropical plants.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Qiyun Temple → Flying Waterfall → Baoding Park → Exit
Highlights: Ming Dynasty architecture, waterfall views, and bronze cauldron. - Eco-Adventure Route (4–5 hours):
Add Butterfly Valley boat tour, White Pheasant Valley hike, and Celestial Lake exploration. - Cultural & Deep Ecology Route (Full Day):
Include Qiyun Temple morning chanting, ancient forest trek, and night safari (spotting fireflies and nocturnal animals).
Ticket Purchase
- Adult Tickets: ¥70 (peak season April–October), ¥50 (off-season).
- Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
- Purchase: Official website (https://www.dinghushan.net/) or WeChat mini-program.
Transportation
- By Car: From Guangzhou: 1.5-hour drive via G55 Expressway.
- By High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou South Station → Zhaoqing East Station (30 mins), then taxi (20 mins to entrance).
- By Bus: Zhaoqing City Bus #21 or tourist shuttle to Dinghu Mountain Entrance.
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (April–May) for blooms, autumn (October–November) for clear skies and firefly season.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for forest trails and waterfall steps.
- Bring insect repellent and a raincoat (mountain weather is unpredictable).
- Photography allowed except in restricted zones.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, loudspeakers, and littering.
- Cultural Note: Respect temple rituals—remove hats and speak softly indoors.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
