Danxia Mountain

Danxiashan is the type locality: the term Danxia landform, used internationally for red terrestrial sandstone eroded into cliffs, pillars and domes, was coined from this mountain in the 1920s and 1930s, and the site anchors the UNESCO China Danxia serial listing of 2010. Six hundred and eighty peaks and formations stand across the park, cut by the Jin river which is rafted through them. Two formations draw particular attention for their shapes, named the Yangyuan and Yinyuan stones, and the mountain is marketed heavily on them. Temples and cliff monasteries sit among the rocks, and cable cars reach the main viewpoints.

What you actually see

• The red formations - pillars, domes and cliffs of the type-site Danxia.
• The Jin river rafting - bamboo rafts through the formations.
• The named stones - the Yangyuan and Yinyuan rocks the site is known for.
• The cliff temples - monasteries built into the rock faces.

When to go

October to April for the mildest weather; Guangdong summers are hot, humid and wet, with rafting suspended in flood. Sunrise from the upper viewpoints is the classic experience. Holidays bring heavy crowds.

Honest expectations

Entry plus cable car plus rafting adds up. The famous rock shapes are heavily promoted and can feel like the whole marketing of the site. Stairs are numerous and steep, and summer humidity makes climbing hard.

Nearby

Shaoguan lies southwest; Nanhua Temple is in the same district.