Shaoguan: Mount Danxia, Nanhua Temple & Nanxiong
Take a high-speed train to Shaoguan and rent a car to explore Nanhua Temple, Mount Danxia, and the ancient trails of Nanxiong, with beautiful ginkgo foliage in late autumn.
This route connects the highlights of eastern Shaoguan. Start by paying your respects at Nanhua Temple, spend two nights at Mount Danxia to catch the sunrise and cruise the Jinjiang River, then head to Nanxiong to walk the Meiguan Ancient Road and Zhuji Ancient Alley, ending with the golden ginkgo trees of Maozipeng. Taking the high-speed train to Shaoguan and renting a car there is highly convenient for travelers from Guangzhou or Shenzhen. The ginkgo season from mid-November to early December is the most popular time; during other seasons, you can swap Maozipeng for historic local villages. This trip is ideal for photography and hiking enthusiasts.
The ginkgo season runs from mid-November to early December. Weekends can be very crowded, so weekday visits are recommended.
Day by day
Day 1 · Nanhua Zen Temple to Mount Danxia
Shaoguan（Nanhua Temple、Yangyuan Stone）
Pick up your rental car at Shaoguan Railway Station. Drive about 30 minutes to Nanhua Temple, then continue for about 1 hour to Mount Danxia. Spend the afternoon exploring Yangyuan (Male Energy) Stone.
Complimentary incense is provided at the temple. Photography of Buddha statues is not allowed.
Stay: Duanshi & Yaotang Villages
Day 2 · Sunrise at Zhanglao Peak & Jinjiang River Cruise
Shaoguan（Zhanglao Peak Area、Yinyuan Stone、Jinjiang River）
Walk or take the scenic shuttle from your accommodation to Zhanglao Peak. Hike up the mountain for about 1 hour. In the afternoon, transfer to the pier for a boat cruise.
Check local announcements for cable car operations. Allow plenty of time if waking up early for the sunrise.
Stay: Duanshi & Yaotang Villages
Day 3 · Zhuji Alley & Meiguan Ancient Road in Nanxiong
Shaoguan（Zhuji Ancient Lane、Meiguan Ancient Road、Sanying Pagoda）
Drive about 1.5 hours from Mount Danxia to Zhuji Ancient Alley, then drive another 30 minutes to Meiguan. Head to Nanxiong downtown after the hike.
The one-way hike along Meiguan Ancient Road takes about 1.5 hours.
Stay: Nanxiong Downtown
Day 4 · Maozipeng Ginkgo & Return Journey
Shaoguan（Maozifeng Forest Park (Nanxiong Ginkgo)）
Drive about 40 minutes from Nanxiong downtown to Maozipeng. In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours back to Shaoguan Railway Station to return your car.
Strong winds can strip the ginkgo trees of their leaves in just a few days; check foliage conditions before setting off.