Danxia Mountain

Updated 2026-07-03

China's red rock masterpiece and the birthplace of the Danxia landform. UNESCO Global Geopark in Guangdong. Stunning cliffs, ancient temples & river cruises : this is Danxia Mountain

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#### Candle Peak, located in Bazhai Scenic Area

The Birth of a Red Rock Wonderland

Rising from the plains of northern Guangdong, Danxia Mountain is the namesake and global reference point for the entire Danxia Landform : a unique type of red sandstone topography characterized by steep cliffs, flat tops, and lush vegetation. Covering 292 km², it is the largest and probably most impressive scenic area in Guangdong Province.

Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark (Feb. 2004), a National 5A Tourist Attraction, and a National Nature Reserve, Danxia Mountain offers an unforgettable blend of geology, ancient temples, serene rivers, and rich biodiversity. With over 680 red rock peaks, the landscape is, as the old saying goes :

• 色如渥丹 as red as cinnabar
• 灿若明霞 as bright as rosy clouds

Between 140 million and 70 million years ago, the Danxia area was a large inland basin. Surrounding mountains rose dramatically during the Himalayan orogeny, while the basin accumulated massive red sandstone and conglomerate deposits. Around 7 million years ago, the Earth's crust began to rise, exposing these red layers to erosion. For the last 6 million years, intermittent uplifts (averaging about 1 metre per 10,000 years) combined with river downcutting carved the red rocks into the spectacular peaks, cliffs, and gorges we see today.

According to geologists, among the over 1,200 Danxia landform sites discovered worldwide, the Danxia Mountain area is the most typical, most complete, most varied in shape, and most concentrated distribution zone.

Main Areas

Bazhai 巴寨 - The hightest peak of Danxia

Located 10 kilometres southwest of the main Danxia area, Bazhai also known locally as Big Stone Mountain is separated from the main area by the Jinjiang River. Covering over 40 km², it is the core zone of Greater Danxia. Among the 27 peaks in the region that rise above 400 metres, Bazhai Scenic Area alone claims 20. Its highest peak (also nammed Bazhai) stands at 619 metres.

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The landscapes here represent the most typical example of Danxia landform. It is less crowded and ideal for serious hikers.

Zhanglaofeng 长老峰 - The Historic Heart

This is the oldest and most visited part of Danxia Mountain. Zhanglaofeng Peak, together with Hailuo Peak and Baozhu Peak, forms a connected mountain mass with three levels of cliffs showcasing classic red cliffs and green valleys.

At lower level, people can visit the Jinshiyan Temple built in the Northern Song Dynasty, centred around Jinshiyan (Golden Rock Cliff) . Middle and upper levels offer breathtaking panoramic views. The climb involves steep stairs carved into the rock face.

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Yangyuanshi 阳元石 - Nature's Shocking Sculpture

Located across the river from Zhanglaofeng, this area is locally named "n° 1 Strange Stone under Heaven" : the Yangyuanshi (literally "Testicle Stone"). This 28m stone pillar, looking like a male organ, is a stunning example of Danxia pillar formation. The area is also known for its well-preserved geological features by the way : stone walls, natural arches...

Key attractions :

Yangyuanshi (also called Male Stone) : the iconic pillar that gave the name to the area
Jiujiu Sky Ladder : the ancient 99 steps passage to arrive to the Ximei Village (built in Ming Dynasty), perched on a narrow cliff-edge pass
Shuangrushi (Twin Breast Stones) : other rock formations
Hunyuan Cave : an ancient temple
Seven Natural Arch Bridges (span 38m - height 15m)

Xianglong Lake 翔龙湖 - A Dragon in the Mountains

South of Zhanglaofeng lies Xianglong Lake, named because its outline looks like a soaring dragon (1,350m long from dragon head to tail, 18m deep)

The natural landscape features three gorges, six canyons, nine caves, and eighteen peaks. The cliffs are adorned with ancient and modern carvings celebrating dragon culture.
A pleasant walking trail circles the lake, and small boats are also available for hire.

Jinjiang 锦江 - The Flowing Jade Belt

The Jinjiang River meanders through the red rock peaks for 8 km of scenic waterway. Its emerald waters originate from vast forests and twist through the mountain group. Bamboo groves line both banks, reflecting nearby cliffs while distant peaks recede into layers.

Rural Guangdong scenes such as villages, rice paddies and fishing boats appear unexpectedly.
We recommand you the boat cruise along the Jinjiang to discover it.

### Opening Hours
Opened year-round.

Main area : 7:30 am - 18:00pm
Jinjiang boat cruise : 9:00 am - 17:00 pm
Cable car to Zhanglaofeng : 8:30 am - 17:30 pm

Nearby Attractions

Nanhua Temple (1 hour drive) : the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism
Maba Man Site : an archaeological site of prehistoric human fossils
Caoxi Hot Springs : relaxing natural hot springs near Nanhua Temple

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