Nanling National Forest Park is near Shaoguan in Guangdong, China.

Understand

China's southern mountain range, divides Hunan and Guangdong.

Landscape

Mountainous.

Flora and fauna

Pine trees.

Climate

Temperate.

Get in

Take a train to Shaoguan East. On the left of the station square, there is a bus to Nanling National Forest Park. It runs three times a day: 07:45, 11:15, 15:15; coming back at 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, on a route through Ruyuan County. The bus ride will take about 2 hours.

Fees and permits

¥60 entrance fee. Students get half off. Ticket is only valid for one day, if you are staying in Orange House, it then is valid for two.

Get around

You can negotiate your own vehicle, or hire a taxi. Taxis if taken with you as the only passenger can be as expensive (¥100), so any foreigner should use a Chinese person to agree on a price. Drivers will give you a business card and you can call them, or try to flag down a taxi.

See

Little Yellow Mountain, Rufeng Waterfall Group, Qinshui Valley, Guangdong's Highest Peak.

Do

Hiking or swimming. There are 3 main hiking paths. These paths are stone with railing and stairs. The trail to the mountain is closed (summer 2012).

Buy

Dried mushrooms.

Eat

Air-dried sausages, wild mushrooms, local fish and chicken.

Drink

Water from the mountain streams.

Sleep

Orange House. ¥238 for a triple room without a/c, ¥328 for standard room with a/c on weekends. Prices vary depending on time of visit. Walk straight ahead where bus drops you off, turn right, cross the bridge, you will see Orange House on your left.

Lodging

There is a inn up the hill immediately before the park entrance. Rooms are rustic yet clean, a peaceful place. Rooms are around ¥150. However, the Orange Hotel is the only place that will stamp your park admission for an additional day.

Camping

Camping in the mountain requires a prearranged permit.

Stay safe

Beware of stray dogs at night.

Go next

Ruyuan County. There's an ancient tower downtown, you will see it on the bus.