A Secret Hiking Trip in the Alpine Meadows and Clouds

Known as the "Little Wugong Mountain of Guangdong," Mount Danan in Huizhou attracts countless outdoor enthusiasts with its magnificent alpine meadows, continuous golden reed marshes, and precipitous ridgelines. It is not only a training ground for hikers in the Pearl River Delta but also a paradise for photographers. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable hiking trip to Mount Danan. I. Overview of Mount Danan Mount Danan in Huizhou is located at the junction of Zengguang Town, Huidong County, and Haifeng County. Its main peaks include Futooshiding (1105m) and Shuitishan (1290m). The mountain range stretches endlessly, with over 70% of it covered by meadows. Lush green in spring and summer, it transforms into a golden sea of reeds in autumn and winter, and has been featured in *China National Geographic* many times as a filming location. II. Best Time to Visit Autumn and winter (October to February): The temperature is pleasant, the meadows turn golden, there are fewer clouds, and visibility is high, making it suitable for long-distance hiking. Spring and summer (March to June): The grass is green and the mountain flowers are in full bloom, but be aware of slippery roads during the rainy season and the presence of mosquitoes. III. Recommended Hiking Routes 1. Essence Section (Classic Route) Route: Dawang Temple → Futooshiding → Swamp → Mountain Pass → Longyan Temple Distance and time: Approx. 14 km, 7–8 hrs, suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers. Highlights: 360° panoramic view from Futooshiding, golden reed marshes, and a cloud-walking experience on the ridgeline. 2. Grand Loop (Challenging Route) Route: Longyan Temple → Shuitishan → Niupizhang → Futooshi → Dawang Temple Distance and time: Approx. 30 km, over 2000m elevation gain, 10–12 hrs, recommended for experienced hikers with good physical fitness. Highlights: Summiting the highest peak, Shuitishan, and overlooking the magnificent view of the mountains and sea. 3. Lahu Route (Advanced Route) Route: Big Banyan Tree starting point → Lahu Canyon → Shuitishan → Lahu Village Features: Includes cliff climbing in Lahu Canyon, moderate intensity, suitable for thrill-seeking hikers. IV. Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Guangzhou/Shenzhen, navigate to "Huidong Dawang Temple" or "Nanshan Village," approx. 3–3.5 hrs drive. Some sections of the mountain roads are unpaved; SUVs are recommended. Group tour: Outdoor groups in Shenzhen and Guangzhou (such as "Qunju Outdoor" and "Pengcheng Outdoor") often organize day trips for about CNY 100/person, including round-trip transportation and guide service. V. Equipment and Supplies Essential items: Non-slip hiking shoes, quick-drying clothing, hiking poles, sun hat, 2L or more of drinking water, high-calorie snacks (energy bars, chocolate, etc.), and a power bank (weak signal in the mountains).