If Not Jiuzhaigou, Then Visit Bijia Mountain, Qingyuan's Little Secret

❤ I climbed the mountain at dawn, stepping on morning dew. Green moss pooled in the cracks between stone steps, and cool spring water trickled down the rock face. A few local grandmas carrying bamboo baskets passed me, filled with freshly picked wild ferns. ❤ While resting halfway up the mountain, an elderly couple with Guangdong accents shared some dried tangerine peel peanuts with me. They told me there's a small earth god temple hidden beneath the waterfall ahead, with wooden tablets tied with red ribbons for those seeking love. I laughed and said I'd better take a detour. ❤ When the clouds and mist cleared at the summit, the entire Qingyuan city looked like someone had spilled a bowl of lei cha (pounded tea), with specks of off-white floating in the emerald green. A stall selling mountain spring tofu pudding was set up under a crooked tree, five yuan per bowl, topped with ginger flower honey. As the grandma ladled the syrup, she said, "Young one, after eating, take your bowl to the stream to wash it yourself." 👉 Travel Guide: I. Basic Information Location: Bijia Mountain Scenic Area, Qingxin District, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province Features: Primeval forest, canyon streams, waterfall clusters, suspended walkways, adventure activities Recommended visit duration: 1 day (mainly hiking) or 2 days (combined with nearby attractions) II. Transportation Guide Self-driving (recommended): From Guangzhou: Guangqing Expressway → Qingyuan West Exit → Qingxin District → Bijia Mountain (about 1.5 hours) From Qingyuan city center: Navigate to "Bijia Mountain Tourist Area," about 30 minutes by car. Public transportation: Take a bus from Qingyuan city center to "Qingxin District," then transfer to a taxi (about 20 minutes, fare around 30 yuan). III. Must-Visit Attractions & Activities 1. Qiangu Stream Adventure Highlights: Hiking along streams, crossing suspension bridges, walking on single-log bridges, rock climbing, very entertaining. Route: Scenic area entrance → Nine-Tier Waterfall → Lovers' Bridge → Suspended Walkway → Bijia Sky Ladder Duration: About 2-3 hours (3.8 kilometers total) 2. Nine-Tier Waterfall Massive waterfall cluster where you can visit "Crane Waterfall," "Flying Dragon Waterfall," and others, with mist filling the air, perfect for cooling off in summer. 3. Bijia Mountain Main Peak Summit route: Steep stairs, panoramic views of the Beijiang River and Qingyuan city from the top (physically demanding, about 1.5 hours). 4. Rafting (seasonal) Bijia Mountain Qinglong Gorge Rafting: Moderate thrill level, suitable for families or friend groups (open in summer). IV. Suggested Itinerary One-day tour: Morning: Arrive at scenic area → Qiangu Stream Adventure → Nine-Tier Waterfall photography Noon: Simple meal in the scenic area or bring your own food Afternoon: Climb to Bijia Mountain main peak → Return (or try rafting, if available) Two-day tour (with surrounding areas): Day 1: Bijia Mountain hiking + rafting → Stay overnight in Qingyuan city/guesthouse Day 2: Gulong Gorge Glass Bridge/Huangteng Gorge Sky Corridor (popular attractions) V. Tickets & Costs Qiangu Stream Adventure ticket: About 68 yuan/person (includes walkways, waterfall area) Rafting ticket: About 150 yuan/person (summer season) Other expenses: Food in the scenic area 30-50 yuan per person, parking fee 10-20 yuan. VI. Food and Accommodation Recommendations Dining: Qingyuan Chicken (must try!), Beijiang River seafood, mountain snails. Recommended farmhouses near the scenic area: Bijia Mountain Residence, Mountain Water Fish Restaurant. Accommodation: City hotels: Qingyuan International Hotel (comfortable, convenient transportation) Nearby guesthouses: Bijia Mountain Residence (close to scenic area, peaceful environment) VII. Important Notes Equipment: Wear non-slip sports shoes, bring sun protection clothing and hats, mosquito repellent, and extra clothes in summer (for rafting). Safety: Be careful of slippery surfaces while hiking; some sections require using both hands and feet; elderly and children need accompaniment. Environmental protection: Do not litter, protect the stream ecosystem. Weather: Avoid rainy days; during rainy season, rising water levels may close certain areas. VIII. Nearby Attractions Gulong Gorge: Glass bridge, jungle zip line (about 40 minutes drive from Bijia Mountain) Huangteng Gorge: Sky Corridor, rafting (popular night light show) Qingyuan Feilai Lake Park: Great leisure spot in the city