Ma Cheng Guifeng Mountain｜Miss it and wait a whole year!

Ten thousand acres of rhododendron sea at its peak, this guide takes you through the "red clouds" Have you ever seen spring blooming on a cliff? Not just a few plants, not just a patch, But— One hundred thousand acres of wild rhododendrons, blazing across the entire ridge, From afar, it looks like red clouds falling from the sky; up close, it seems like flames igniting the peaks. This is Guifeng Mountain in Macheng, Hubei. The only national AAAA-level scenic spot in China named after an "ancient rhododendron community," Known as the "World’s Most Beautiful Rhododendron City." Every year from mid to late April to early May, The hills are covered with blooming azaleas on schedule, Forming a "ten-mile sea of rhododendrons" stretching over ten miles, The impact rivals any popular foreign scenic spot. If you plan to visit only one place to see flowers this year, Come to Guifeng Mountain— I’ve scouted it for you; this guide will save you time, money, and help you capture the best shots for your social feed! 🌸 1. Best Viewing Period｜Don’t miss out! The bloom lasts only 20 days ✅ Golden time: April 15 – May 10 (currently at peak bloom) ⚠️ Reminder: Rhododendron bloom is short and highly affected by temperature. Last year, some went during Labor Day, but half the flowers had already withered, leaving only green leaves and regret... 📌 It’s recommended to follow the official WeChat account "Macheng Guifeng Mountain," which updates the "Live Bloom Report" daily. Set off only when you see "over 90% bloom" for a guaranteed great experience! 🚗 2. Transportation Guide｜Drive or high-speed train? Which is more convenient? 📍 Address: Guifeng Mountain Scenic Area, Guishan Town, Macheng City, Huanggang, Hubei Province 🚗 Recommended for self-driving (suitable for families/couples) From Wuhan: about 2 hours (via Huyu Expressway + Daguang Expressway) From Hefei/Nanchang direction: about 3 hours The scenic area has a large parking lot, fee 10 RMB/day 🚄 High-speed train + shuttle (suitable for solo travelers/backpackers) Take the high-speed train to "Macheng North Station" → right outside the station, there is a direct shuttle bus to Guifeng Mountain (ticket 15 RMB, 40-minute ride) Schedule: daily from 8:00 to 15:00, one bus every hour, super convenient! 🎫 3. Tickets & Routes｜Play smart, don’t waste money 🎫 Ticket prices (2024 latest): Adult ticket: 80 RMB (includes scenic area entrance) Round-trip sightseeing bus: 35 RMB (highly recommended! The mountain roads are steep and walking is tiring) 🎯 Recommended classic route (easy for photos): Main gate → transfer to sightseeing bus → core rhododendron sea area (Millennium Ancient Rhododendron Garden) → Guibei Ridge → Haohan Slope → Guifeng Sunrise Viewing Platform → return ✨ Must-visit spots: Millennium Ancient Rhododendron Garden: clusters of rhododendron trees over 100 years old, with large, bright red flowers; Haohan Slope: 666 steps straight up to the sky, flanked by walls of flowers, photo ops like walking through a corridor of flames; Guifeng Sunrise Platform: climb to the top for a panoramic view, the entire flower sea looks like a giant red carpet stretching to the horizon, absolutely stunning at sunrise/sunset! 📸 Photo tips: Wear white dresses, blue clothes, or light colors to create a strong contrast with the red flowers; Enter the park before 7:00 AM when there are fewer people, soft light, and mist creating a fairyland atmosphere; Bring a small mirror to reflect light onto your face for better photos! 🍜 4. Food & Accommodation Suggestions｜Enjoy well and eat well 🍱 Dining inside the scenic area: There are simple meal spots (hot dry noodles, rice wine, Macheng meat cake) at moderate prices; It’s recommended to bring some snacks and water to save time. 🏨 Accommodation recommendations: Guesthouses at the foot of the mountain: 100-200 RMB per person, clean and comfortable, with mountain views from the window; Hotels in Macheng city: many options, convenient for visiting Xinghua Village and Wunao Mountain the next day; 🔥 Don’t miss these local specialties: Macheng Hanging Pot (great for winter and spring, a family gathering around the stove, warming the heart) Guishan green tea, rhododendron honey (great as souvenirs) 💡 Tips｜Avoid pitfalls ✔️ Wear comfortable sports shoes! Many stone steps, avoid high heels; ✔️ Sunscreen is a must! Strong UV on the mountaintop, wear a hat + apply sunscreen; ✔️ Do not pick flowers or break branches, everyone is responsible for protecting the rare ancient community; ✔️ Want to drone? You must report to the scenic area in advance; unauthorized flights are prohibited. 🌄 Final call This spring, Don’t let "next time" turn into "never again." Bring your parents, hold your children’s hands, invite your loved ones, Come to Macheng Guifeng Mountain, Step into the rhododendron sea burning for a thousand years, Make a wish surrounded by red romance. "At least once in life, Chase a grand bloom for yourself." 📣 Next preview You think Hubei only has cherry blossoms and rhododendrons? Wrong! Deep in Shennongjia lies China’s most mysterious "Alpine Garden"— Alpine rhododendrons + wild lilies + dove trees all blooming together! Next article: "Shennongjia Secret Hiking Guide｜May Flowers 99% of People Don’t Know About" Take you deep into the primeval forest to encounter the blooming moment of the "panda of the plant world." Follow me and measure China’s most beautiful seasons with your footsteps.