98% Forest Coverage, No Need for Air Conditioning in Summer
Ladies, listen up!
If your idea of summer still revolves around air-conditioned rooms and cold watermelon, you’re really missing out!
This time, I’ve discovered a hidden gem that National Geographic highly recommends and locals have kept secret for twenty years — Nankunshan National Forest Park. Known as the “Oasis on the Tropic of Cancer,” it boasts a forest coverage rate of 98.2%, with summer temperatures 6-8°C cooler than the urban Pearl River Delta area. It’s affectionately called the “Backyard Garden of the Pearl River Delta” and the “Southern Summer Resort Paradise.” The best part — it’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, tickets are affordable, and you can escape to this “natural air-conditioned room” on weekends! 🌿
1. Why is Nankunshan Called the “Backyard Garden of the Pearl River Delta”?
98.2% Forest Coverage, an Ion-Rich “Green Wonderland”
Nankunshan is located in the southwest of Longmen County, Huizhou, covering an area of 129 square kilometers. Its main peak, Tiantangding, stands at 1,228 meters and is part of the southern branch of the Jiulian Mountain range. The ecosystem here is intact, with a forest coverage rate as high as 98.2%, earning it the title “Oasis on the Tropic of Cancer.” It is home to 1,939 species of wild vascular plants and 51 nationally protected animals. Walking along the mountain trails, every breath feels like a lung-cleansing experience, with negative oxygen ion levels reaching up to 110,000 per cubic centimeter — hundreds of times higher than in the city!
Chuanlong Waterfall: Five-Tiered Cascade, Thunderous Roar
The most famous waterfall in Nankunshan is Chuanlong Waterfall. Water rushes out from a dragon-head-shaped stone cave, cascading down five tiers with a thunderous roar and majestic power. Standing at the base looking up, the mist hits your face, instantly cooling you by 10°C in summer! Visitors say, “It’s especially cool near the waterfall, a kind of chill that air conditioning can’t provide.” The best part — after staff leave in the evening, you can enter for free, making it a “free joy” experience!
Shihe Wonder: Glass-clear Water + Shallow Pools for Water Play, a Paradise for Families
Shihe Wonder is the most worthwhile paid attraction in Nankunshan. The creek water is crystal clear, known as “glass water,” with excellent ecology and gentle routes that are easy to walk. There are many shallow pools where you can take off your shoes to wade, catch fish, and scoop shrimp. Moms with kids, this is a must-go — children can catch little fish and have water fights by the creek, playing all afternoon without wanting to leave! Some visitors complain that the 69 RMB ticket is “not worth it,” but if you bring kids to play and catch fish, it’s money well spent.
Nankunshan Stone Carvings + 218 Scenic Road, a Dream for Self-Drivers
Navigate to “Nankunshan Mountain Gate Stone Carvings,” where there’s a huge photo spot by the roadside. Many motorbike and car enthusiasts gather here, perfect for parking and snapping “I was here” photos. Continuing forward leads to the 218 Scenic Road around Nankunshan and Luofu Mountain, one of the most beautiful tourist roads. This road connects 9 towns and 54 administrative villages across Boluo and Longmen counties, with over 200 attractions along the way. Rest stops offer coffee and lake views, making it one of Guangdong’s most beautiful self-driving routes according to netizens.
2. How to Play? Two Days One Night “Relaxed” Itinerary
Transportation Guide (Self-driving is King!)
🚗 Self-driving (Highly recommended!): Navigate to “Nankunshan National Forest Park.” About 1.5 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, all highway direct access. Mountain roads inside the park are winding; experienced drivers should drive slowly. Plenty of charging stations, EV-friendly.
🚌 Bus option: First get to Longmen County, then transfer to local buses into the mountains. But self-driving is recommended for freedom as attractions are scattered.
🎟️ Ticket reference: Core attractions like Chuanlong Waterfall and Shihe Wonder require tickets; check official notices for details. Shihe Wonder ticket is about 69 RMB per person. Money-saving tip: Visiting Chuanlong Waterfall in the evening might be free!
⏰ Best time: Summer (June-September) is perfect for cooling off; spring and autumn are best for hiking; rainy days bring misty fairyland scenery; March to November is the best travel period.
Two Days One Night Classic Route
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon → Play in Shihe Wonder → Check into hot spring hotel
Arrive in the afternoon and head straight to Shihe Wonder. Take off your shoes and step into the creek; the coolness rises from your toes. Kids catch fish and have water fights while adults relax on rocks — so healing!
In the evening, drive to Chuanlong Waterfall (if staff have left, congrats on unlocking free entry!). Stand at the base and feel the mist.
Stay overnight at a Nankunshan hot spring hotel. Two recommended options:
· Shizishui Ecological Resort: A world-class eco-resort at 500 meters elevation, featuring cliff hot springs and infinity pools, offering rich parent-child nature education activities — a top choice for luxury vacations.
· Yunding Hot Spring Resort: Over 170 unique hot spring pools, a 15,000㎡ indoor kids’ playground, and a heated water park — perfect for families. Recently hosting a lobster food festival with six flavors to try. Some rooms have slides and private hot spring pools, kids instantly love it.
Day 2: Chuanlong Waterfall → 218 Scenic Road check-in → Return trip
In the morning, revisit Chuanlong Waterfall if you missed it the day before. Then drive along the 218 Scenic Road, stopping at the Nankunshan stone carvings for photos, and rest at stops for coffee and lake views.
Have a local lunch at a farmhouse:
· Bamboo Tube Rice: Freshly cut bamboo grilled with rice, blending rice and bamboo aroma. Visitors say, “The owner’s bamboo tube rice is really delicious.”
· Bamboo Skewered Chicken: Crispy skin, juicy and fragrant — a must-try in Nankunshan.
· Longmen Tofu: Local specialty, light and fresh.
Return leisurely in the afternoon.
3. Accommodation Recommendations (Sleep Among Bamboo and Creek)
🏡 Shizishui Ecological Resort (Top-tier Wild Luxury)
A world-class eco-resort at 500 meters elevation with cliff hot springs and infinity pools. Guests say: “Surrounded by mountains, bamboo forests, and streams, woken up by birdsong.” Prices range from about 1000-2000 RMB/night, hard to book in peak season.
🏡 Yunding Hot Spring Resort (Family Favorite)
Over 170 unique hot spring pools + 15,000㎡ indoor kids’ playground, family rooms with private hot spring pools and slides. Currently hosting a lobster food festival with six flavors. Ideal for family trips, around 600-1000 RMB/night.
🏡 Fuli Health Valley Hot Spring Villas (Best for Families/Friends Gatherings)
Detached hot spring villas accommodating multiple families, equipped with KTV, BBQ, mahjong, and other entertainment facilities. Suitable for large families or friends traveling together; book in advance.
🏡 Creekside Detached Homestay (Immersive Experience)
A standalone cottage hidden in the forest, right by the creek. Step outside to wade, catch fish, and scoop shrimp. Rooms have five-star amenities, smart toilets, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private backyard pool. Perfect for those who want to “live inside the scenery.”
🏡 Nankunshan Liting Hotel (Best Value)
Features a pool, hot springs, EV charging spots, and breakfast included. Good location and facilities at a moderate price. Suitable for budget-conscious travelers who still want hot springs and a pool.
Final Words
Nankunshan is not a “trendy check-in spot.” It’s an oasis on the Tropic of Cancer, a natural oxygen bar with 98.2% forest coverage, and a summer retreat the Pearl River Delta locals have kept secret for twenty years.
Here, you can be enveloped by mist under Chuanlong Waterfall, wade barefoot in the glass-clear waters of Shihe Wonder, and soak away all work stress in hot spring pools among bamboo and streams. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, affordable tickets, and activities suitable for all ages — this kind of “slow living” luxury can’t be bought in the city.
Before summer officially arrives and the creek water warms up, ladies, just go for it! 🌿💚
DEREK SHARP296