概述
Shaoguan, in northern Guangdong, is home to Danxia Shan (Danxia Mountain), the UNESCO World Heritage site that gave its name to China’s “Danxia” red-bed landform, and Nanhua Temple, the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism’s Sixth Patriarch. It is also a gateway to the Nanxiong Ginkgo forests, whose golden autumn foliage draws photographers from across the country. The city suits nature lovers, hikers, Buddhist pilgrims, and leaf-peepers alike.
行 (Transport)
Shaoguan Station (韶关站) — High-Speed Rail
| Route |
Duration |
Frequency |
| Guangzhou South ↔ Shaoguan |
~50 min |
Frequent |
| Shenzhen North ↔ Shaoguan |
~1.5 hr |
Frequent |
| Changsha South ↔ Shaoguan |
~1.5 hr |
Several daily |
- Shaoguan Station (韶关站) is the high-speed rail station, located about 10 km from the city center.
- Shaoguan East Station (韶关东站) serves regular trains and is closer to the old town.
Airport Transfer
Shaoguan does not have a commercial passenger airport. The nearest major airports are:
| Airport |
Distance to Shaoguan |
Transport |
Time |
Cost |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) |
~200 km |
Direct coach from airport |
~3 hr |
~100 CNY |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) |
~280 km |
Coach via Shenzhen North station |
~3.5 hr |
~130 CNY |
游 (Attractions)
| Attraction |
Ticket |
Suggested Time |
Notes |
| Danxia Shan (丹霞山) |
100 CNY |
Full day |
UNESCO World Heritage; China’s namesake Danxia地貌 landform. Must-see: Yangyuan Stone (阳元石), Yinyuan Stone (阴元石), Zhanglao Peak sunrise (长老峰日出), Jinjiang Bamboo Raft (锦江竹筏). Core attraction. |
| Nanhua Temple (南华寺) |
20 CNY |
2 hr |
Chan Buddhist ancestral temple. Houses the mummified body of Sixth Patriarch Huineng (六祖惠能真身). Peaceful forest setting. |
| Nanxiong Ginkgo (南雄银杏) |
Varies (40-60 CNY depending on spot) |
Half day |
Peak foliage mid-Nov to early Dec. Best spots: Maofeng Plateau (帽子峰), Meiguan Ancient Path (梅关古道). Golden avenue. |
| Zhuji Ancient Alley (珠玑古巷) |
40 CNY |
1.5 hr |
Cradle of Cantonese (广府人发源地). Ancestral hall corridor for surname tracing. |
吃 (Food)
| Dish |
Recommended Restaurant |
Address / Area |
Price |
Notes |
| Shaoguan Braised Pork (韶关扣肉) |
Local farmhouse restaurants |
Danxia Shan area |
~50 CNY |
Rich, melt-in-mouth pork belly |
| Lechang Taro (乐昌芋头) |
Lechang local eateries |
Lechang city |
~30 CNY |
Famous for its fluffy texture |
| Nanxiong Pressed Duck (南雄板鸭) |
Nanxiong street stalls |
Nanxiong old town |
~60-80 CNY |
Salty cured duck, a local specialty |
| Danxia Bamboo Shoots (丹霞山竹笋) |
Danxia Shan farmhouses |
Within Danxia scenic area |
~35 CNY |
Fresh seasonal shoots |
| Cold Water Pork Belly (冷水猪肚) |
Zhenjiang District restaurants |
Zhenjiang District |
~45 CNY |
Crisp cold-cut pork stomach |
| Shaoguan Rice Noodles (韶关米粉) |
Morning street vendors |
City center |
~12 CNY |
Silky rice noodles in broth |
| Stir-fried Wild Mushrooms |
Mountain restaurants |
Danxia Shan |
~40 CNY |
Foraged local mushrooms |
| Sweet Potato Cake (番薯饼) |
Snack stalls |
Nanxiong |
~5 CNY |
Traditional farm snack |
住 (Hotel)
| Area |
Hotel Example |
Price Range |
Best For |
| Zhenjiang District (浈江区) |
City center hotels (e.g., Vienna Hotel, 维也纳酒店) |
200-400 CNY |
Convenient dining & transport |
| Zhenjiang District (浈江区) |
Shaoguan Holiday Inn Express |
300-500 CNY |
Business / comfort |
| Danxia Shan Scenic Area (丹霞山景区) |
Danxia Shan Boutique Hotel |
300-600 CNY |
Hikers, nature lovers |
| Danxia Shan Scenic Area (丹霞山景区) |
Local farmstay B&B |
200-400 CNY |
Budget travelers |
| Nanxiong city (南雄市) |
Nanxiong Ginkgo Hotel |
250-450 CNY |
Fall foliage photographers |
| Near Nanhua Temple |
Zen-themed guesthouses |
150-300 CNY |
Pilgrims / quiet stay |
- Danxia Stone souvenirs (丹霞奇石): Small decorative rocks sold at Danxia Shan exit.
- Nanxiong pressed duck (南雄板鸭): Vacuum-packed for travel; available at local food markets.
- Shaoguan tea: Local green tea varieties sold in Zhenjiang tea shops.
- Ginkgo products: Dried ginkgo nuts and snacks sold in Nanxiong during autumn.
贴士 (Tips)
- Best time for Danxia Shan: Early morning to catch Zhanglao Peak sunrise (start hiking 4:30-5:00 AM).
- Nanxiong Ginkgo season: Peak color is mid-November to early December — plan accordingly; book accommodation early.
- Danxia Shan entry: The ticket is valid for 48 hours, so you can enter on two consecutive days.
- Getting to attractions: No direct metro. Take bus from Shaoguan Station to Danxia Shan (~1 hr, 20 CNY) or hire a taxi (~120 CNY).
- Nanhua Temple: Allow 2 hours. Combined visit with Danxia Shan is recommended in a 2-day itinerary.
- Weather: Shaoguan is cooler than Guangzhou in summer; bring a light jacket in spring/autumn.
- Language: Mandarin and Cantonese. English is limited — have destination names written in Chinese.
- Cash: While mobile payment is standard, carry some cash for small vendors and farmhouse restaurants.
- Hiking gear: Danxia Shan involves moderate hiking — wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
- Accommodation booking: During National Day (Oct 1-7) and Ginkgo season, book at least 2 weeks in advance.
