Nanling National Forest Park
Understand
China's southern mountain range, divides Hunan and Guangdong.
Landscape
Mountainous.
Flora and fauna
Pine trees.
Climate
Temperate.
Get in
Take a train to Shaoguan East. On the left of the station square, there is a bus to Nanling National Forest Park. It runs three times a day: 07:45, 11:15, 15:15; coming back at 07:30, 11:30, 15:30, on a route through Ruyuan County. The bus ride will take about 2 hours.
Fees and permits
¥60 entrance fee. Students get half off. Ticket is only valid for one day, if you are staying in Orange House, it then is valid for two.
Get around
You can negotiate your own vehicle, or hire a taxi. Taxis if taken with you as the only passenger can be as expensive (¥100), so any foreigner should use a Chinese person to agree on a price. Drivers will give you a business card and you can call them, or try to flag down a taxi.
See
Little Yellow Mountain, Rufeng Waterfall Group, Qinshui Valley, Guangdong's Highest Peak.
Do
Hiking or swimming. There are 3 main hiking paths. These paths are stone with railing and stairs. The trail to the mountain is closed (summer 2012).
Buy
Dried mushrooms.
Eat
Air-dried sausages, wild mushrooms, local fish and chicken.
Drink
Water from the mountain streams.
Sleep
Orange House. ¥238 for a triple room without a/c, ¥328 for standard room with a/c on weekends. Prices vary depending on time of visit. Walk straight ahead where bus drops you off, turn right, cross the bridge, you will see Orange House on your left.
Lodging
There is a inn up the hill immediately before the park entrance. Rooms are rustic yet clean, a peaceful place. Rooms are around ¥150. However, the Orange Hotel is the only place that will stamp your park admission for an additional day.
Camping
Camping in the mountain requires a prearranged permit.
Stay safe
Beware of stray dogs at night.
Go next
Ruyuan County. There's an ancient tower downtown, you will see it on the bus.