Live Your Best Lives
"There are only two things in this world that make life worth living: love and art. I can't imagine you hiding away in an office, burying your head in ledgers. Are you still wearing a top hat, carrying an umbrella and a little black bag? I always feel that you and I should regard life as an adventure, and let the jewel-like flame burn brightly in our hearts. People should take risks, walk through fire and water, and treat danger as if it were nothing."
——Maugham, Of Human Bondage
Maugham's words caught me off guard. To escape this hectic daily routine, it's not enough to just indulge in your thoughts; you need to immerse yourself in nature. Hiking and camping are the most liberating way to escape the city. Let's talk about it! We have to go now! I've been wanting to visit the Grand Canyon, but it's too far. If you're in southern China, why not try the Guangdong Grand Canyon?
(Aerial photography: Cross)
The Guangdong Grand Canyon, also known as the Ruyuan Grand Canyon, is located in Dabu Town, 68 kilometers southwest of Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. The canyon is 15 kilometers long and more than 300 meters deep. In 2005, it was selected as the "Most Beautiful Canyon in Guangdong" in the "Searching for the Most Beautiful Places in Guangdong" event, and was rated as one of the top ten scenic spots in Guangdong that are most popular among foreigners.
The original Grand Canyon was just a small basin in the ravine. Under the influence of the Yanshan orogeny, the crust was subjected to the expansion force of the uplift of the landmass, causing part of the landmass to crack and sink, forming a rift valley. It has a history of 10 million years. Because Ruyuan belongs to limestone landform, there are many caves in the Grand Canyon. The formation of limestone and red gravel is very similar, so the landform of the Grand Canyon is very similar to that of Danxia Mountain. Compared with other grand canyons, the Ruyuan Grand Canyon is not large, but the valley is 15 kilometers long, extending from Dabu Town in Ruyuan to Polo Town in Yingde. However, only 5 kilometers of it has been developed.
The Guangdong Grand Canyon is magnificent, with a pleasant climate and rugged terrain, making it difficult to develop. As a result, the Grand Canyon still retains a relatively pristine landscape, which is a perfect place for adventure lovers.
The Grand Canyon is home to numerous waterfalls. While the flow is lower in autumn and winter, the summer flood season brings thunderous roars and a misty atmosphere. Early in the morning or after a rainy day, clouds of mist rise from the valley floor and gradually drift upward, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.
[Guangdong Grand Canyon Scenic Area Ticket Price] Adult 65 yuan/person
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
(Note: Children under 1.1 meters tall are free of charge, those between 1.1 and 1.4 meters tall must purchase a child ticket, and seniors over 60 years old can purchase a discounted ticket for 35 yuan with valid ID)
There are three routes to the Grand Canyon. The most common route is the short trekking route, which is about 2km long and takes about 2.5 hours to hike. The highest elevation is 635m, with a total elevation gain of 1256m. This route requires a certain level of physical fitness, so you can choose it based on your physical condition.
Entering from the valley entrance square, you can see Tenglong Waterfall. Tenglong Waterfall is called Chengtou Waterfall because the top of the Grand Canyon looks like a big cheng. The valley surface is about 600 meters wide. The Dabu River winds from southeast to northwest, falling from a cliff of more than 200 meters, like an avalanche, which is shocking and forms a strong contrast with the surrounding ancient trees.
Compared to the cascading Tenglong Waterfall, Huanglong Waterfall is a gentler experience. The water flows in a cascading pattern, blocking and diverting the flow. This stepped waterfall also boasts a wide stone platform within the scenic area. Surrounded by clear water and green mountains, the view of the continuous waterfall, the sound of birdsong and the gurgling of water, creates a feeling of being transported to the Garden of Eden.
The Milky Way Falls is formed by the residual water from the power station's spillway flowing down the valley surface. The waterfall is about 480 meters long and is the longest waterfall in the Grand Canyon. If you look up at the waterfall cascading down as if reaching the sky, it is called the "Milky Way in the Sky", giving people a feeling of being in the environment.
Fairy Pond Waterfall cascades gently down from a mountain gorge dozens of meters high, resembling a fairy with graceful hair, alluring, subtle, and full of spiritual energy. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter alike, the water remains emerald green and clear, a truly naturally "holy water." Standing barefoot in the water and breathing in the unpolluted air is a breath of fresh air, a truly relaxing experience.
Looking from Qinglongtan toward the Fairy Waterfall, several layers of stone steps of varying heights tear the water flow into strands, like a curtain of pearls, misty and crystal clear. They leap and merge into the stream, creating the scene of "big and small pearls falling on a jade plate."
The spectacle of Rainbow Falls is a highlight of the Grand Canyon. If you are lucky enough to have good weather, when you walk down from the valley, a rainbow will appear below the waterfall; when you reach the bottom of the valley and look up, the rainbow will appear above the waterfall. This interesting scene is really not to be missed.
Dozens of large and small streams and pools in the Grand Canyon, such as Taohuatan, Xiannvtan, Xinqutan, and Changqingtan, are crystal clear. When the sun shines on the water, the water glitters like shining stars in the summer night. The sand and stones in the water are clearly visible, so it is known as the "Emerald Water".
When you feel a little tired after hiking for a while, stop here and scoop up a handful of water to brush your face. The coolness will refresh your heart and mind, and your body and mind will feel comfortable without a trace of stickiness.
Built against the cliff face, 1,368 stone steps descend from the top, known as the "Thousand-Step Stairway to Heaven." Hiking the stairway feels like soaring through the clouds. The stairway leads to the valley floor, where you can admire the scenery at a depth of over 300 meters. From the bottom, the stairway appears to reach the sky, a breathtaking and precipitous sight. Just looking at the pictures is breathtaking, so brave souls should give it a try!
During the hike, you will also pass a suspension bridge, and admiring the canyon from the bridge is another kind of scenery.
Entering from the Valley Entrance Square, you'll witness a thrilling and exciting aerial acrobatic performance, where masters navigate the abyss, even walking on the summit of a mountain, with the sky above their heads and white clouds above their heads. This event only has five performances per day, so be sure to watch the time carefully to avoid missing out.
At the top of the canyon or in the canyon, you'll find women selling Shanshui Tofu Pudding. Try a bowl! The aroma of the tofu mixed with the sweetness of the syrup will instantly captivate your taste buds and soothe your fatigue from the hike.
If you encounter a waterfall with a large flow during the flood season in summer, the splashing water will be enough to soak you. During the hike, you will come across some local villagers selling raincoats, which are only about 10 yuan. Friends who need them can buy one.
Many climbers often experience "weak legs" when they bend their knees to cushion the impact of fatigue and weakness caused by climbing the mountain. Therefore, many climbers choose to go down the mountain with straight knees. Although this action no longer makes the legs "weak", it also causes invisible damage to the knees.
7 correct ways to climb mountains so you don’t get tired:
1. When walking uphill, try to push your heels as much as possible.
2. Use your hands when you can.
3. You can turn your feet a little when climbing
4. When climbing, you can press your palms under your thighs to help
5. You can breathe heavily when climbing
6. The pole can also reduce leg strength when climbing
7. Keep your head up when climbing
1. Backpack: Backpack or mountaineering bag is recommended
2. Clothing: Clothing suitable for outdoor sports
3. Shoes: sports shoes, hiking shoes and rubber-soled cloth shoes (pay attention to non-slip)
4. Luggage: water bottle, camera, tent, sunscreen and mosquito repellent, regular medicine, high-energy food, change of clothes, pillow, rain gear, flashlight, sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat, stove, barbecue grill, charcoal
1. Guangzhou → Yingde Exit of Leguang Expressway → Shihuipu (X380) → Shigutang → Provincial Highway S258 → Guangdong Grand Canyon
2. Guangzhou → Qinglian Expressway (Dubu Exit) → Yingde direction → S258 → Guangdong Grand Canyon G4 Jingzhu Expressway (Ruyuan Exit) → Grand Canyon Resort 68 km, see traffic signs along the way
(Aerial photography: jerry)
It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach your destination by car. It is recommended that you take a short break along the way and avoid driving while tired.
The Ligong Orchard Resort offers accommodation within the Grand Canyon area. The cabins are located in a tranquil and tidy environment, and the charming stone paths leading to your room are a great option. The cabins cost around 280 yuan per person on weekdays, so be sure to book in advance on holidays.
The Grand Canyon scenic area is a mountain basin with an average altitude of 620 meters. The climate in summer is cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of 22℃. Even without air conditioning, the room is still cool. It is a rare summer resort in South China.
(Photography: kk)
Camping is a great option for those venturing out into nature. From packing your gear to setting off on your own, choosing a suitable location to pitching your tent, and setting up a secure tent—everything you need to do yourself after leaving civilization behind. However, it's important to note that due to the high altitude of the Guangdong Grand Canyon, temperatures drop significantly at night, so campers are advised to prepare for the cold and bring a jacket and blanket to prevent catching a cold.
(Aerial photography: jerry)
Of course, the whole process of participation is also the most enjoyable moment of camping. I recommend friends who love nature to have a camping experience!
Tips:
Camping tips:
1. Stay away from danger
2. Water supply
3. Level the ground
4. Leeward and backlit
(Photography: kk)
There is a kind of cooking that only requires simple ingredients and steps to present an attractive taste; there is a kind of gathering that can create a warm and joyful atmosphere just by sitting together, and that is barbecue.
(Photography: kk)
There is also a dedicated barbecue area in the scenic area. Barbecue fanatics who want to eat barbecue but cannot bring their own tools and ingredients can rent a barbecue spot and buy barbecue ingredients in the scenic area.
In addition to the above delicacies, there are many more delicious foods waiting for you to find. The Yao ethnic food in the Guangdong Grand Canyon is all green and pollution-free farm food, and the ingredients are all sourced from the local area.
Stir-fried sour bamboo shoots
Stir-fried mushrooms
Longgui Cold Water Belly
Stir-fried pit snails
Yaojia cured meat
Yaojia White-Cut Chicken
Hakka Yong Tau Foo
Although farm dishes may look ordinary, they can bring a different taste to the taste. If you are tired of eating in high-end restaurants, you may want to try the farm dishes in Guangdong Grand Canyon.
As night falls, the scenic area's bonfire party begins. The magical bonfire invites people to join hands and form a circle, singing and dancing to the delight of the entire audience!
Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and taking in the panoramic views is enough to stun you. While you may only remember the Grand Canyon in the United States, China also boasts a magnificent spectacle: the Guangdong Grand Canyon. Stop wasting your time trapped in a cubicle and experience the freedom and bliss of the Guangdong Grand Canyon!
