Guangdong's "Little Holland" - A Cloud-Level "Windmill Kingdom" with Beginner-Friendly Hiking Guide

If you're tired of the city noise and looking for a healing spot with beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and perfect for hiking and camping, Xingxing Windmill Mountain in Yunfu won't disappoint! Known as "Guangdong's Little Holland," dozens of giant white windmills stand on the mountaintop, surrounded by mist like a fairyland. The sunrise and sunset views are breathtakingly beautiful.

📍 Location: Windmill Mountain, Gongcheng Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu City, Guangdong Province (Navigate to "Xinxing Windmill Mountain")
🚗 Transportation
Self-driving: About 2.5 hours from Guangzhou, 2 hours from Foshan/Zhongshan. The mountain roads are narrow, so experienced drivers are recommended.
Public transport: Take a taxi from Xinxing Bus Station to the foot of the mountain (about 40 minutes). Chartered or shared cars recommended.
🎫 Entrance fee: Free
⏰ Opening hours: All day (Daytime visits recommended as mountain roads have no lighting at night)

When is the best time to visit?
🌅 Sunrise: 5:00-6:30 (High chance of sea of clouds, windmills turn golden)
🌇 Sunset: 17:30-18:30 (Sunset glow frames the windmills, maximum romance)

📅 Recommended seasons
Spring and Fall (March-May, October-November): Pleasant temperatures, mostly sunny days
Winter: Occasional rime ice spectacle (rare in Guangdong!)
⚠️ Avoid: Rainy season (muddy mountain roads), closed during typhoons

Must-visit spots + Route planning
📌 Beginner-friendly route (3-4 hours)
Mountain foot → Windmill Platform #1 (panoramic view) → Windmill #18 (popular photo spot) → Windmill #23 (best for camping) → Return
🌟 Advanced route (5-6 hours)
Hike all the way to Windmill #46 at the highest point, overlooking Xinxing County and distant Tianlu Mountain

✨ Recommended photo spots
📷 Windmill #18: Background of rolling mountains, perfect for drone photography
📷 Windmill #23 lawn: Ideal for camping and picnics, night stargazing and Milky Way photography
📷 Sunrise viewing platform (near Windmill #1): When clouds roll in, you feel like you're floating above them

Photo outfit tips
👗 Clothing: Light-colored long dresses (great in wind), outdoor jackets (for warmth and wind protection)
📸 Props: Straw hat, camping lights, transparent umbrella (great for creating atmosphere on cloudy days)
⚠️ Note: Strong winds at the summit, be careful with drone flying, wind-resistant ropes recommended

Practical tips
1. You can drive to Windmill Platform #1, then hike (wear non-slip shoes for gravel paths)
2. No shops on the mountain, bring your own food and water, take your trash with you
3. Camping requires advance registration (contact local tourism department), open fires prohibited
4. Weak cell signal, download offline maps in advance

Accommodation recommendations
🏕️ For campers: Flat grassland near Windmill #23, bring down sleeping bags for cold nights
🏨 For comfort seekers
Chanquan Resort Hotel (40-minute drive, upscale hot spring hotel)
Guesthouses at the mountain foot: Average price 150-300 yuan, recommend "Windmill Mountain House" (breakfast included, owner can guide you up the mountain)

Nearby attractions
If you have extra time, consider visiting:
Guoen Temple (20-minute drive): Home of the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Huineng, known for blessings
Tianlu Mountain Scenic Area (1-hour drive): Glass rafting, Meixi Town, suitable for family trips

📝 Final thoughts
The beauty of Xinxing Windmill Mountain lies in its purity and freedom. Standing beneath the windmills, listening to the blades cutting through the wind, watching the clouds roll by - it instantly heals all fatigue. If you're longing for such a moment of escape, pick a nice day and set off!