So Refreshing! Hidden Summer Retreats Around Guangdong with an Average of 20°C

Complete Guide to Beating the Heat in Mangshan Forest Park｜Unlocking Summer Coolness in a 20°C Forest

While temperatures in Guangdong soar above 35°C, Mangshan Forest Park in Yizhang, Chenzhou, becomes a "natural air-conditioned haven" for visitors from the Greater Bay Area with its average temperature of 20°C. This hidden gem boasts 99% forest coverage, offering pristine landscapes reminiscent of Western Sichuan and thrilling "roller coasters over mineral springs," making it a perfect summer escape. Here’s a practical guide based on the latest information:

🎫 Tickets & Transportation Guide

Ticket Info:
- Adult ticket: ¥80 (valid for 2 days, includes basic park access)
- Must-buy combo: Ticket + shuttle bus for ¥132 (self-driving is currently limited to the west gate parking lot; shuttle buses are required inside)
- Tiantai Mountain escalator ticket: Round trip ¥72, one-way ¥36 (round trip recommended to save energy)
- Grand Canyon rafting + ticket combo: ¥268 (¥20 cheaper than separate purchases)

Transportation:
- Self-drive: From Guangzhou, take Lechang-Guangzhou Expressway → Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway; 3.5 hours to the west gate parking lot (¥5/hour).
- High-speed rail: Take a train to Lechang East Station, then rent a car (~¥150/day) or take a taxi (~¥180) for a 1.5-hour ride.
- Park shuttle: Unlimited transfers with combo ticket; first bus at 7:30, last bus at 18:00.

🌿 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Water Fun
- 09:30 Arrive at the west gate visitor center, exchange tickets, and take the shuttle to Houwangzhai.
- 10:00-11:00 Hike Houwangzhai Waterfall Trail (30 min to the top; wild monkeys may appear—bring peanuts for interaction).
- 12:00-13:00 Lunch at Canyon Restaurant (buffet ¥50/person; try wild herb omelet and Mangshan black pork).
- 14:00-16:30 Grand Canyon rafting (9.8 km, 298 m drop; bring swimwear; lockers available for ¥20).
- 18:00 Check in at Yunyin Mountain Homestay; enjoy Yao ethnic long-table dinner (reserve 1 day ahead; ¥80/person).

Day 2: Mountain Adventure
- 05:30 Take the shuttle to Tiantai Mountain Cable Car Station (book early bus the night before).
- 06:00-07:00 Ride the elevator to Daiding Peak for sunrise over sea of clouds (summer sunrise ~5:40; bring a light jacket).
- 08:30-10:30 Hike General’s Fort Trail (~2 hours round trip; features a thousand-foot waterfall).
- 12:00-13:30 Hotpot in Swallow Rock Cave (best at 13:00; ¥60/person; must-try smoked bacon).
- 14:00-15:30 Explore Swallow Rock Cave (stalactites + laser show).
- 16:00 Return.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1. Yunyin Mountain Homestay (2 km from west gate)
- Price: Twin room ¥380/night (breakfast included).
- Highlights: Yao herbal bath (¥120/person), rooftop stargazing.
- Perk: Complimentary Mangshan black tea gift.
2. Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel (15 min drive from west gate)
- Price: Hot spring suite ¥580/night (includes double hot spring access).
- Ideal for families; unwind in hot springs at night.
3. West Bank Hotel (in west gate commercial street)
- Price: Budget room ¥190/night (5-min walk to visitor center).
- Bonus: "Kill Pig Noodles" downstairs (¥15/bowl) for breakfast.

🍜 Food Guide
- Must-try:
- Mangshan black pork: Try hotpot at Tiaoshizi Restaurant (¥80/person).
- Cave hotpot: Mountain snail chicken hotpot at Swallow Rock (¥168 for two).
- Yao snacks: Bamboo rice, stir-fried bacon with fern cake (Yunyin Mountain Restaurant).
- Dining spots:
- Inside park: Only Canyon Restaurant offers light meals; pack snacks.
- Outside west gate: Winter bamboo shoots with smoked bacon at Liangxin Restaurant (¥38) is highly rated.
- Breakfast: "Kill Pig Noodles" near West Bank Hotel (spicy version recommended).

⚠️ Important Notes
1. Rafting tips:
- Hours: 8:30-15:00; weekdays ~30 min wait; weekends arrive 1 hour early.
- Closed Aug 5 due to weather; check before going.
- No electronics allowed (rent waterproof bags for ¥10).
2. Weather alerts:
- Mountain weather changes fast; bring a foldable umbrella (heavy rain reported Aug 1).
- Typhoon season (July-Sept) may close the park; check the official website.
3. Safety:
- Monkeys at Houwangzhai may snatch food; keep it sealed.
- Tiantai Mountain is high-altitude (avg. 18°C in summer); bring long sleeves.
- General’s Fort Trail is steep; wear anti-slip shoes.
4. Hidden experiences:
- Indigo dyeing at Yunyin Mountain Homestay (¥30/person; keepsake scarf).
- Stargazing at Daiding Peak (Milky Way visible to the naked eye).
- Souvenirs: Mangshan black tea at Layuan Village (¥120/jin; authentic and affordable).

📌 Packing List
- ID: ID card (real-name ticketing), driver’s license (if driving).
- Clothes: Quick-dry outfits, swimwear, light jacket, water shoes.
- Gear: Sunscreen, bug spray, foldable umbrella, power bank.
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate (few restocking points in the park).

Mangshan’s 20°C summer hides in waterfall mist, forest shade, and rafting waves. Follow this guide to avoid crowds and deeply experience this "Little Western Sichuan" retreat. Check the weather and bring good vibes—this green paradise awaits!