Xiqiao Mountain in Nanhai City is acknowledged as one of the Four Great Mountains of Guangdong Province along with Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan City, Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing City and Luofu Mountain in Huizhou City.

An extinct volcano, Xiqiao Mountain features steep and grotesque peaks, caves, torrential waterfalls and streams, and abundant woodland. It also boasts the largest Mother Buddha (Guanyin) statue in the world. A tour to the mountain will refresh visitors with rich oxygen emitted by the trees as well as offering them an experience of Lingnan-style Buddhist culture.

Baiyun Cave area

Located in the northern part of the mountain, the Baiyun Cave area is both beautiful and historically significant. Usually the first scenic spot on the traveller's itinerary, the area around Xiqiao Mountain contains many temples, caves and the famous "Dashing Torrent Waterfall".

On both sides of the mountain paths, big trees reach for the sky. With their branches holding one another at a height, the sunlight can hardly shine through, castng shadows on the ground below. Crystal-clear streams run down the valleys. The hike is quiet except for the sound of water and the chirping of birds in the leaves.

The waterfall is halfway up the peak. The whiteness of the falling water contrasts with the dark rocks along the sides as it pours into the pool underneath. The splashing water beads are sure to bring inspiration and joy to the hearts of those watching.

Tianhu Park

Tianhu Park neighbors the Baiyun Cave area. It contains a lake formed after an ancient volcanic eruption. The path to the lake, though not a long walk, is very steep.

The lake is placid if there is no wind. Willows grow around the lake. The surface of the water is clear and reflects the hills, sky and trees.

Nine Dragons Rock

The Nine Dragons Rock scenic spot is located at the center of Xiqiao Mountain and is widely regarded as the place to appreciate the mountain's natural beauty. It earns its name from a huge rock with nine holes, which are laid in a hierarchy and connected to one another to form a labyrinth-like route.

Outside the rock, virgin forests pump fresh air into the atmosphere. In this natural oxygen bar, taking in deep breaths can help clean any turbid air from the lungs.

The Mother Buddha Statue

The Mother Buddha Statue is positioned at the peak of Daxian Hill at 290 meters above sea level. The statue, which is in a sitting posture, is a 61.9-meter-high copper sculpture and is the largest one of its kind in the world. Beneath the Buddha is a lotus seat, which is 36-meters wide, 14.9-meters high and features 66 petals in three layers. It is a great place to learn about Buddhism and see its culture while also praying for your nearest and dearest.

Travel tips

To go to Xiqiao Mountain from Shenzhen by bus, get to Fuoshan City first and then transfer to Xiqiao Mountain. Buses to Fuoshan are available at Luohu Bus Station from 6:40 a.m. to 9 p.m. with one bus departing every 25 minutes.

To drive to Xiqiao Mountain, take the Guangshen Expressway, Guangfo Expressway and then the Fokai Expressway. At Nanzhuang Township, Dancheng District, in Foshan City, there is a signpost indicating the way to the mountain. Follow the directions.

To promote tourism, Xiqiao Mountain's administrative office is issuing annual tourist cards at 88 yuan (US$10) each. One-time admission fee is 50 yuan per person.

Editor: Catherine