Nankun Mountain, situated 150 kilometers from Shenzhen, is one of the best-preserved forest areas in Guangdong Province. Ninety-seven percent of the area is covered by lush vegetation. It is called the Oasis Cancer.

The area is famed for its natural scenery and tranquility and an ideal place for city dwellers to get away from the daily grind.

Getting around

This scenic area is centered in Nankun Town. Traveling west, you will see the well-known Snake Pine, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Pond and a narrow canyon known as a Crack of Sky. Going south, you can enjoy a waterfall. If you go east, you will find the natural beauty of a forest. And to the north of Nankun Town is an extended lake area.

What to see and do

In the mountainous area, the first obvious thing you can do is mountain climbing. Mount Heaven (Tiantang Feng) is the tallest peak in Nankun area, standing at 1,228 meters. On the way up, you will see a wide variety of vegetation. In addition, you will not miss a 300-year-old orange tree, which still produces delicious fruits. This tree grows at top the peak, with its roots deep set in rock cracks.

Nankun Mountain is home to a large variety of medicinal herbs. It is especially famous for its Magic Fungus (Lingzhi). As a story goes, a local resident lived until 105 years by including the Magic Fungus in its diet. If you are lucky, you can spot some wild animals on your way up to mountain. There are over 153 animal species in the mountain and 103 bird species.

According to Chinese aesthetics, mountains are not pretty without ponds. Along the mountain path, you will see many ponds filled with crystal clear water. The mountain ponds are connected, with water flowing from the upper ponds into lower ponds. Some are deep; others are just right for people in which to bathe and play.

As the water is flowing all the time, it is clean and natural. It is a joy beyond description to immerse you in the coolness of spring water.

Rafting

If you love rafting, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to raft through the ponds. The currents are peaceful and the cruise will offer views you cannot see otherwise.

Fresh air

Breathe in the fresh mountain air. It's rich in negative ions, thanks to the abundance of fresh, flowing water and rich vegetation. There is nothing like it the city.

Hot Springs

If you find mountain ponds too cold, you have another option at the nearby Gaotan Hot Spring. The thermally heated spring offers soothing warm water packed with rich minerals, which locals believe can make people healthier and aid resistance to diseases.

Editor: Catherine