As autumn arrives, Maofeng Mountain is among the first places in Guangzhou to show autumn colors, with red maples gradually replacing their summer green leaves.

New maple leaves on the branches

The newly grown maple leaves on the branches display varying shades of red—delicate and vivid. At a new red maple attraction near Tianhu Lake on Maofeng Mountain, visitors are greeted by layers of cinnabar-red leaves growing in interlaced patterns. Some leaves have just taken on a light red blush, with crimson edges and green centers; others have already turned a translucent, brilliant red, particularly eye-catching. Strolling along the mountain trails, visitors can enjoy the fresh vegetation and the faint fragrance of plants and maple leaves.

Recommended local cuisine

After hiking and enjoying the red maples, visitors can also sample the local cuisine. Many farmhouses at the foot of Maofeng Mountain offer delicious farm dishes, including Taihe roast chicken and roast ribs.

Taihe roast chicken was once selected as one of Guangzhou's "Top Ten Famous Chickens" and is listed as a district-level intangible cultural heritage item in Baiyun District. Taihe roast chicken restaurants at the foot of Maofeng Mountain are mostly concentrated in the areas of Toupi Village, Suifeng Village and Baishan Village.

Taihe roast chicken uses free-range local Sanhuang chickens raised at the foot of Maofeng Mountain, resulting in firm and springy meat. Freshly roasted chicken has golden skin and is crispy outside and tender inside, but not greasy.

Transportation guide

1. Self-driving

Navigation address: Maofeng Mountain Scenic Area Ticket Office, No. 168, Toupi Maofeng Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou (广州市白云区头陂帽峰路 168 号帽峰山景区售票处) 

2. Public transportation

Recommended route 1 (Intercity travel connection)

Take the Guangzhou East Ring Intercity Railway to Maofengshan Station (Exit A). Upon exiting, transfer to Bus Route 758 and arrive at Maofeng Mountain (Gaowucun) Bus Terminal. Walk straight for about 800 meters to reach the scenic area's main entrance ticket plaza.

Recommended route 2 (Metro travel connection)

Take Metro Line 14 to Taihe Station (Exit C), then transfer to Bus Route 758 to Maofeng Mountain (Gaowucun) Bus Terminal, and walk straight for about 800 meters to the scenic area's main entrance ticket plaza.

3. Transportation within the scenic area

Maofeng Mountain Scenic Area allows motor vehicles to drive up the mountain. Each vehicle requires an entry ticket priced at 10 yuan. To ensure visitor safety, non-motorized vehicles are prohibited from going up the mountain. Self-driving visitors are requested to observe the scenic area's traffic order and visit in a civilized manner.

Author | Jiang Chang

Photos | Guangzhou Baiyun Fabu