Guangzhou Shimen National Forest Park

Shimen National Forest Park is located in the northeastern part of Conghua District, with a forest coverage rate of 96.8%. It is known as an oasis on the Tropic of Cancer, making it an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle and embrace nature.

Transportation Guide

By Self‑driving: The park covers a large area with scattered attractions. Self‑driving allows direct access and free sightseeing. Starting from Guangzhou, navigate to "Shimen National Forest Park", take the Guangshan Highway and then the Zengcong Expressway, exit at Taoyuan Station. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hours.

By Public Bus: Take Metro Line 3 to Gaozeng Station, then transfer to Conghua Bus Route 6. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours. However, the bus only goes to the foot of the mountain, and there are no sightseeing vehicles inside the park, making it inconvenient for sightseeing.

Must‑Visit Highlights

Heavenly Pond Flower Sea (Shizao Route)

Beautiful all year round: golden rapeseed flowers in spring, brilliant sunflowers in summer, romantic cosmos flowers in autumn. Paired with photo props like windmills and pianos, it offers high‑quality photo opportunities. Wear light‑coloured clothing. After 4pm, the light is softer; taking photos from the boardwalk with the flower sea as the foreground makes it easy to capture stunning shots.

Red Maple Lake (Shimen Route)

Along the 5km hiking trail, you will find babbling streams, swaying bamboo groves, and in autumn, the maple leaves are as vibrant as an oil painting. In summer, you can wade in the streams; remember to bring non‑slip shoes.

Shimen Fragrant Snow (Shimen Route)

From December to January, plum blossoms bloom across the mountains, covering them like white snow. Paired with ancient banyan trees, wearing Han Chinese clothing for photos feels like travelling back in time.

Valley Adventure Area (Hidden Gem)

A 2.5km primitive valley featuring cliff waterfalls, cliff murals, and a "Thread of Sky" landscape. Suitable for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, but entry is prohibited after rain.

Tour Route

The park is divided into the Shimen Route and the Shizao Route. Shimen Route (approx. 8km one way): Park Entrance ‑ Red Maple Lake ‑ Furong Boardwalk ‑ Peach Blossom Source ‑ Majestic Shimen ‑ Shimen Washing Silk ‑ Shimen Fragrant Snow. Shizao Route (approx. 12km one way): Park Entrance ‑ Maple Forest Red Leaves ‑ Red Pavilion Autumn Drunk ‑ Hundred Birds Returning to Nest ‑ Azalea Garden ‑ Guangzhou First Terrace ‑ Red Lotus in Bloom ‑ Lower Heavenly Pond ‑ Heavenly Pond Flower Sea ‑ Ancient Tree Garden ‑ Aquatic Plant Garden ‑ International Forest Bath.

Warm Tips

There are limited dining options inside the park. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water and dry food. You can have a picnic on the lawn near the flower sea; please do not litter.

Wear comfortable non‑slip shoes for easier hiking and stream wading; bring insect repellent as there are many insects in the forest.

Heavenly Peak is not open to the public; do not enter restricted areas. Swimming in streams, reservoirs, or other water bodies is prohibited. Do not bring pets into the park; keep an eye on children. Strictly no fire sources allowed to prevent forest fires. Camping overnight in tents is prohibited inside the park. Vehicles over 7 metres in length are not allowed to enter (except for work vehicles).

Shimen National Forest Park offers different charms in every season. Come here to enjoy nature and create wonderful memories!