Daytripper is a regular column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.
Mount Luofu, located in the northwestern part of Huizhou’s Boluo county, dwarfs the Pearl River Delta region’s other famous peaks. With an elevation of 1,296 meters, Mount Luofu’s crown is 869 meters higher than the top of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, and 950 meters higher than Mount Xiqiao in Foshan.
In addition to dizzying heights, the scenic area Mount Luofu is set within claims 980 waterfalls and another 430 peaks.
Image by Jonathan Zhong/That's
We set out from Huizhou’s Huicheng District by car and arrive at Mount Luofu National Scenic Area approximately an hour later.
Walking past the Taoist-style gate at the park’s entrance, we come across a pond shrouded in mist. This area is called ‘Renjian Xianjing,’ or ‘Heaven on Earth’ in English, and the view from the pavilion at the edge of the pond leaves an otherworldly impression.
Image by Jonathan Zhong/That's
A few minutes’ walk from there and we arrive at a huge lake that stretches all the way to the foot of Mount Luofu. With a glassy, emerald surface, the body of water blends in perfectly with the lush green trees surrounding it. Further ahead, we can make out cable cars crawling slowly up and down the middle of the hill.
Continuing on to the base of the mountain, Chongxu Ancient Temple comes into sight. Mount Luofu is often touted as one of the 10 most famous sacred mountains in the Taoist faith and Chongxu Ancient Temple boasts both distinct Taoist characteristics and 1,600 years of history.
Screengrab via Baidu.com
Beyond the temple, our journey up the mountain begins. While you can utilize a shuttle bus service or cable cars to travel part of the way up Mount Luofu (approximately 600 meters above sea level), the journey to the summit is one that must ultimately be traversed on foot.
While the scenery on the lower portion of the mountain has little to write home about, the upper half of 1,296-meter peak offers intrepid daytrippers phenomenal views and some unique rock formations to gawk at.
It takes around five hours to walk to the top of the mountain, but it’s worth it. If you find yourself exhausted on the walk down, opt for the shuttle service or cable car to shorten the return journey.
Image by Jonathan Zhong/That's
To get the most out of your visit to Mount Luofu National Scenic Area, be sure to arrive early in the morning (8 or 9am) so that you’ll have plenty of time to wander the park and climb the mountain before the last cable car leaves at 5.30pm. We also strongly recommend bringing cash with you for this adventure, as phone reception in the park is nonexistent.
How to get there:
From Guangzhou: take a bus from Tianhe Coach Terminal to Luofu Mountain (Boluo county/RMB40). Or, take a train from Guangzhou East Railway Station to Huizhou Railway Station (not Huizhou South Railway Station). From there, take a cab or bus (208, 209, 5, or 11) to Huizhou Coach Terminal, where you can catch a shuttle bus to the scenic area.
From Shenzhen: take the train from Shenzhen Railway Station (RMB18.5/hard seat) or Shenzhen East Railway Station to Huizhou Railway Station (RMB16.5/hard seas) then follow the same travel tips listed above.
See listing for Luofu Mountain.
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[Cover image by Jonathan Zhong/That's]
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