As summer temperatures rise, Guangdong's mountains and forests offer a refreshing escape. Follow shaded trails beside forest streams, wade through crystal-clear creeks, and discover waterfalls tucked amid lush greenery. Whether you are planning a family outing or seeking an invigorating outdoor adventure, these scenic spots offer an ideal way to cool off.
Baijianghu Forest Park, Guangzhou (白江湖森林公园)
With forest covering 96 percent of its area, Baijianghu Forest Park is a popular summer retreat in Guangzhou. The shaded hiking trails meander alongside clear mountain streams and lead to a succession of scenic spots. Along the way, visitors can wade through shallow creeks, rest beside natural pools, and enjoy waterfalls that send cool mist into the air.
(Photo: Baijianghu Forest Park)
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
Ticket: 10 yuan
Address: Langba Village, Zhengguo Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou (广州市增城区正果镇浪拔村)
More in Guangzhou:
Shimen National Forest Park (石门国家森林公园)
Liuxihe National Forest Park (流溪河国家森林公园)
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area (白云山风景名胜区)
Baishuishan Forest Park (白水山森林公园)
Maluan Mountain Country Park, Shenzhen (马峦山郊野公园)
Home to Shenzhen's largest cluster of natural waterfalls, Maluan Mountain Country Park is a favorite destination for stream trekking. Mountain springs tumble through pools, rapids, and shallow streams beneath a dense forest canopy. Visitors can follow waterside hiking trails, take breaks to splash in the streams, and admire the waterfalls. For those seeking a more challenging hike, there are options to venture farther into the valley.
(Photo: Pingshan Fabu)
(Photo: ShenzhenLOOK)
Opening hours: 6:00–18:00
Ticket: Free
Address: Pingma Trail Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市坪山区坪马线公路)
More in Shenzhen:
Jingui Village (金龟村)
Toubei Park (头陂公园)
Nanhai Bay Forest Ecological Park, Foshan (南海湾森林生态园)
With waterfalls, mountain streams, and fresh forest air, the park offers a refreshing summer escape. Its popular 1.28-kilometer stream-trekking route winds through a valley of rapids, waterfalls, pools, and rocky sections. The water is generally shallow enough for splashing, making the route accessible to beginners and families, while natural obstacles along the way add a touch of adventure.
(Photo: Nanhai Bay Forest Ecological Park)
Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 (May–October); 8:00–17:00 (November–April)
Ticket: From 27 yuan (separate charges for activities)
Address: Qingyun Avenue, Xiqiao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan (佛山市南海区西樵镇西岸庆云大道尾)
More in Foshan:
Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area (西樵山风景名胜区)
Shishui Village (石水村)
Jitian Village (吉田村)
Guanshan Village (官山村)
Ziyun Valley Scenic Spot, Zhaoqing (紫云谷景区)
Nestled beside the Xijiang River and blanketed in forest, Ziyun Valley has a forest coverage rate of 95 percent. Visitors can cross the river by boat before entering a lush valley of clear streams and shaded walking trails. Alongside stream trekking, the scenic area features a spring-fed wave pool and centuries-old inkstone quarry sites, bringing together natural scenery and local cultural heritage.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
Opening hours: 8:30–17:30 on weekdays and 8:00–18:00 on weekends (last admission at 16:00)
Ticket: 60 yuan
Address: Yankeng Village, Jindu Town, Gaoyao District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市高要区金渡镇砚坑村)
More in Zhaoqing:
Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山)
Xiniu Village (西牛村)
Sihui Qishi River Scenic Area (四会奇石河景区)
Shendushui Ecological Scenic Spot, Shaoguan (深渡水生态景区)
One of the highlights of Shendushui Ecological Scenic Spot is its iconic fish-scale weir, where water flows over curved concrete steps in shimmering cascades. The shallow, gentle stream is ideal for wading, making it a popular summer destination for families. Children can play in the water while adults relax beside the creek and take in the peaceful mountain surroundings.
(Photo: Shaoguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Ticket: Free
Address: Shendushui Yao Township, Shixing County, Shaoguan (韶关市始兴县深渡水瑶族乡)
More in Shaoguan:
Guikeng Village (桂坑村)
Danxia Lingxi River Forest Resort (丹霞灵溪森林度假区)
Bijia Mountain Tourist Area, Qingyuan (笔架山旅游区)
Bijia Mountain is known for its clear mountain streams, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor adventures. Its stream-trekking trail winds through a dense forest, while the 208-meter waterfall ranks among the scenic area's most striking attractions. Visitors can also go rafting through Qinglong Gorge, making the area perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking relief from the summer heat.
(Photo: Bijia Mountain Tourist Area)
Opening hours: 9:30–17:30
Ticket: From 78 yuan
Address: Y171, Qingxin District, Qingyuan (清远市清新区Y171)
More in Qingyuan:
Xuanzhen Canyon Water Park (玄真峡谷嬉水王国)
Taihe Ancient Cave Scenic Area (太和古洞旅游风景区)
Safety tips:
Wear antiskid shoes as the rocks in mountain streams can be slippery.
Avoid stream trekking during or immediately after heavy rain as water levels can rise rapidly.
Wear a life jacket in deeper water and never explore remote streams alone.
Check local weather conditions before setting out and follow all safety instructions issued by the scenic area.
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
