Visit the Grand Cany

Visit the Grand Canyon -- in China! Ruyuan Canyon in Shaoguan, Guangdong, also known as the Grand Canyon of Guangdong or Ruyuan Grand Canyon, is a massive gorge in Ruyuan County, a landscape completely unlike southern Guangdong. The head of the canyon features an impressive waterfall and there are many smaller falls throughout the area. Climb down a seeming eternity of steps to reach the bottom of the canyon and view the waterfall, and then hike downstream and along a box canyon before climbing back up to the top. The whole route should take 2-3 hours for fit hikers, but it's worth taking it easy and enjoying the stunning scenery. Except for the climbs down and up the gorgeside, it's an easy walk. Parts of the park have a bit of an abandoned feeling; besides there being few other hikers the day I went (mid-week) some of the park facilities are getting old. For example a funicular railway up the gorge side no longer operates (the stairs next to it are also closed now) but that was fine for me as I prefer as natural a setting as possible. There's a performance several times a day in which two stunt artists ride a bike across a tightrope over the canyon. It's well worth watching (and a bit terrifying.) There is a bus to the park from Ruyuan town (which is accessible from Shaoguan by bus), but it would be much easier to get here by car, in which case it would be an easy day trip from Guangzhou or Shenzhen. There are many other places to hike around Shaoguan, so it would also make a great weekend trip. #qingmingtravel #urbanexplorer #lightthecity #hiking #waterfall #canyon #mountains #views #photography #guangdong #shaoguan #china