Gupo Mountain’s Three Major Scenic Wonders: Fengshen Waterfall, Lover’s Forest, and Xiangu Temple – A Nanny-Level Guide and Pitfall Avoidance Tips
Who understands, family! I went to Gupo Mountain for the “natural air conditioning” but ended up being strongly recommended the three major scenic wonders and tried all the hidden local snacks. This trip was truly legendary~ I’ve compiled a super comprehensive guide covering transportation, attractions, food, and accommodation—follow it and you won’t go wrong!
🚗Transportation: Don’t confront illegal taxis head-on!
- For self-drivers, just navigate to “Gupo Mountain Scenic Area.” The highway exit road is very smooth, 40 minutes straight from the city, parking fee is 10 yuan/day (a bit pricey but better than no parking at all).
- For high-speed rail travelers, note! There’s no direct bus to the scenic area! You either rent a car or take city buses. The shuttle bus from 8bu-li only goes to the distribution center, you still need to transfer (don’t ask how I know, I walked an extra 8 kilometers and cried).
- Money-saving tip: Rent a small electric scooter for 30 yuan/day, breezing around nearby is super pleasant and way more reliable than waiting for the bus!
🌿Attractions: Three major scenic wonders + hidden experiences
- Xiangu Waterfall: The must-hit centerpiece! The 80-meter drop sends water rushing down, the mist instantly cools your face by 10°C, summer visits are pure bliss that’ll make you stomp your feet~ But never come on rainy days! The fog is so thick you can’t see anything, it’s a pure trial.
- Lover’s Forest: The perfect date spot! Trees grow in pairs, entwined, making photos look amazing~ It has a built-in barbecue area and natural swimming pool, great for family picnics, offering a romantic and cozy vibe.
- Xiangu Ancient Temple: A fairyland hidden halfway up the mountain, with layered steps surrounded by green trees full of spiritual energy. Sincerely praying here might bring good luck. Remember to wear comfortable shoes so the climb won’t tire your feet.
- Hidden Easter Eggs: The monkey troop near the ancient kiln is very lively, but don’t feed them casually! They’ll chase and block you for food, just watch their antics from afar; Fangjia Tea Garden offers free tea tasting, the filming location of “Tea is the Strongest in Hometown,” the tea aroma mixed with mountain breeze is super healing.
🍜Snacks: Local flavors that fill you up for 5 yuan
- Fragrant Snail Rice Noodles: The main store is on Xinning Street, with plenty of sour bamboo shoots, spicy and addictive, locals queue daily.
- Gonghuazi Beef Intestines in Sour Soup: Sour and spicy to whet your appetite, bursting with juice in every bite, two authentic shops on Qianjin West Road, just go for it.
- Shiming Double-Skin Milk: When tired from walking, have a bowl, rich milky flavor and super smooth, near Shenglong Mall, and you can buy northern-style baked cakes as snacks afterward.
- Street Stall Surprise: Snack stalls at Jian’an Street corner, 5 yuan can buy a big bag of fried goodies, cost performance maxed out!
🏡Accommodation: Sleeping in the forest is super healing
- Shanding Lake Resort Hotel: 1 km from the scenic area exit, open the window to mountain views, very quiet environment, perfect for those seeking peace, phone 0774-5236816.
- Forest Hotel Package: 888 yuan includes double tickets + hot springs + two meals, triple room is spacious, eating well and soaking in hot springs is so cozy, no price increase during Spring Festival.
- City Backup: Yindu Grand Hotel offers great value, convenient transportation, very close to snack street, suitable for budget-conscious friends.
🍲Dining: Must-hit treasure spots for food lovers
- Hexiang Bieyuan Farmhouse: 98 yuan for a four-person meal to your fill! Lemon chicken is sour and appetizing, chilled pig’s trotters are chewy, the antique-style environment is perfect for vintage photo shoots.
- Sandy Tofu Fish: Tender fish with tofu, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop, the shop on Taibai Road tastes very authentic.
- Scenic Area Tip: Only snack stalls on the mountain, it’s recommended to go down the mountain for a proper meal, don’t waste money in the scenic area!
🎫Tickets: Money-saving tips here
- Regular price 66 yuan/person, buy online 1 hour in advance for only 58 yuan, residents of nearby cities like Yongzhou, Hunan and Qingyuan, Guangdong get half price with ID, children under 1.2 meters free.
- Sightseeing bus 15 yuan is a must-buy! The scenic area is 6 km long, walking can tire you out to doubt life, isn’t it better to save energy for sightseeing?
- Pitfall avoidance: Don’t buy Peacock Garden tickets separately, 40 yuan for feed lets you enter free (limit four people), don’t trust the free photo trick, you have to pay extra for the pictures!
Gupo Mountain is truly a treasure for summer cooling, oxygen intake, and photography. Each of the three major scenic wonders has its own charm, and the snacks are surprisingly cheap~ Remember to wear sneakers and bring mosquito repellent, only sunny days show the most beautiful scenery!