China is still an unknown travel gem for the most part, I really believe that. Especially for those that cannot speak Chinese. For example my latest trip to China was to Shaoguan and Danxiashan both in the north of the Guangdong province, neither of which are even recognised as locations on most travel websites. I was the only foreigner in sight, and certainly the only one to do the hike to Penis Rock. These unknown gems of China even fail to make it into the popular traveller's bible The Lonely Planet. In fact, not even the city of Shaoguan is featured in the latest edition - China Lonely Planet. []
What is Penis Rock? (in Chinese "Yang Yuan Stone")
Basically it's a rock in the shape of a man's sausage! Whatever name you want to call your penis. It is a naturally formed rock in that shape and even has the same curves at the top!
Accessibility is easy if you're Chinese - if you're not, then get ready for a tiring adventure to find Penis Rock. Luckily with my girlfriend being fluent in both Chinese languages, it was easy for us to get to Penis Rock.
First of all you need to get to the city of Shaoguan in North Guangdong Province. We got there from high speed train from Shenzhen. Timetable here: Shenzhen to ShaoguanLiving in Hong Kong at present, most of my China adventures start off with a border crossing into Shenzhen. To confuse you even more, Shaoguan has TWO train stations, we needed a bus between the two of them to get a connecting bus to the Danxia Mountains. Nobody really speaks English in Shaoguan, though the Chinese folk in the city are extremely hospitable and friendly.
When visiting Danxiashan you should stay in the village of Yao Tang up in the mountains. You can get a hotel there easily and it is also near another small village called Jin Jiang. This is where the walk to penis rock starts.
You need an entrance ticket. They are valid for 48 hours and cost 120 Yuan (RMB). We were there at the weekend, apparently tickets are cheaper at 100 Yuan (RMB) during the week. You have to buy them at the ticket office just before you cross into the National Park.
You'll need to get a map of Danxiashan and it will be entirely in Chinese so do your best to work it all out and ask at the hotel if you need to. Most of the signposts inside the national park are in English though which is a real bonus.
The view from the top of the Pavilion is outstanding. On the other side you view an incredible sunset from the top of a Fortress. Finally I had to do at least one funny photo when I was there at Penis Rock. The Chinese are such a shy race when it comes to sex, nudity and willies, this photo attracted more odd looks than laughs!
What Is It? A rock shaped like a penis
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Rough daily cost - Under $10 US
What is Penis Rock? (in Chinese "Yang Yuan Stone")
Basically it's a rock in the shape of a man's sausage! Whatever name you want to call your penis. It is a naturally formed rock in that shape and even has the same curves at the top!
Accessibility is easy if you're Chinese - if you're not, then get ready for a tiring adventure to find Penis Rock. Luckily with my girlfriend being fluent in both Chinese languages, it was easy for us to get to Penis Rock.
First of all you need to get to the city of Shaoguan in North Guangdong Province. We got there from high speed train from Shenzhen. Timetable here: Shenzhen to ShaoguanLiving in Hong Kong at present, most of my China adventures start off with a border crossing into Shenzhen. To confuse you even more, Shaoguan has TWO train stations, we needed a bus between the two of them to get a connecting bus to the Danxia Mountains. Nobody really speaks English in Shaoguan, though the Chinese folk in the city are extremely hospitable and friendly.
When visiting Danxiashan you should stay in the village of Yao Tang up in the mountains. You can get a hotel there easily and it is also near another small village called Jin Jiang. This is where the walk to penis rock starts.
You need an entrance ticket. They are valid for 48 hours and cost 120 Yuan (RMB). We were there at the weekend, apparently tickets are cheaper at 100 Yuan (RMB) during the week. You have to buy them at the ticket office just before you cross into the National Park.
You'll need to get a map of Danxiashan and it will be entirely in Chinese so do your best to work it all out and ask at the hotel if you need to. Most of the signposts inside the national park are in English though which is a real bonus.
The view from the top of the Pavilion is outstanding. On the other side you view an incredible sunset from the top of a Fortress. Finally I had to do at least one funny photo when I was there at Penis Rock. The Chinese are such a shy race when it comes to sex, nudity and willies, this photo attracted more odd looks than laughs!
What Is It? A rock shaped like a penis
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Rough daily cost - Under $10 US
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