Shimen National Forest Park - Xiangsi Ancient Banyan is nestled in the lush hills of Conghua District, Guangzhou. It’s about a 90-minute drive from downtown Guangzhou, near the famous Hot Spring Town. To reach here, you can:

  • Drive: Rent a car or join a local tour group. The park has clear signboards.
  • Public transport: Take a bus from Guangzhou Station to Conghua, then transfer to a local bus heading to Shimen Park.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Directly from Conghua市区 to the park entrance (around ¥50-¥70).

Natural Scenery: A Green Wonderland

Shimen National Forest Park is a breath of fresh air! Covered with forests and streams, it feels like a mini paradise. The Xiangsi Ancient Banyan is the star—a massive, 400-year-old banyan tree with twisting roots and branches. Its shade covers an entire picnic area, perfect for resting. Nearby, you’ll find:

  • Waterfalls: Small but pretty, great for photos.
  • Flower fields: Seasonal blooms (like cherry blossoms in spring) that look like painting.
  • Hiking trails: Easy-to-moderate paths through bamboo groves and valleys.

Cultural Touch: Love Stories & Local Legends

The name “Xiangsi” (Chinese for “Acacia”) comes from the tree’s symbolism—it’s said to represent lasting love. Couples often tie ribbons on its branches as a wish for forever. Even if you’re solo, the tree’s huge size and history make it worth a visit. The park also has ancient stone bridges and temples, though don’t expect grand palaces—it’s more about nature’s beauty.

Practical Tips: What to Bring

  • Wear comfy shoes: The park is hilly, and some trails are rocky.
  • Pack snacks/water: Few shops inside the park.
  • Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes can be active in summer.
  • Camera/phone: Sunrise/sunset by the banyan tree is magical!

Facilities: Family-Friendly & Cozy

The park has basic but clean facilities:

  • Restaurant: Serves local dishes like mountain chicken and bamboo rice.
  • Toilets: Available near the main attractions.
  • Souvenir shops: Buy postcards or dried herbs.
  • Picnic spots: Tables under the banyan tree or near the lake. No luxury hotels, but nearby Hot Spring Town offers hot spring resorts if you want to extend your trip.

My Visit: A Day to Remember

I arrived early morning and was greeted by mist-covered mountains. The Xiangsi Ancient Banyan looked like a giant umbrella, with sunlight filtering through its leaves. I hiked for about 2 hours, stopping by a waterfall and a maple forest. The air smelled fresh, and I barely saw other tourists. At noon, I had lunch at the park’s restaurant (try the mushroom soup!). The best moment? Watching the sunset next to the banyan tree—the sky turned pink, and the tree’s shadows danced on the ground.

Why You Should Go

If you love nature but hate crowds, this is your spot. It’s less famous than Yunnan or Guilin, so you’ll have the trails (and the ancient tree) mostly to yourself. Perfect for:

  • Romantic getaways (pro tip: visit on weekdays for privacy).
  • Family trips (kids love chasing butterflies and climbing rocks).
  • Photographers (misty mornings and vibrant forests).

Shimen National Forest Park - Xiangsi Ancient Banyan isn’t just a sight—it’s a feeling. Slow down, breathe, and let the banyan tree’s calm energy rub off on you. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!