Many parks in Guangzhou don’t allow cycling but Dafushan Forest Park is the opposite!It’s my absolute favourite, FREE cycling and picnic spot in Guangzhou! Yes, it takes a while to reach it but the place is so worth it! Beautiful landscapes and plenty of fun is guaranteed at this ‘southern lung’ of Guangzhou.

Dafushan, despite its name, is not one mountain peak but more of a forested area with several hills, lakes and PLENTY of cycling lanes. In fact, almost the entire 9,000 acres-large ‘park’ is designed specifically for cycling with no public vehicles allowed. Yes, it really is that massive!

This place is perfect, especially for those with kids over 7 years old. Older children will enjoy the absolute thrill of speeding down the hills (whilst you’re getting a heart attack) and zooming along some winding paths, meanwhile younger ones will have fun at two big playgrounds, cruising around the lakes in the boats and playing to their heart’s content in many squares, on sprawling lawns, fishing and, of course, cycling in the safer, flatter areas. The roads do get rather busy on weekends but since the place is incredibly vast, it’s certainly possible to find quieter lanes, where even toddlers can enjoy a chilled ride.

Due to its sheer size, one could say the site is loosely divided into ‘maintained‘ and ‘wild‘ areas, the latter being my favourite as when you’re there, it is so quiet and so empty that you could easily imagine yourself being on your own in a forest somewhere in the countryside, not in Panyu! The word FOREST in its name is not an exaggeration.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking of it as just another big park, like Tianhe Park or Luhu Park. I have been there several times over the years and somehow every time it feels even larger than before! Oh, you’ll be pleased to know that they do have battery cars that can drive you around the park (and ones you can drive yourself) if cycling is not your thing and you get tired of walking (or have mobility problems). Those can be rented at either of the gates, similarly to the ones you get to ride at Baiyun mountain or in Yuexiu Park.

Due to its remote-ish location, you can’t hear any traffic noise, it really is an oasis-outside of the main public areas and cycling lanes, that is. There is something special about this place that separates it from other natural spots in the city; it has both vitality and tranquility, and everyone, grown ups and kids, leaves satisfied (if exhausted).

There are countless rest areas and relaxing spots, where you can freely set up your tent or lay down a blanket and you won’t be bothered by anyone else, all you need to do is get away from the main road.

After you return from Dafushan, you’ll probably realise you didn’t take many photos despite the beautiful views, attractive tourist spots and the nature surrounding you because you spent all of your time pedalling! This is what happens to me each time I’m there. One time we went, we cycled non-stop for about 2 hours on a tandem bike-my son loved it, my husband’s legs-not so much:)! What surprised me (and probably shouldn’t have) is the number of hiking trails! I spotted at least 6-7 official ones(think: stairs) off the main roads and I’m sure there must be many more. Thus, even if you’re not a cyclist, don’t skip Dafushan. Come for the hikes instead, if that’s what you(and your kid)prefer.

However, last time I ensured I stopped regularly, especially to take photo for this blog. We had some exhilarating, extremely fast rides down-the-hills (with breaks on, of course) but we also experienced the painful and tear-inducing, ‘I can’t do this anymore’ climbs up several times. I also managed to get lost and go in circles! Fear not though, I’m sure you’d be much better at following the signs and navigation than me.

In any case, thanks to my somewhat confused state brought on by happy exhaustion, my son and I discovered a new (to us) part of this cycling heaven, which turned out to be my favourite part at all! Best bit? It was super quiet and we could zig zag our way back to the south gate without having to avoid pedestrians.

What was also different about our most recent trip there, was that instead of eating in one of the restaurants located in Panyu (e.g. at Four Seas Bay mall) or those right across the road, we bought some local snacks and enjoyed them in the form or a picnic-best decision! Just look at our ‘table with a view’! By the water, away from other families and noise but still close to the roads-perfect.

Dafushan Forest Park is one of those places I recommend to everyone as soon as I get asked about family-friendly places in Guangzhou. Not many locations can beat this one, in my opinion! Definitely not ones located well within the city limits. The place is fantastic, the rental bikes are cheap (25-35rmb per day, depending on bike type) and you can easily spend an entire day there. Best time to visit? Whole year with the exception of the hottest summer days (though even then you’ll find plenty of shade there to cool down, just remember to bring water and a fan).

What has been your experience of Dafushan Forest Park?x

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Info:

Address: Dafushan Forest Park, Lushan West Road, Panyu district. The park has several entrances.

Opening times: 8-18, 7 days a week

Getting there: Take metro Line 3 to Hanxi Changlong, followed by a bus: 109, 125, 10A to Jinxiu Ecological Park(it’s on my list!) or Dafushan North Gate or to Shiqiao station and bus No.16 (bus stop right outside Shiqiao station) or a taxi to the main gate.

Parking: On-site, free BUT it does fill up quickly on weekends so you may have to park on the street.

Price: FREE!

Bike rental: From 10-35rmb, per bike, per day! Single, tandem, kids and family bikes are all widely available at tens of rental shops around both the north and south gates. Most bikes with children’s seats come with seatbelts, do ask about kids’ helmets if you don’t have your own.

Food: There aren’t many options inside the park so I suggest one of the many eateries located right outside (Chinese) or even better, your own picnic:) Alternatively, if you want a proper restaurant meal after a day of cycling, you may choose to drive about 10min to Clifford Estates, where loads of restaurants are located. A bit further away is the Four Seas shopping mall, known for its eateries.

Facilities: Plenty of toilets.

Age: All

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Tips:

• Feel free to choose the bike you like the best, don’t feel obliged to go with the one chosen for you by shop staff if you don’t feel comfortable with their choice.
• The large kid’s playground is located at the north gate of Dafushan and gets very busy. Smaller one is not far from the south gate and is significantly quieter.
• Once you decided which bike you like, make sure everything is in good working order, especially the seat height adjustment-I had an issue with that once and it was a problem since I’m quite tall. Riding a bike with your knees touching your elbows was NOT fun. I learnt my lesson!
• Go in the early morning to really appreciate this amazing place! Just a few locals, your bike and hundreds and hundreds of acres of nature around you.
• If you really like cycling and want to spend the entire day at Dafushan (I would, if I could!), why not make a weekend out of it, go on a staycation and see some other attractions located nearby that you may normally dismiss due to their remote location? You could you spend a morning at, say, Shawan Ancient Town.This is by far the best preserved Lignan village in Guangzhou with plenty of interesting architecture and unique foods. If you want to experience even more Chinese culture (buildings are fake-old but well done) but at the same time give your kids space to run around, visit the visually stunning Bao Mo Garden. Both within easy reach from Dafushan.