Zhanglao sunrise
Over the red peaks.
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A mountain of red rock in northern Guangdong that gave its name to the «Danxia» landform for which China's red sandstone mountains are known; in 2010 it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List as part of «China Danxia» with five other areas in southern China, and it is also a UNESCO Global Geopark rated 5A. Its rocks were laid down as layers of sandstone and gravel carried by rivers into an ancient basin between 140 and 65 million years ago, then reddened by oxidation and slowly lifted about a metre every ten thousand years, while water carved them into towering red cliffs, peaks, pillars and narrow valleys with a clear river winding between them. Visitors ride the cable car or climb the steps to Zhanglao Peak to watch the sunrise and sunset over the red summits, take boats on the river beneath the cliffs, and walk the narrow canyon and mountain trails. Tickets cost CNY 100 including the area bus, valid 48 hours, with the boat trip at CNY 120 and the cable car at 40 one way or 60 return, per visitor guides. The mountain is about an hour's drive from Shaoguan city and worth an overnight stay for the sunrise.
Over the red peaks.
Between the cliffs.
In red rock.
Renhua County, north of Shaoguan, Guangdong
At least a full day, ideally with a night in Danxia town to see the sunrise from Zhanglao Peak; the ticket is valid 48 hours.
Choices are few in Danxia town and local cooking uses pork, so bring snacks and look in Shaoguan city for restaurants under the halal sign.