Dongguan | Qifeng Park | A Sacred Blessing Site and Natural Haven in the City's Green Lung

🌿🏮 Nestled in the bustling heart of Dongguan lies Qifeng Park, home to the "Number One Peak of Dongguan" – Huangqi Mountain. Spanning 234.63 hectares, this ecological garden is anchored by the 189-meter-tall Huangqi Mountain, connecting ancient temples, panoramic city views, seasonal flower seas, and urban greenways. It’s not only the site of Dongguan’s top scenic spot, "Lanterns Hanging on Huangqi Peak," but also a free urban oasis where locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in nature and culture. 🌄 Key Highlights • **Mountain Ascent & Blessings**: A 20-minute hike to Huangqi Peak rewards you with a bird’s-eye view of Dongguan’s CBD. At night, the 9-meter-tall red lantern atop the mountain glows, harmonizing with the city’s neon lights. • **Ancient Temple Exploration**: The incense-filled Huangqi Guanyin Temple, dating back to the Song Dynasty, features a four-courtyard complex blending Lingnan gray sculpture and woodcarving. The chimes of morning bells and evening drums evoke serenity. • **Floral Wonderland**: In November, pink bombax flowers cascade like waterfalls. Spring brings rival blooms of azaleas and bauhinia, while lakeside bougainvillea walls create cinematic photo ops. • **Eco Oasis**: With 85% vegetation coverage and negative ion levels 10 times higher than the city, the park is a natural barrier where egrets dance and streams run crystal-clear. 🚶 Travel Tips • **Classic Route**: South Gate (30 min) → Lakeside Greenway Cycling (40 min) → Huangqi Temple Blessings (20 min) → Mountain Hike & Lantern Viewing (1 hr) → Sunset at Peak (30 min) → East Lake Nightscape (20 min). Total: ~3 hours. • **Hidden Moments**: 6 AM for mist-shrouded lantern views, 2 PM to visit the ancient Lianquan Well, 5 PM to catch the "half-crimson, half-emerald" sunset over Qifeng Lake. • **Admission**: Free for hiking; Huangqi Temple: ¥5; Taoist Temple: ¥5 (tickets on-site). 🍜 Local Flavors Must-try dishes: 1️⃣ **Roast Goose Lai Fun**: Chewy rice noodles with secret sauce from Yongli, a century-old eatery. 2️⃣ **Daojiao Zongzi**: Sticky rice and mung bean wrapped in phrynium leaves, slow-cooked for 6 hours. 3️⃣ **Tang Buluo**: Glutinous rice balls coated in peanut-sesame mix, drizzled with ginger-brown sugar syrup. Head to "New Guangming Market Night Bazaar" near the East Gate for authentic snacks (~¥25/person). 🚇 Transport Guide • **Metro**: Line 2, Qifeng Park Station (Exits D/E), 5-minute walk to North Gate. • **Drive**: Navigate to "Qifeng Park Parking Lot." Weekday parking is ample; arrive before 9 AM on weekends. • **Bus**: Routes 1/18/23/37 to "Qifeng Park Station," with stops along Dongguan Avenue. 🏡 Nearby Stays • **Qifeng Elegance Homestay**: A renovated 100-year-old Hakka courtyard with rooftop Hanfu photo ops (includes breakfast/dinner, ¥368/set). • **East River Fisherman’s Lodge**: Lakeside wooden cabins with egret views, offering firewood cooking and river feasts (~¥280/night). This ecological jewel embedded in the city’s core reconnects weary souls with nature. When red lanterns illuminate the skyline, and bougainvillea sways with dusk, you’ll understand the meaning of "seclusion within the city, heart yearning for the mountains." 🌅🏞️