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!
Finding and accessing the rock is easy enough if you are Chinese, or at least speak it. If you are not Chinese it could take you a while to find it but will be some adventure!
Start off by getting to Shaoguan city, this is a massive city in north Guangdong, the province in China. You can get there easily by high speed rail. China's high speed and normal train network is extensive so you will have no problems. The bus from Shaoguan out to the mountains will be the trickier journey.
You can stay in the mountain village of Yao Tang near a river and coupled with another mountain village called Jin Jiang. From here it's only a 20 - 30 minute walk to view the rock that looks like a penis. You'll get a cheap hotel there.
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.
A map of the area of Danxiashan. I don't think English ones are available as there are simply no English speaking people about, nor any non-Chinese people. But then why should they have English maps? This is China don't forget! You don't see a map of my hometown of Bangor in Northern Ireland translated into Chinese now do you?
The best thing to do is the hike to the Pavilion and fortress which are even higher than penis rock. You will walk up past the big willy on your way up so can grab your comedy photos there and then.
What Is It? A rock shaped like a penis
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Cost per day - Easily under $10 US Dollars
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!
Finding and accessing the rock is easy enough if you are Chinese, or at least speak it. If you are not Chinese it could take you a while to find it but will be some adventure!
Start off by getting to Shaoguan city, this is a massive city in north Guangdong, the province in China. You can get there easily by high speed rail. China's high speed and normal train network is extensive so you will have no problems. The bus from Shaoguan out to the mountains will be the trickier journey.
You can stay in the mountain village of Yao Tang near a river and coupled with another mountain village called Jin Jiang. From here it's only a 20 - 30 minute walk to view the rock that looks like a penis. You'll get a cheap hotel there.
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.
A map of the area of Danxiashan. I don't think English ones are available as there are simply no English speaking people about, nor any non-Chinese people. But then why should they have English maps? This is China don't forget! You don't see a map of my hometown of Bangor in Northern Ireland translated into Chinese now do you?
The best thing to do is the hike to the Pavilion and fortress which are even higher than penis rock. You will walk up past the big willy on your way up so can grab your comedy photos there and then.
What Is It? A rock shaped like a penis
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Cost per day - Easily under $10 US Dollars
About the Author:
For more articles like willy rock and chongqing backpacking head to Jonny Blair's backpacking website which covers a load of china beaten track backpacking from all provinces.
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