Shiyading: Guangzhou's "Little Jiuzhaigou", Stunning Blue Tears Await You

Shiyading is located in Maicun Village, Xinlong Town, Huangpu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. At its summit, there are two beautiful tianchi (heavenly pools), known as "Guangzhou's Second Tear". Here’s a travel guide for Shiyading: **Pre-Trip Preparation** - **Supplies**: Comfortable sports or hiking shoes to ensure a safe and pleasant walk. Bring enough drinking water and high-energy snacks like chocolate or beef jerky to replenish energy. If planning a picnic, pack a picnic mat, food, and drinks. - **Timing**: A half-day trip is recommended for Shiyading. You can choose to visit in the morning or afternoon based on your schedule. **Transportation Guide** - **By Car**: Navigate to "Maicun Village" or "Dachuan Jiayan". Park near Maicun Village or Dachuan Jiayan Farmhouse (parking fees may apply). Alternatively, navigate to "Chuiwu (Guangzhou) Auto Parts Co., Ltd." and park in the roadside parking lot across the street (free but limited spaces). If full, park at the lot opposite Huasheng Park. - **Public Transport**: Take Metro Line 21 to Zhenlongxi Station (Exit D), walk 800m, then transfer to Bus 444 to Daxintian Village. Or take Metro Line 6 to Xiangxue Station (Exit E), walk 300m, then transfer to Bus 948 to Yongsheng Road. **Hiking Routes** - **Easiest Route (Park at Maicun Village)**: Start from Maicun Village—follow a cement path for ~10min until encountering slopes. Continue uphill; at the fork, turn right (still cement path with shade). After ~10min, you’ll see a public restroom. Proceed up stairs for 5–8min to reach the summit. Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆; Duration: 30min one-way, 1h round-trip. - **Route 1 (Park at Huafeng Temple)**: Start behind Huafeng Temple, hike 800–900m toward Youmashan Peak, then turn right. Follow the ridge trail to Shiyading Tiankeng (sinkhole). Unlike the Maicun route, this leads to the cliff top overlooking the sinkhole, with an optional descent via a side path. Difficulty: ★★★☆☆; Duration: 2h one-way, 4h round-trip. - **Route 2 (Park at Huasheng Park or Yongsheng Road)**: Take the trail west of Chuiwu (Guangzhou) Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (if parking at Huasheng Park, walk to Chuiwu first). At junctions, keep right past a communication base. Continue until a three-way split near a small shop (turn right). After ~15min, pass an adzuki bean soup vendor; the tianchi viewpoint is 5min ahead (same endpoint as Huafeng route). Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆; Duration: 1h one-way, 2h round-trip. **Tips for Your Visit** - **Photo Spots**: The tianchi area is iconic—deep blue waters under clear skies make for stunning shots. Mornings are best for photos (afternoons may backlight the west-facing scenery). - **Picnics & Camping**: The farm and strawberry fields at the base share an owner. Pick strawberries first, then camp at the farm (free tents/tables; order food onsite or bring your own). - **Safety**: Though the hike is easy, stay cautious on steep sections and near the sinkhole edges. Avoid climbing or venturing into risky areas. - **Eco-Friendly**: Preserve the environment—no littering! Keep the area clean and beautiful.