Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area(Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park)

Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area is located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta. It is an ancient volcano that lay dormant for tens of millions of years, with its main peak standing over 300 m above sea level. It is often said that "a trip to Lingnan is incomplete without visiting Xiqiao Mountain." As early as over 6,000 years ago, ancient inhabitants quarried stone here to make tools. Archaeologists have ranked this site alongside the Shanxi Emakou site as one of China's two major Neolithic stone tool workshops in the north and south. Thus, Xiqiao Mountain is hailed as the "beacon of Pearl River civilization." During the Ming Dynasty, Confucian scholars such as Zhan Ruoshui and Fang Xianfu established academies here to teach, earning it the title of "renowned mountain of Neo-Confucianism." The layering of prehistoric ruins, ancient quarrying sites, and historical academy relics within a single mountain is a rare cultural depth among Lingnan's famous peaks.

The main views along the mountain unfold through peculiar rocks, secluded caves, and mountain lakes. The bronze statue of Guanyin on Daxian Peak stands over 60 m tall, serving as the landmark view of the entire mountain. From the summit, the open vista overlooks vast stretches of mulberry-dyke fishpond landscapes below. Baiyun Cave clusters Ming and Qing dynasty structures like Sanhu Academy, Kuiguang Tower, and Yunquan Immortal Hall alongside cliff carvings. Kang Youwei spent his youth studying here, and the cave's "Thousand-foot waterfall" was listed among the "Eight views of Yangcheng" as early as the Qing dynasty. The ancient quarrying site at Shiyan Rock features deep caverns, with underwater traces of ancestral stone extraction still visible today. Jiulong Rock's massive boulders interconnect through nine passages—bright outside yet dark within—creating a spelunking adventure akin to navigating a spiral shell. Tianhu Lake in the northwest, formed in an ancient volcanic crater, is embraced by emerald peaks on three sides. Since the Ming dynasty, locals have practiced the unique "mid-mountain dragon boat" tradition, and today, dragon boat races still take place on the lake during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Xiqiao Mountain is also the hometown of martial arts master Huang Feihong. The Huang Feihong Lion Dance and Martial Arts Hall at the foot of the mountain was built on the original site of the Huang family ancestral temple, regularly featuring lion dance and martial arts performances, serving as a window to experience southern lion dance and kung fu culture. The attraction covers a large area, with sightseeing buses and cable cars connecting various attractions. The cable car links Baiyun Cave and Tianhu Lake, saving energy while offering scenic views. Visitors who prefer walking can follow the hiking trails to explore canyon views like Cuiyan and Shiyan Rock. During flower seasons, attractions like the Square Bamboo Garden, Camellia Garden, and Peach Blossom Garden are also worth visiting along the way.