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 willy rock/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!
Head firstly to the city called Shaoguan which is in the northern part of China's Guangdong Province. High speed train connects Shaoguan with the rest of China - an option is coming in through Shenzhen. You'll then need a bus from the city of Shaoguan out to the Danxia mountains.
In Danxiashan we stayed in the village of Yao Tang - a river separates Yao Tang from the small market village of Jin Jiang. From Jin Jiang, a 30 minute walk witll take you to the first viewing platform for Penis Rock. We stayed in a hotel in the centre of Yao Tang.
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.
You'll need to get a map of Danxiashan and it will be entirely in Chinese so do your best to work it all out and ask at the hotel if you need to. Most of the signposts inside the national park are in English though which is a real bonus.
Head to the top of the Pavilion for sunset. The view is just stunning and well worth the trip. You can get your comedy photos of penis rock done on the way up. It's a high climb up so take some water!
What? A massive rock in the shape of a man's dick.
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Cost per day - Easily under $10 US Dollars
What is willy rock/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!
Head firstly to the city called Shaoguan which is in the northern part of China's Guangdong Province. High speed train connects Shaoguan with the rest of China - an option is coming in through Shenzhen. You'll then need a bus from the city of Shaoguan out to the Danxia mountains.
In Danxiashan we stayed in the village of Yao Tang - a river separates Yao Tang from the small market village of Jin Jiang. From Jin Jiang, a 30 minute walk witll take you to the first viewing platform for Penis Rock. We stayed in a hotel in the centre of Yao Tang.
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.
You'll need to get a map of Danxiashan and it will be entirely in Chinese so do your best to work it all out and ask at the hotel if you need to. Most of the signposts inside the national park are in English though which is a real bonus.
Head to the top of the Pavilion for sunset. The view is just stunning and well worth the trip. You can get your comedy photos of penis rock done on the way up. It's a high climb up so take some water!
What? A massive rock in the shape of a man's dick.
Why visit? Amazing sunset, odd shaped rocks, cheap drinks, decent hiking and fantastic views.
Cost per day - Easily under $10 US Dollars
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