For those looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Laoshan Mountain, the one-day hiking route from Yangkou to Huayan Scenic Area offers an excellent opportunity. This route features manageable terrain, breathtaking coastal views, and unique rock formations, making it a perfect day trip for hikers of various fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to experience the best coastal views of Laoshan or immerse yourself in the mystical landscapes of Huayan, this guide will walk you through the best hiking experience in the area.
Overview of Yangkou to Huayan Scenic Areas
The hiking route from Yangkou to Huayan Scenic Area is a relatively easy trek and can be completed within a day without feeling too exhausted. Known as the most beautiful coastal area in Laoshan, Yangkou offers stunning views of the coastline. Reaching the top of this area allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, making it a must-see spot for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the region.
In contrast, Huayan Scenic Area, while featuring many unique rock formations and offering some glimpses of the coastline, doesn’t offer as impressive views overall. The main attraction here, Huayan Temple, is still under construction, making it less ideal for visitors seeking a fulfilling experience. While it is still worth visiting, the area doesn’t quite compare to the grandeur of Yangkou.
Route Description
To begin the hike, you can take direct transportation from the city center to Yangkou Visitor Center . The route is relatively simple and straightforward, and the climb itself is not too steep. Once you complete the ascent, you can enjoy a rewarding view of the coastline before descending to head toward Huayan Scenic Area.
The Huayan area is relatively easy to navigate as well. The route from Huayan Temple (华岩寺) to Naluoyan Cave (那罗延) is longer and more strenuous than expected, so it’s a bit more challenging. After exploring the area, you can descend and take a tourist bus to Yakou, where you can switch buses. If time permits, you can visit the nearby Qingshan Fishing Village (青山渔村).
From Yakou, walk about 300 meters west to catch a bus heading toward Dahedong 大河东 (or Ba Shui River 八水河). This bus offers a great view of the most beautiful coastal section of Laoshan, and the journey is comfortable with air conditioning, unlike the 618 bus, which can be quite crowded. Upon reaching Dahedong, you can board the subway (Line 4) to return to the city.
Time Consideration
The hike itself isn’t very strenuous, and since the mountains in this area are not too high, the total hiking time for both scenic areas should take around three hours. However, as the route involves a bit of travel between locations, the total time for the journey may take a little longer, especially with transportation and sightseeing breaks along the way.