Jizhen Mountain: The Granite Forest's Stairway Breathing Technique

👋 I'm Qingkong, a hiking enthusiast captivated by the rhythm of the wilderness, specializing in short trails that offer diverse experiences.

⛰️ Why Hike Guangzhou's Jizhen Mountain?

Located in the Jizhen Mountain Loop, Liangkou Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, this 8-kilometer wild trail is nestled deep within Liuxi River National Park. With an elevation gain of 612 meters, it ascends like a giant's stone staircase. The entire mountain is wrapped in pristine secondary forests, with granite outcrops exposed on steep slopes, forming natural climbing points. From the summit, enjoy a 360° view of the Liuxi River Reservoir, scattered like shattered jade. Ideal for: Advanced hikers seeking a one-day challenge | Wild adventurers who love rock climbing | Canyon photography enthusiasts chasing light and shadow.

🎒 Life-Saving Anti-Slip Gear

✔️ Deep-tread hiking boots + leg gaiters (hidden granite gravel under leaves can be slippery)
✔️ Half-finger anti-slip gloves (needed for gripping rock crevices during the summit climb)
✔️ Waist pack essentials: Salted olives (prevents cramps), band-aids (for rock scrapes), cooling spray (for ankle relief during breaks)

🚶 Wild Rhythm Strategy

Xingxi Farm (starting point) → Tractor road (1km warm-up) → Rock climbing section (core challenge) → Summit platform (panoramic rest stop) → Forest steep descent (knee test) → Liuxi River tributary (cool-down finish)

Time management: Spend no more than 30 minutes on the tractor road to conserve energy; allocate 1.5 hours for the rock climbing section, taking it steady; limit summit stay to under 20 minutes (fog often rolls in after noon).

🧗 Rock Conquest Guide

▫️ Choose diagonal crevices for footholds
On 45° slopes, look for horizontal rock cracks, wedge your toes in, and push up (gripping protrusions for stability).

▫️ Shift weight forward with your backpack
On 70° smooth rock surfaces, lean forward and let the backpack's weight counterbalance to prevent tipping backward.

▫️ Teamwork momentum transfer
On steep sections, brace against your teammate's steps and pass momentum hand-to-hand.

⚠️ Hard-Earned Lessons

→ The rock climbing section has no shade—pass through before 10 AM for an easier climb.
→ Use dual trekking poles on the steep descent to save 30% knee strain (bamboo poles by the stream can serve in a pinch).
→ No supplies at the summit—bring 1.5L of water + energy gels.

🌿 Hidden Wilderness Gems

• Pick wild bayberries along the tractor road in May (pair with salted olives for a refreshing tang).
• Collect pinecones as coasters during the forest descent (choose ones with intact scales).
• Soak your feet in the stream at the finish line (cold water stimulates arches to prevent soreness).

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Energy Replenishment Stops

› Start/end farmhouse: Claypot rice with cured meats (25 RMB)
› Summit self-supply: Electrolyte powder mixed with stream water (bring a filtered straw)
› Riverside grandma's stall: Grass jelly (5 RMB/bowl to beat the heat)

Note: Granite remains slippery for 12 hours after rain; descend crab-style on moss-covered roots; last Conghua Bus #4 departs at 17:50; open flames prohibited during forest fire season.

Trivia:

The summit's weathered rocks hide golden dog ferns (a nationally protected species—do not pick). Green bamboo snakes inhabit Liuxi River tributaries—avoid flipping rocks. After 11:00 AM, villagers offer paid motorcycle rides on the tractor road (bargain down to 15 RMB/person).