Dalingshan Forest Park Chashan Peak Trail

The Chashan Peak Trail is the main summit route in Dalingshan Forest Park, which spans the Houjie, Humen, Chang'an and Dalingshan areas of Dongguan in Guangdong, China. The trailhead lies at the end of Huanlin Road in Dalingshan Town, and the park entrance is about 500 m straight west from there. Visitors usually arrive by car or taxi, and Amap finds the park under the Chinese name 大岭山森林公园. Driving up to the Guanyin Temple area saves about one third of the climb, which makes this a popular option for families and casual walkers. The full round trip on tea-garden and forest paths is approximately 5 to 7 km and takes 2.5 to 4 hours, while shorter loops of about 2 to 3 km are also available. Chashan Peak stands at 530 m and is the highest peak in central-west Dongguan. The elevation gain from the lower start is moderate, and the route is well used and easy to follow, which fits the easy classification for anyone who is reasonably fit. Surfaces are a blend of paved and stepped forest paths, packed earth and tea-garden tracks, with plenty of shade from the woodland on the lower and middle sections. The summit is more open and gives views across the Dalingshan hills toward the city. Landmarks include the Guanyin Temple area, tea plantations on the slopes, and the peak itself. Walkers who tire can turn around at the temple area or take a shorter loop without missing the character of the park. Water should be brought from the start, at about 2 litres per person, and shelter is limited to pavilions and temple buildings. Insect repellent is useful in warm months because mosquitoes are common in the forest. October to April offers the cooler, drier weather that suits the climb, while summer is hot, humid and often wet.