Plan at a glance
The tea-tree viewpoint and gorge walk are different sections
Dahongpao Scenic Area is in the core scenic area. The usual plan is to take the sightseeing shuttle to the Dahongpao stop, then walk to the mother-tree viewpoint and onto the Rock-Bone Flower-Scent path. The viewpoint can be a short stop, while the walking route is about 4.5 km and passes Liuxiang Stream, Huiyuan Temple, and Tianchejia before continuing towards the Water Curtain Cave area.
The core area currently requires advance real-name reservation and normally a sightseeing-shuttle product. Common shuttle prices are CNY 70 for one day, CNY 85 for two days, and CNY 90 for three days. The scenic area is open all day, but 8:00–17:00 is a more practical window for the main walk, and the shuttle commonly stops around 18:00.
How much time to allow
Seeing the mother-tree viewpoint and returning takes about one hour. The main Dahongpao–Liuxiang Stream–Huiyuan Temple–Tianchejia–Water Curtain Cave walk needs around 2.5–3 hours. If you enter from the North Gate and walk to the Water Curtain Cave, then decide whether the water conditions justify a stop, allow 4–5 hours.
The route is not as steep as Tianyou Peak, but the distance and final shuttle still matter. If you also plan Tianyou Peak or Jiuquxi Bamboo Rafting, calculate the return stop and the last shuttle together with the walking time.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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The mother-tree viewpoint and Jiulongke cliffs
The mother Dahongpao trees grow around the Jiulongke cliffs. There are six old trees, and harvesting stopped in 2006, so visitors view them from a distance. The point is to understand the tea trees' setting and the surrounding rock landscape; “mother-tree tea” should not be treated as an ordinary product for sale, and there is no visitor route for close-up harvesting.
The viewpoint can be a short stop focused on the cliffs, trees, and valley. If someone in your group does not want the longer walk, returning to the shuttle after the viewpoint is a complete visit.
Liuxiang Stream, Huiyuan Temple, and Tianchejia
Liuxiang Stream follows a wooded gorge where rock, water, and tea hills appear together. Huiyuan Temple sits deeper among the tea fields and works as a rest point on the walk. Tianchejia is a historic cliffside site, and the path becomes more like a mountain route after leaving the main viewpoint.
The walk suits light hikers, tea-culture visitors, and photographers, as well as families willing to walk at an easy pace. It does not have the sustained climb of Tianyou Peak, but there are still wet stones, insects, and few places to restock.
Build your day
Quick route: viewpoint and return
After getting off at the Dahongpao stop, follow the on-site direction to the mother-tree viewpoint, stay briefly, and return to the shuttle. The route takes about one hour and suits visitors with limited time, older adults and children, or anyone who has already completed the raft and Tianyou Peak.
Before leaving the stop, confirm the direction to the viewpoint and the walking path. Do not follow a single sign only because it says “Dahongpao” and end up on a climb that does not fit the group's fitness or schedule.
Classic route: from the mother trees towards Water Curtain Cave
First-time visitors can start at the mother-tree viewpoint, walk through Liuxiang Stream, continue to Huiyuan Temple and Tianchejia, and then head towards the Water Curtain Cave stop. The route is about 4.5 km and is relatively gentle, but keep an eye on walking speed and the final shuttle from the Water Curtain Cave side.
When you reach the Water Curtain Cave area, check the day's water level and path conditions before deciding how long to stay. The waterfall depends on recent rainfall, so the water flow and full waterfall experience are not fixed. If conditions are ordinary, treat it as a passing point rather than a reason to make a long detour.
Deep route: North Gate in, walking route out
For a longer tea-hill walk, enter from the North Gate, take the sightseeing shuttle to the Dahongpao stop, and walk along the Rock-Bone Flower-Scent path towards Water Curtain Cave. If the water conditions are suitable and time allows, add about an hour there before taking the shuttle out.
Do not start this route close to the final shuttle. If the weather worsens, the stone becomes slippery, or someone loses energy, shorten the walk and return to a confirmed shuttle point instead of entering an unmarked path.
Get there
Sightseeing shuttle and bus
Buy the sightseeing-shuttle product at the South or North Gate Visitor Centre and take the vehicle directly to the Dahongpao stop. Bus 9 from Sangu Resort serves some outer stops, but you still need to transfer to the scenic-area shuttle, so include the transfer time.
The attraction points are spread out and the sightseeing shuttle is the main connection. Private cars and taxis should not be treated as vehicles that can drive directly to the mother-tree viewpoint inside the core area.
Driving and parking
Drivers should park near the South or North Gate Visitor Centre and transfer to the sightseeing shuttle. Remember which gate or shuttle point you need to return to, especially when the route starts from the North Gate and finishes near the Water Curtain Cave side.
Do not use roadside parking areas where people solicit drivers. The Rock-Bone Flower-Scent path is a walking route, so confirm the return vehicle and final shuttle before starting.
Know before you go
Signs, fitness, and the return shuttle
At the Dahongpao stop, several directions may look similar. First decide whether you want the flatter walking route or a climb, then choose the direction. Do not follow the word “Dahongpao” alone and end up on a route that is too steep or too long for the day.
There are few supply points along the walking route, and the supplies near the mother trees will not cover the whole distance. Carry water and simple food, wear shoes with good grip, bring insect repellent, and keep the final shuttle time in the plan.
Tea sales and protection of the old trees
People nearby may promote free tea tasting or cheap tea. The mother trees stopped being harvested long ago, so do not buy tea claimed to come from them. Tea sales, tea-factory visits, and tasting activities are not part of the scenic-area visit; if you buy tea, check the source, price, and production information yourself.
Rain and Water Curtain Cave
Some sections of the path run through a gorge, where rain makes the stone more slippery and heavy rain can affect stream and path safety. Adjust the route according to the on-site opening information and weather. If you meet obvious slippery sections, standing water, or a closure notice, return along the normal path.
The Water Curtain Cave's water conditions depend on recent rainfall. It is not a fixed waterfall experience in every season, so keep the option of a short stop or no detour at all.