We celebrated our dog’s 6th birthday in Shaoguan, Guangdong, China and to our surprise, this is a place where dogs can even ride cable cars.
If you are traveling in Guangdong and looking for dog-friendly destinations, Shaoguan is absolutely worth considering.
Shaoguan includes Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Renhua County, Qujiang District, Lechang City, Nanxiong City, Shixing County, Wengyuan County, and Xinfeng County.
On this trip, we visited Yunmen Mountain in Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Danxia Mountain in Renhua County, and Nanhua Temple in Qujiang District.
Yunmen Mountain: A Dog-Friendly Cable Car Experience
Yunmen Mountain in Ruyuan is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by fresh air and wide mountain views.
The highlight? Dogs are allowed on the cable car.
We purchased a package ticket that included the cable car, the glass skywalk, and the waterfall elevator. All three attractions allow dogs which is extremely rare in China. We have visited many parks before, and almost none allow dogs on cable cars.
This was our dog’s first cable car ride. The cabin was enclosed, and he wasn’t scared at all. He looked around curiously the entire time. At the summit, he even posed for a commemorative photo 20 RMB per photo, absolutely worth it.
Next came the glass skywalk. This was his second time walking on glass flooring. Visitors asked whether he was afraid, but he walked confidently. When it became crowded, we carried him for part of the way.
Below the skywalk is the waterfall elevator, which also allows dogs (carrying them is recommended). Inside the elevator, you can see a powerful waterfall cascading down the cliff — a dramatic and unforgettable view. From the glass walkway, the waterfall looks even more stunning and makes for beautiful photographs.
The biggest surprise was the zoo inside Yunmen Mountain. Dogs are allowed inside with an additional ticket. Our dog saw lions, black bears, crocodiles, and even foxes. He seemed fascinated — especially when he had what felt like a “conversation” with a fox. It was a new experience for both of us.
Nanhua Temple: Peace and Blessing
Nanhua Temple in Qujiang District was another meaningful stop.
The atmosphere inside the temple is calm and grounded. Incense smoke weaves through ancient trees, creating a naturally quiet space.
This was our dog’s first visit to a Buddhist temple. We brought him here especially because he has had health challenges in the past. Dogs are allowed inside Nanhua Temple.
Entrance costs 20 RMB, and tickets can be purchased via self-service machines. Visitors receive three incense sticks at the entrance; they must be lit and placed in the incense burner before entering the temple halls.
Inside, everything feels serene. Even our dog seemed calmer. Monks and visitors would compliment him gently as we walked through.
Nanhua Temple houses the preserved body of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng. We also purchased prayer beads, passed them through incense, and wore them afterward. It brought a simple sense of reassurance not superstition, but quiet comfort.
Danxia Mountain: Nature and Slow Time
Danxia Mountain in Renhua County is ideal for hiking and is also dog-friendly. However, because of our dog’s limited stamina, we chose not to bring him for the climb this time.
Danxia Mountain Park is divided into two areas one for boat tours and another featuring the famous Yangyuan Stone. To fully experience it, you should plan for a full day.
Even without rushing, simply walking among the red sandstone formations and feeling the wind is deeply relaxing. Nature does not require performance,it simply invites presence.
In Shaoguan, you can enjoy authentic Cantonese-style roasted and salt-baked pigeon.
The roasted pigeon is crispy on the outside, tender inside, slightly sweet but never greasy. The salt-baked pigeon is deeply seasoned and incredibly juicy. I once had authentic Guangdong salt-baked pigeon in Beijing and fell in love with it at the first bite. The flavor is completely different from northern-style dishes. If you visit Shaoguan, I highly recommend trying it. The restaurant is called 【De Shu Pigeon House】, and Uncle De even offers complimentary homemade pickled radish as a side dish.
Shaoguan is also a great place to try eel congee. Cantonese congee is often cooked with a preserved vegetable called dongcai, which adds a distinctive, savory depth of flavor.
Another dish worth trying is steamed pork offal with pig’s blood. “Pork offal” refers to the internal organs, while “pig’s blood” is a traditional ingredient commonly used in southern Chinese cuisine. The texture is tender and fresh, without any unpleasant smell — surprisingly delicious even for first-timers.
And don’t miss the local dessert shops. Cantonese sweet soups are truly unmatched anywhere else.
Why Shaoguan Is Worth Visiting
Shaoguan feels peaceful and restorative. Mountains and rivers are everywhere, and the pace of life is slower.
It is a place to reset.
Soon, we will return to the complexity of daily life what feels like a vast training ground of the human world.
As the Zen saying goes: “Originally there is nothing where can dust gather?”
We hope that when we return from quiet places, we carry back reflection rather than worry.
True strength is not resisting everything, but allowing things to happen.
What we accept gradually dissolves.
What we fight tends to remain.
Never become your own enemy.
Allow effort without guaranteed return.
Allow life to unfold.
In Shaoguan, we celebrated a complete and meaningful 6th birthday with our dog.
Not with noise or spectacle but with mountains, rivers, cable cars, temples, and even a fox encounter.
For us, that companionship was the greatest gift.
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