Shenshan opens 1st hiking trail

The first hiking trail in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone was completed recently, prompting hiking enthusiasts to go check it out, Nanfang Plus reported.

                                        A view of the Dongduling hiking trail in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone. Nanfang Plus

The Dongduling hiking trail is manually made using twigs, fallen wood, stones and gravel to preserve nature and minimize disturbing wildlife, according to the report.

A map showing the grand loop and small loop routes of the Dongduling hiking trail in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone. File photo

The trail is comprised of a grand loop and small loop. The grand loop, stretching 10.8 kilometers, starts from Wanyao Village in Chisi Town and goes through ancient postal routes, streams, forests, relic sites and other unspoiled sections with great views. The entire walk takes about 5.5 hours.

On the other hand, the small loop, spanning 6 kilometers, is more challenging because of its more complicated terrain and steeper slope. It takes about four hours to finish hiking the whole loop.

Beautiful scenery hikers can see when hiking along the Dongduling hiking trail. Photo from WeChat account "深汕视点"

A hiking enthusiast surnamed Qiao has been on the trail thrice after it opened to the public. He said people need to be physically fit and bring sufficient food and water when they hike the trail.

A stream is seen while hiking the Dongduling hiking trail. Qiao Feiyang

Qiao thinks the best scenic view could be seen at the start of the hiking trail, where there’s a bamboo forest as well as a stream. The path going down Shuanggongling is relatively easier to handle since the ancient pathway is paved with flagstones, giving the section a “winding path” feel.