Drive into Wutong Mountain park for upcoming flower show

Nestled in eastern Shenzhen, Wutong Mountain boasts the captivating Rhododendron moulmainense, a flowering evergreen shrub that is unique to South China and Southeast Asia. As spring approaches, the park is preparing for the annual bloom of these delicate pink and red flowers, which typically reaches its peak between late March and early April. This year, the vibrant display is expected to adorn the park’s landscape around March 20, offering a breathtaking view of the world’s only alpine rhododendron flowers thriving in an urban environment.

Visitors appreciate blooming Rhododendron moulmainense flowers at the 2024 Rhododendron moulmainense festival, held from late March to early April last year. Photo by Liu Xudong

To enhance visitor access, the Wutong Mountain National Forest Park has started implementing a trial program March 1, allowing social vehicles to enter the park by reservation. Small passenger cars with seven seats or fewer are permitted to drive into the park daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while larger vehicles, including trucks and buses, and motorcycles, are restricted from entry.

Reservations can be made through the official WeChat account of the Wutong Mountain National Forest Park Administration (“广东梧桐山国家森林公园管理处”). Visitors are required to click on the “Reservation for Entry” menu and provide the necessary information for real-name registration. Each day, a maximum of 30 vehicles will be allowed entry, and visitors are encouraged to monitor available parking spaces closely.

A visitor takes pictures of blooming Rhododendron moulmainense flowers at the 2024 Rhododendron moulmainense festival, held from late March to early April last year. File photo

Upon arrival, visitors must present their reservation confirmation and vehicle documentation for verification, and comply with safety inspections. Notably, vehicles that fail to honor their reservation three times without cancellation will be blacklisted and prohibited from making future reservations.

Designated parking areas include the Enshang Wetland Lawn Parking Lot, Mountain-Sea Special Line Bus Parking Lot, and Enshang Reservoir Service Station Parking Lot. Visitors must refrain from parking on the roadside to maintain safety and preserve the park’s natural beauty.

Important reminders

● Fire sources such as lighters and matches, gas, large knives, and pets are not allowed within the park. Visitors are urged to respect the natural vegetation and contribute to preserving the park’s scenic allure.

● No flammable or dangerous items may be brought into the park; smoking and outdoor fires are strictly forbidden.

● Vehicles must use designated parking lots; random roadside parking is not permitted.

● Due to curvy roads and heavy foot traffic, visitors are advised to drive cautiously and avoid speeding.

● To help keep the park clean, all rubbish should be taken out by visitors.

● Alternative parking is available at Yuelin Building, with eco-friendly transportation options to access the park.