Located in the northeast of Shaoguan city in Guangdong Province, Danxia Mountain is called "Red Stone Park of China", 45 kilometers away from downtown Shaoguan. Because of the brilliant red color, the red stone group covering a total area of 282 square miles is called "Danxia Mountain", meaning "red rays of the sun" in Chinese word. Formed of the red sandy rock, Danxia Mountain area is characterized by the red steep cliffs with precipitous landform of even peak, sheer body and flat valleys. In geography, it is also the name place of "Danxia Landform", which refers to the sort of landform similar to the Danxia Mountain. Since 1988, Danxia Mountain has been successively appointed as National Scenic Spot, National Natural Protection Zone for Geology and Geomorphology in China, Grade AAAA National Tourist Spot, and National Geological Park of China.
　　Among more than 1200 places in the world found to have the Danxia landform, Danxia Mountain is the one with largest area, the most typical characteristics, the richest landform and the most beautiful scenery. Moreover, Shaoguan Danxia Mountain is the most studied in detail and profundity in China, providing information in the areas of stratum, tectonics, landform performance, developing process, force action, natural environment and ecological evolvement. It is also a base for the Danxia landform research, scientific education, and practice teaching worldwide. The scenic area contains more than 680 stone hills, stonewalls, stone pillar and natural bridges of various size. With its red cliffs, tranquil green trees and beautiful Jingjiang River flowing from the south to the north, Danxia Mountain is characterized by magnificence, trill, rareness, beauty, seclusion, wideness and deepness. It is not only praised as the most unique mountain in Guangdong and Guangxi areas and best one of the most famous four mountains in Guangdong, but also valued highly as both a tourist and convalescent center.
　　The Danxia Mountain consists of many other wonderful scenic spots, including Zhanglao Peak, Yangyuan Hill, Xianglong Lake and Jin River. At the foot of Zhanglao Peak, there is a grotto temple that was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The Biezhuan Temple, which lies in the middle of the Zhanglao Peak, is one of the ten most notable temples of Guangdong. Yangyuan Hill and Zhanglao Peak face each other across a river. The hill is renowned for the marvelous Yangyuan Stone, which looks like a male genital. The Xianglong Lake (Flying Dragon Lake) sits to the south of Zhanglao Peak, named so because the lake resembles a flying dragon. The Jin River features charming waterside scenery and wonderful aquatic programs, such as swimming, boating and yachting.
　　Countless cliff tombs and cliff coffins of times long ago were left by our ancestors who inhabited the mountain. In addition, the mountain has been a busy place for Buddhism activities since the Sui (581-618) and Tang Dynasties (618-907). In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the mountain prospered and more than eighty temples were built. A great number of poems, carvings and inscriptions praising the bewitching scenery were left behind by writers, poets and painters throughout past dynasties.