A Stroll through Qingxi Dawang Mountain: A "Deer City" Portrait under the Winter Sun

January 19, 2026

A Stroll through Qingxi Dawang Mountain: A "Deer City" Portrait under the Winter Sun

Qingxi Dawang Mountain Forest Park, a national 3A-level scenic area nestled in the south of Qingxi Town, Dongguan, welcomes every nature lover with its free, all-day access. This park is not only an ecological treasure trove rich in vegetation but also a wonderland of ancient trees and the exquisite Yingchun Flower (Weaver's Flower) in spring. On a bright, sunny morning, I entered the park, using my camera to capture the vibrant colors of life and the fusion of natural and cultural landscapes in winter.

Prologue

Sunlight bathed the park's entrance, first illuminating the blooming roses. The bright pink single-petal flowers looked particularly delicate in the morning light. Their sharp stems and serrated leaves bravely occupied the foreground, setting a warm yet intricate tone for the journey.

I specifically captured a pink bud, gently wrapped in a lush green calyx, with the thorn marks clearly visible on the stem, foreshadowing a beautiful imminent bloom.

The Ascent

Winding up the mountain path, the park's iconic structure, "Dawang Pavilion," stood tall and proud. In front of it, stone carvings conveyed the history and culture of the land:

"Qing Feng Guan Yun Xin You Ling Xi" (Pure Breeze, Dongguan Charm, Mutual Understanding) Stone Carving: A cleaner was captured bending over, sweeping. The carving and the figure at work formed a harmonious picture, symbolizing the coexistence of people and the environment.

"Ode to Dawang Mountain" Inscription: The text on the stone tablet poetically praised the profound historical heritage and cultural value of Dawang Mountain, expressing respect for the seamless blend of natural features and humanistic landscapes.

Close-up of the "Dawang Pavilion" Plaque: The golden inscription shone brilliantly against the traditional red background, highlighting the structure's solemn and classic nature.

I walked through a grove of cherry trees, and through the variegated red and yellow leaves, I once again focused my lens on the "Dawang Pavilion," capturing its different charm veiled by the colors of the season.

Lakeside

The beauty of Dawang Mountain is inseparable from the surrounding reservoirs and lakes.

Spotted Deer in Hemei Flower Valley: By the reservoir in Hemei Flower Valley, an orange spotted deer sculpture stood quietly, reminding us of Qingxi Town's reputation as "Deer City."

Nature's Bounty: By the roadside, I noted the clear veins of the Camphor Tree leaves, the patches of pink Celosia (Cockscomb flower) in the farmlands, and the Job's Tears—originally from Southeast Asia with hard fruits used for decoration—all contributing to the park's rich plant community.

At the dock in the Flower Valley, a yellow pedal boat with the words "FEIFAN POWER" was moored, its color vibrant. Looking out from the heart-shaped decoration of "Lover's Bay," the "Dawang Pavilion" on the mountaintop became the focal point of the scene, symbolizing the union of romance and loftiness.

Luokeng Reservoir

The winter scenery by Luokeng Reservoir was even more intense:

The Red-Brown of Bald Cypress (Dawn Redwood): Rows of Bald Cypress leaves had turned a warm red-brown. This unique seasonal change makes them eye-catching ornamental plants in the landscape. I took a close-up shot of another Bald Cypress, documenting this warm color of winter.

The Colorful Dock: A row of colorful pedal boats—green, yellow, blue, red, and white—were moored at the reservoir dock. Each boat was equipped with an orange lifebuoy and an awning, casting clear reflections on the calm water surface.

The Guard of the Sika Deer: In the center of Luokeng Reservoir, another orange and white spotted Sika Deer sculpture stood like a water spirit. I framed it and the "Dawang Pavilion" into the same picture. The lake surface was like a mirror with clear reflections; the tower and the deer sculpture together formed the most classic and iconic photo opportunity of Dawang Mountain. Finally, a close-up of the Sika Deer sculpture perfectly captured this stroll under the warm winter sun.

Gears & Settings