What stories do these verdant forests surrounding us hold about Dalingshan Town? Dalingshan Town sits in the middle south of Dongguan. It lies in the center of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou economic corridor. This town covers 95 square kilometers. It has a population of about 280000. Approximately 48000 are registered residents.
Dalingshan was the cradle of Dongjiang River Column of Guangdong. It served as one of the anti-Japanese guerrilla bases in South China. The town is well known for its Wan Hong and lychee. But there is more to Dalingshan than just fruit and geography.
In recent years Dalingshan has received many awards. It was named No.1 Town of Chinese Furniture Export. It was also named Green Town of China and Environmentally Pleasant Town of China. Dalingshan earned the title of National Hygiene Town. It was also a National Top 1000 Town. Dalingshan was a Model Eco-town of Guangdong Province. It also became an Education Power Town. The town won first prize in leadership assessment for three years. It also won Advanced Town for Maintaining Stabilization for seven years straight.
Dalingshan is rich in resources. It is abundant with forests and surrounded by a pleasant environment. The east and north sides border Songshan Lake and Tongsha Ecological Tourism Area. They are also adjacent to Dalingshan Wetland Park. The west and south sides embrace Dalingshan Forest Park and Mashan Natural Preservation.
Numerous natural lakes and twelve reservoirs dot the landscape. The lakes and mountains create beautiful scenery. They also offer a unique geographical environment to Dalingshan.
During the Second World War Dalingshan became a key site. The town and its mountainous forest park served as a base. Guerrilla fighters resisted the Japanese occupation from here. Today Dalingshan is home to a museum. It is the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It is located in Dawangling Village. Note that this is different from the one in Beijing.
For those interested in transportation, Dalingshan is well-connected. Three Dongguan Rail Transit stations are planned for Line 1. These include Dalingshanbei, Dalingshan, and Dalingshandong. A tram service has also been in planning. Many roads pass through the town. The G107 highway runs through it. Coaches are available to Shenzhen Airport and Guangzhou Airport.
Dalingshan is also part of the Songshan Lake region. Several educational institutions are nearby. These include Guangdong Medical University and Dongguan University of Technology. Dongguan Career Technical College is also in the area. Tungwah Wenzel International School is the first IB continuum school in Dongguan. The Songshan Lake library holds 300000 books.
For recreation, visit Dalingshan Sports Park. It is located centrally by Jinjuling. Dalingshan Forest Park lies to the town’s west. The mountain overlooks the town. Views of the Humen Pearl River Bridge can be seen.
From its history as a guerrilla base to its modern development, Dalingshan offers much to explore. As we conclude our visit, remember Dalingshan’s spirit. It is a blend of resilience and progress nestled in nature’s embrace.