Climbing Star Rocks During Qingming Festival

During the Qingming Festival holiday, taking advantage of the toll-free highways, I embarked on a self-driving trip to Star Rocks in Zhaoqing. Arriving in Zhaoqing a day early, I stayed overnight in Gaoyao. Early the next morning, I reached the east gate of the scenic area, which was already crowded with tourists. Outside the east gate lies Yanqian Village, known as the "Guangdong Gulangyu," boasting enchanting lake views and mountain scenery. Zhaoqing Star Rocks shares its name with Guilin Star Rocks and features similar karst topography. The main formation consists of seven limestone peaks arranged like the Big Dipper constellation, earning it the title "First Wonder of Lingnan." Compared to Guilin Star Rocks, these seven peaks are scattered across a 600-hectare lake, creating an even more captivating landscape where mountains and water complement each other. At the east entrance, Yuping Rock was once a field training ground for Ye Ting's Independent Regiment. Numerous revolutionary leaders and scholars left their poetry inscribed here. Following the trail up the mountain, I passed through Maan Pavilion and One-Line Sky before reaching the Moon-Waiting Platform at the summit. The 200-square-meter platform features the Jade Emperor Temple below and the Yuan Bao Stone nearby. From here, you can see the Xijiang River stretching like a jade belt in the distance and the Fairy Lake resembling a jade bowl below. Descending from the south side of Yuping Rock and heading west along the greenway past Wobo Pavilion, I reached an arched bridge. From the bridge, I saw a sea of pink and white bauhinia flowers in full bloom along the lakeside beneath Yuping Rock, a springtime sensation. Beyond the bridge lies Shishi Rock, with Moon Water Palace at its base and a hiking trail entrance. From the Capturing Moon Pavilion at the top of Shishi Rock, there's a spectacular view of the previously climbed Yuping Rock. After descending Shishi Rock and passing through Moon Water Palace, the lakeshore offers beautiful views of Immortal Palm Rock, Toad Rock, and Sky Pillar Rock in ascending order. The closest peak, Sky Pillar Rock, is the highest among the Seven Star Rocks. Passing through Stone Chamber Cave, the earliest developed and most feature-rich cave in the area, you'll find numerous cliff inscriptions making it an artistic palace. At the Sky Pillar peak entrance, halfway up the mountain stands the three-story concrete Sky Pillar Pavilion, built in 1958 beneath the cliff face, appearing quite precarious. This historically significant site has hosted important national leaders including Chen Yi and Guo Moruo. The Wenchang Pavilion also stands on the mountainside, with a cave shrine dedicated to the God of Literature. Taking the walkway behind Wenchang Palace leads to the Star-Plucking Pavilion at the summit, where crowds gather to queue for spectacular views of Seven Star Lake below. Descending the north side of Sky Pillar Rock brings you to the Fish-Watching Pool area. This scenic spot offers not only fish viewing but also boating opportunities. The iron chain bridge across the lake is a popular attraction that everyone wants to experience.