Zhaoqing Travel Guide: Lingnan’s Ancient City of Mountains and Waters, A Hidden Gem Near Guangzhou and Shenzhen
Discover the underestimated beauty of Lingnan, encounter karst wonders and millennia-old culture
Zhaoqing, an ancient city located in western Guangdong Province, formerly known as Duanzhou, is the birthplace of Duan inkstone, one of China’s four famous inkstones. It boasts karst landscapes comparable to Guilin and a morning tea culture rivaling Guangzhou’s, yet with a more budget-friendly cost, making it an ideal destination for weekend or short trips.
As a "back garden" just 1-2 hours from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Zhaoqing offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to enjoy both nature and culture. This guide will take you through this seriously underrated hidden gem city.
✨ Highlights
· Natural wonders like a poetic painting: The karst formations and lake-mountain scenery of Seven Star Crags blend beautifully, while Dinghu Mountain, known as the "Green Gem on the Tropic of Cancer," is a natural oxygen bar with emerald-green waters.
· A cultural journey through millennia: Stroll along the only fully preserved Song Dynasty brick city wall in China, explore the craft of Duan inkstone making, and immerse yourself in Lingnan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
· Perfect blend of food and leisure: From authentic wrapped steamed rice dumplings to fresh river delicacies, Zhaoqing’s cuisine is both affordable and delicious, complemented by lakeside cafes and artsy neighborhoods for a full vacation vibe.
🗺 Basic Information
Location: Central-west Guangdong Province, midstream of the Xijiang River Language: Cantonese (Mandarin widely spoken) Best travel seasons: Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) with pleasant weather. Summers are hot but good for mountain escapes; winters offer caramel-colored bald cypress views at Seven Star Crags. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 days
🗓 Suggested Itinerary
Three-Day Highlights Tour
Time | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
---|---|---|---
Morning | Seven Star Crags Scenic Area (karst peaks, cliff inscriptions) | Dinghu Mountain (Feishuitan Waterfall, Qingyun Temple) | Song City Wall → Piyun Tower
Noon | Taste Zhaoqing wrapped steamed rice dumplings | Try Qingyun Temple’s mountain water tofu pudding | Local specialty lunch
Afternoon | Xinghu Wetland Park (flamingo watching) | Butterfly Valley (boat tour) | Duan Inkstone Cultural Village (inkstone making experience)
Evening | Zijing West Embankment Food Street | Yanqian Village arts district | Return or enjoy Xinghu night view
🏞 Detailed Attractions
Seven Star Crags Scenic Area
Seven Star Crags is a classic karst landscape made up of seven limestone peaks scattered across the lake, creating a unique "mountain within lake, lake within mountain" scenery.
Must-do experiences:
· Boat tour: Cruise through Shishi Rock’s thousand-year cliff inscriptions (over 500 inscriptions from Tang to Qing dynasties)
· Climb for views: Ascend Tianzhu Rock or Shishi Rock for panoramic views of Xinghu Lake
· Explore caves: Visit Shishi Cave to admire stalactites and stone pillars
· Bald cypress forest: A winter must-see, the caramel-colored bald cypress trees along the lakeshore create beautiful reflections like an oil painting
Practical info:
· Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
· Admission: 70 RMB
· Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours
Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area
The top of Lingnan’s four famous mountains, known as the "Green Gem on the Tropic of Cancer," featuring rich subtropical plants and pristine forest ecosystems.
Main attractions:
· Baoding Garden: Showcases ancient Chinese ding culture, home to the world’s largest nine-dragon ding, and you can try tossing a peace ball into the ding.
· Qingyun Temple: One of Lingnan’s four major Buddhist temples, with thriving incense offerings and a long history.
· Feishuitan Waterfall: Over 30 meters high and majestic; Sun Yat-sen is said to have swum here. Best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.
· Butterfly Valley: Accessible by boat (35 RMB ticket), with emerald-green waters and dense forest, perfect for exploring and sightseeing.
Practical info:
· Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
· Admission: 70 RMB (half price for students)
· Sightseeing bus: 20 RMB (recommended to save energy)
· Suggested route: Take the sightseeing bus to Baoding Garden → Butterfly Valley → Qingyun Temple → Feishuitan Waterfall
Historical and Cultural Sites
· Zhaoqing Song City Wall: The only fully preserved Song Dynasty brick city wall in China. Walking on the wall offers views of the old town, and it looks even more charming lit up at night. Free admission.
· Piyun Tower: Located at the highest point of the west section of the city wall, often shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. Climb for city views.
· Yuejiang Tower: An ancient building by the river, one of Zhaoqing’s "Eight Great Scenic Spots"; closed on Mondays, free admission with advance reservation.
· Duan Inkstone Cultural Village (Baishi Village): Visit the handmade inkstone workshops in the "Inkstone Capital of China" and experience this national intangible cultural heritage craft.
🍜 Food Recommendations
Zhaoqing’s cuisine is rich and diverse. Don’t miss these specialties:
1. Zhaoqing Wrapped Steamed Rice Dumplings: Glutinous rice, mung beans, pork belly wrapped in winter leaves and steamed for hours, fragrant and soft. Recommended brand "Huang Zhong Huang," only 5 RMB each, excellent value.
2. Maixi Carp: A Zhaoqing specialty, tender fish best enjoyed steamed to preserve its original flavor.
3. Mountain Water Tofu Pudding: From Qingyun Temple at Dinghu Mountain, only 5 RMB per bowl, delicious and fresh.
4. Xijiang River Seafood: Try Xijiang shark and yellow eel claypot rice at the local old brand "Happy Forest Restaurant," average cost about 50 RMB per person.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Zhaoqing Xingyu Lake Residence Hotel: Lakeside location with views of Xinghu Lake and Seven Star Crags, design incorporates local rustic culture Couples, families
Zhaoqing Sheraton Hotel: Close to Dinghu Mountain and Jiulong Lake, fully equipped with indoor pool and gym Business and leisure travelers
Guangdong Jade Bay White Swan Hot Spring Resort Hotel: Five-star, blending bamboo weaving and ceramics in a modern Chinese style, with private gardens and natural hot springs Vacationers seeking relaxation
🚆 Transportation Information
Getting to Zhaoqing
· From Guangzhou: High-speed train/intercity about 40 minutes, ticket around 34 RMB
· From Shenzhen: High-speed train about 1 hour 15 minutes, ticket about 108.5 RMB
· From Hong Kong: High-speed train about 2 hours, ticket about 249 RMB
Local transportation
· Rent electric scooters: About 30 RMB per day, easy to explore major attractions
· Public buses: Convenient city public transport with multiple routes to main sights
· Sightseeing buses: Recommended for Dinghu Mountain and Seven Star Crags to save energy
💡 Practical Tips
1. Best time to visit: Arrive at Seven Star Crags around 7:30 AM to enter an hour earlier than tour groups for a more comfortable experience.
2. Dress code: There is some walking involved; wear lightweight sports shoes. For Dinghu Mountain, non-slip shoes are recommended.
3. Money-saving tip: Enter Seven Star Crags from the south gate and walk along the trail near Shuiyue West Embankment; the outer area is free to visit.
4. Discounts: Follow official scenic area info for special offers (e.g., in March 2025, a 50% discount on Seven Star Crags tickets for visitors wearing Hanfu or qipao).
5. Avoid scams: Inkstone prices inside the scenic area are high; it’s better to buy at the cultural village. Be cautious of locals at the entrance claiming to offer cheaper tickets; if caught, you may be penalized together.
💎 Summary
Zhaoqing, a Lingnan ancient city blending natural landscapes and millennia of history, is undoubtedly an underrated hidden gem near Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Whether for a relaxing weekend getaway or an in-depth cultural holiday, it offers delightful surprises.
Though it may lack the grandeur of famous mountains and rivers, its exquisite natural scenery, profound historical culture, and leisurely pace make it a perfect place to unwind and refresh.
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Zhaoqing! Whether you’re enchanted by the lake and mountain views of Seven Star Crags, exploring the forests and waterfalls of Dinghu Mountain, or strolling along the Song Dynasty city walls to feel the weight of history, Zhaoqing will offer you a unique travel experience.