Must-Visit Ancient Towers Exploration in Raoping
Raoping 3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide: Mountain and Sea Charm, Lingering Chaoshan Flavor
Preface:
Raoping, a hidden gem in eastern Guangdong, boasts the beauty of mountains and sea, blending Chaoshan and Hakka cultures. Here you’ll find spectacular marine landforms, ancient military fortresses, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering Chaoshan cuisine. In 3 days and 2 nights, we’ll take you deep into a diverse Raoping beyond just “Hakka.”
Trip Highlights
Mountain and Sea Wonders: Climb Zhelin Ancient Town, the “Barrier of Eastern Guangdong,” overlooking the offshore fish farms; stroll along Jinshi Bay, the “Oriental Hawaii.”
Ancient Charm: Explore the “Southern Ice Pots” at Qinglan National Geopark and visit Daoyun Tower, the “Hakka Capital.”
Chaoshan Flavor Feast: From street snacks to seafood banquets, one-stop check-in for the most authentic Raoping flavors.
Itinerary Overview
Theme: Mountain and Sea Exploration · Cultural Discovery · Leisure Vacation
Pace: Balanced, combining nature and culture
Suitable for: Food lovers, culture seekers, family travelers, photography enthusiasts
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Seaside Ancient Town, First Taste
Morning: Arrival & Zhelin Ancient Town
Depart from Chaoshan Station/Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, recommended self-driving or charter car (about 1.5 hours).
Accommodation suggestion: Choose hotels or unique homestays near Huanggang Town or Zhelin Town for convenient sightseeing.
Zhelin Ancient Town: An important node on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Stroll through the town to see well-preserved Ming and Qing arcade buildings and feel the prosperity of the old trading port. Key visits include the Town Wind Tower (a Ming Dynasty ancient tower overlooking Zhelin Harbor) and the Fengchui Ridge Stone Carvings.
Noon: Authentic Lunch
Taste seafood rice noodle soup or oyster omelet in Zhelin Town, with fresh ingredients and authentic preparation.
Afternoon: Jinshi Bay Seaside Bathing Beach
Drive to Jinshi Bay, where the beach is gentle and the water clear. You can swim, walk on the beach, or try beach motorcycles and jet skis (seasonal). In the evening, wait quietly for the sunset over the sea.
Evening: Huanggang Town Nightlife & Food
Head to Huanggang Town, the county seat, stroll along the Huanggang Riverside, and experience the locals’ leisurely nightlife.
Dinner must-try: Raoping beef hotpot (sharing roots with Chaoshan beef hotpot but often with local special dipping sauces) or seafood at street stalls (salt and pepper mantis shrimp, steamed grouper, garlic steamed scallops).
Late-night snack: Don’t miss radish cake and Xiaomi (Raoping’s special shaomai).
Day 2: Geological Wonders, Hakka Heritage
Morning: Qinglan National Geopark
After breakfast, head to Qinglan, a typical granite landform area. The core highlight is the ice pot group, relics of glacial activity about 3 million years ago, with various shapes, truly a wonder. Walk along streams and trails with fresh air and charming scenery.
Noon: Sanrao Town Cuisine
Go to Sanrao Town to taste local specialties like Sanrao dumplings (steamed dumplings with rich fillings) or Sanrao noodles.
Afternoon: Daoyun Tower & Hakka Culture
Daoyun Tower: The largest octagonal Hakka walled building in the country, grand and imposing. Inside, learn about Hakka migration history, architectural wisdom, and family culture. The light and shadow make for great photos.
(Optional) If interested in ceramics, visit Jiucun Kiln Site nearby to experience Raoping’s ceramic culture.
Evening: Stay in Tangxi Town & Reservoir Fresh Flavors
Recommended to stay in Tangxi Town for the next day’s visit to Tangxi Reservoir.
Dinner: Enjoy the Tangxi Reservoir fish head feast, multiple dishes from one fish (fish head soup, chopped chili fish head, fried fish bones, etc.), incredibly fresh and delicious.
Day 3: Lakeside Scenery, Leisurely Return
Morning: Tangxi Reservoir & Lakeside Leisure
Tangxi Reservoir (also called “Raoping North Lake”): Wide lake surface with scattered islands. You can take a boat tour (about 1 hour), stroll on Peach Blossom Island or Pine Forest Island. It’s a great spot for photography and relaxation with tranquil and beautiful scenery.
You can also cycle or walk by the lake and enjoy slow time.
Noon: Last Taste of Raoping
Have your final Raoping meal in Tangxi Town or back in Huanggang Town. Try pig’s trotter rice, rice cake soup, or pack some Baodou cakes (traditional pastries) as souvenirs.
Afternoon: Pack Up and Warm Return
Depending on your departure time, you can buy some local specialties (such as Raoping Dancong tea, Gaotang preserved vegetables, Sanrao fragrant rice), then head to the station or airport.
Food Map (Simplified)
Must-try staples/snacks: Raoping beef hotpot, oyster omelet, radish cake, Xiaomi, Baodou cake, Sanrao dumplings, rice cake soup, pig’s trotter rice.
Must-try seafood: Salt and pepper mantis shrimp, steamed various sea fish, garlic steamed shellfish, raw marinated (for strong stomachs).
Special dishes: Tangxi Reservoir fish head feast, Gaotang preserved vegetable braised pork.
Desserts/drinks: Seaweed jelly, grass jelly, Raoping Dancong tea.
Practical Information
Transportation:
External: High-speed rail to “Chaoshan Station,” flight to “Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport,” then recommended to rent a car for self-driving (most convenient) or take a shuttle bus to various towns in Raoping.
Internal: Attractions are spread out; self-driving or charter car is best. Some towns have buses but with limited schedules.
Accommodation:
Huanggang Town: County center, many options, convenient dining.
Zhelin Town/Jinshi Bay: Seaside hotels or homestays, suitable for sea lovers.
Tangxi Town: Near the reservoir, quiet environment.
Budget (per person estimate):
Economy: 800-1200 RMB
Comfort: 1500-2500 RMB
(Includes food, lodging, and local travel, excludes major transportation)
Best Season: Spring and autumn (April-May, October-November), cool and pleasant weather. Summer requires sun protection and heat prevention; winter is mild.
Travel Tips:
Raoping dialects are Chaoshan (Min Nan) and Hakka; Mandarin is generally understood.
Eat raw marinated seafood according to your own stomach tolerance.
Respect local residents and customs when visiting walled buildings and ancient towns.
Be cautious on some mountain paths and rocky coastal roads; wear comfortable shoes.
Conclusion:
A 3-day trip to Raoping is a rich experience from ocean to land, modern to ancient, palate to soul. There’s no over-commercialized noise here, only simple scenery, deep history, and warm hospitality. Take this guide and set off to discover your own Raoping story!
Wishing you a journey in Raoping accompanied by mountains and sea, full of flavor and joy!