[2025 Zhaoqing Attraction] Travel Guide for Xijiang River (Updated Jul)

| Ziyun Valley Guide in Zhaoqing. Tired of the city's hustle and bustle? Embrace nature at Ziyun Valley in Zhaoqing! Follow this guide to start your refreshing journey 👇 🚗 Transportation: - **Self-drive**: Navigate to "Ziyun Valley Ferry Pier in Zhaoqing". Free parking is available at the pier. - **Public transport**: First reach Zhaoqing Station, then take a 15-minute taxi to the pier. Alternatively, you can go to Dinghu Mountain Archway first and then take a taxi. 🎫 Tickets: - Adult ticket: ¥50/person - Student ticket: ¥40/person *Includes round-trip ferry ride—great value!* 🌟 Must-Visit Spots: - **Natural Swimming Pool**: Crystal-clear pools formed by mountain streams, perfect for free swimming in summer. The "Deep Pool" area is especially amazing! - **Wind-Rain Bridge**: A century-old wooden bridge in Dong ethnic style, offering panoramic valley views and fantastic photo opportunities. - **Old Inkstone Cave**: A historic Duan inkstone quarry site from the Tang Dynasty. Entry requires a guide—great for learning about the "Inkstone Capital of China" culture. - **Forest Trail**: A 5km path along the stream, passing waterfalls and ancient tree ferns. Ideal for light hiking enthusiasts. 🍱 Food: - **Farmhouse Cuisine**: Try fresh river fish, free-range chicken, and mountain tofu at local farmhouse restaurants in the scenic area. - **Picnic**: Enjoy a riverside picnic—just remember to take your trash with you! 🏠 Accommodation: - **Nearby Hotels**: Xishe Zen Garden, Yiyi Business Hotel—convenient for travel. - **Homestays**: Many options near Dinghu Mountain, like Zhaoqing Xingfuli Inn, offering a taste of local life. Ziyun Valley in Zhaoqing is truly a perfect escape from urban noise. Grab this guide and set off now!

🌟 If you've never chased egrets through the karst peaks of Seven Star Crags or tasted the melt-in-your-mouth bliss of a Zongzi rice dumpling, then Zhaoqing is your perfect destination! This "Oasis on the Tropic of Cancer" weaves misty Star Lake, cascading Dinghu Mountain waterfalls, and millennia-old Duan inkstones into a Lingnan-style masterpiece where nature and culture intertwine. Unlock Zhaoqing’s dual charm in 48 hours with this in-depth guide—from mountain-top dawn mist to starlit lakeshores. 🏨 Stay: Lakeside · Wilderness · Heritage **Luxury Lakeside** - **Wyndham Grand Seven Star Crags**: Facing the karst peaks, some rooms feature private soaking tubs; 5-minute walk to Yanqian Peninsula’s bar street. - **White Swan Hotel (Lakeside)**: A historic state guesthouse with views of Pai Fang Square’s nightscape; sip morning tea while egrets dance. **Cultural Themes** - **Starlake Lanyue Song Dynasty Homestay**: All-wood architecture with pavilions; lakeview rooms frame the "Reclining Buddha Swallowing the Sun" spectacle. - **Qishan Tang (Yanqian Village)**: Wabi-sabi design nestled between Star Lake and mountains—art meets nature. **Rural Escapes** - **Emerald Bay White Swan Hot Spring Resort (Guangning)**: Bamboo-forest retreat with mountain-spring tubs; wake to rustling bamboo. - **Deqing Xijiang Blue Coast VILLA**: Aegean-style riverside villas with terraces for molten-gold sunsets over the Xi River. 🍜 24-Hour Flavor Adventure **⏰ 7:00-9:00 Dawn Bites** - *Shuidong Street "Grandma’s Call"*: Radish-shrimp fritters with tofu pudding—pure street-food vibes. - *Star Hotel Dim Sum*: Try gorgon nut buns and fleeceflower root cakes while overlooking lotus-filled Star Lake. **⏰ 12:00-14:00 Mountain-Feast** - *New Century Seafood*: Steam-cooked Wen Kui carp (once dubbed "Lingnan’s No.1 Fish" by Empress Dowager Cixi)—tender, sweet, dipped in tangerine-peel salt. - *Dinghu Mountain Farmhouse*: Braised pork with arrowroot and mountain-spring tofu pudding—cooling and fragrant. **⏰ 18:30-20:30 Nighttime Delicacies** - *Fuyuan Dining (Zhaoqing Branch)*: Crispy fried Zongzi with molten centers; garlic-baked Xi River clams bursting with umami. - *🌙 Late-Night Code*: Riverside Road congee with wind-dried Luodong beef jerky—chewy and savory. ⏰ Itinerary Deep Dive **🚩 Day 1: Lakes & Inkstones** - *8:00-10:00*: Sunrise at **Stone Chamber Rock**—touch Tang Dynasty cliff carvings; capture "Moon-in-Water" reflections crowd-free by 9 AM. - *11:00-13:00*: Hunt for inkstones in **Ziyun Valley**’s streams, explore ancient quarry caves, swim in mountain pools (entry includes pool access). - *14:30-17:00*: Time-travel in **Qilou Street**, collecting stamps of ancient Duanzhou’s "Eight Scenes"; climb **Piyun Tower** for Song Dynasty wall views. - *19:30-21:30*: Sunset boat chase for "Reclining Buddha Swallowing the Sun" (best near autumn equinox); snack on salt-baked chicken and hibiscus drinks at **Zijing West Embankment Night Market**. **🚩 Day 2: Wild Trails** - *7:30-10:00*: Hike **Feishui Tan**’s trails, breathe 100K/cm³ negative ions, splash face with spring water; catch 10 AM guqin performances. - *11:30-13:30*: Ferry to **Yanzhou Island**, bike to Lord Bao’s Temple, feast on slow-cooked Xi River grass carp with pickled greens. - *15:00-18:00*: Bamboo-rafting in **Guangning Sui River Bamboo Sea**; trek moonlit trails; camp at **Starmoon Tribe** among fireflies. - *19:00-21:00*: Sunset at **Riverside Park Lighthouse**; photograph cyberpunk-lit **Xi River Bridge** spiral staircase. 💡 Local Secrets - *Transport*: Rent e-bikes to circle Star Lake (scan-to-ride); book bamboo-sea ferries via *Xiangzhou Port* WeChat. - *Hidden Gems*: Picnic at **Bohai Park**’s mini-beach; hike 10 km oxygen-rich trails in **Beiling Mountain Forest Park**. - *Souvenirs*: **Xiwannian** wedding cakes; **Kailu Tea Snacks** (pre-made Zongzi). When twilight sinks into Yanzhou Island’s rice fields and Zongzi fragrance seeps through Song Dynasty bricks, you’ll understand— *Zhaoqing’s magic lies in wrapping Star Lake’s gentleness in winter leaves, crystallizing Dinghu’s torrents into inkstone fragrance, growing an eternal Lingnan poetry corridor where mountains meet water.* Your Zhaoqing story awaits—etched in Seven Star Crags’ cliff carvings and the Xi River’s lantern-lit ripples—ready for its first chapter.

Guangdong summers are so hot the air feels scorching. Skip the crowded Chimelong water parks! Today, I’m revealing 8 secret water paradises locals love— the last one even has water at a chilly 21°C... 1. **This Free Water Town in Guangzhou Lets You Boat & Crab-Fish?!** *Nansha Dongyong Water Town* is a hidden gem even 90% of Guangzhou locals don’t know. Rent a boat for ¥20 and lazily fish for crabs under banyan trees—true Cantonese summer romance! Insider tip: The *dànjiā* rice cakes here are half the price of downtown, and the fermented tofu braised goose is a must-try. *Transport*: Drive to "Dongyong Water Town Cultural Street" or take Metro Line 4 to Dongyong Station, then transfer to Nansha Bus 35 to Liye Road Stop. 2. **Foshan’s "Waterfall Climbing" Adventure—Kids Won’t Want to Leave!** *Nanhai Bay’s* creek trek is thrilling! A 1.28km stream hides 10 challenge points: climb waterfalls, swing ropes over deep pools. Bonus? Hunt for mountain snails to cook for dinner! (Pack extra clothes!) *Tips*: Trekking ticket ¥99 (gear included); open 8:00-17:00 (Jul 2-Dec 31); bring dry clothes and a waterproof phone case. 3. **Zhaoqing’s Boat-Accessed Spot Has Water Greener Than Jiuzhaigou!** *Ziyun Valley’s* emerald water glows! Take a ferry across the Xi River to natural swimming pools teeming with wild fish, shaded by ancient trees. Pro tip: Try the river fish—so fresh it’ll "melt your eyebrows"! *Experience*: Cruise the Xi River for Lingyang Gorge views + farmhouse river delicacies. *Transport*: Join a ¥39/day tour from Guangzhou (ticket ¥40 extra). 4. **21°C! Shaoguan’s "Cold Spring Beach" Will Give You Chills** *Wengyuan Cold Spring’s* water is icy—a shock in summer! Pebbles gleam underwater, and the spring tastes sweet. Don’t miss the "cold spring fish" at dinner—its firm texture "dances" in your mouth. 5. **Zengcheng’s "Guangdong Kanas": Swim Under Waterfalls** *Dafengmen’s* waterfall pools are unreal! Jump (not recommended) from 30m-high falls into jade-green water that turns Tiffany blue by afternoon. Stay in rice-field or creek-side B&Bs! *Safety*: Stick to shallow areas in natural waters. 6. **Yangjiang’s Free Beach Has Sand Finer Than Flour** *Pearl Bay’s* sand "sings" underfoot! Glass-clear water + sunset views from *Feilong Temple’s* golden roof = *Journey to the West* vibes. Freshly caught seafood? ¥10 buys a full bag! *Note*: Undeveloped beach—wade/play in sand, but avoid swimming. 7. **Wild Urban "Surfing" in Tianhe—Direct Metro Access!** *Keyun Park’s* stream lets you "surf" barefoot! Run against the current to de-stress. Downtown convenience + ¥5 herbal jelly from grannies nearby. *Transport*: Metro Line 5 to Keyun Rd Station (Exit A), then Bus 901. 8. **Enping’s Water Park With 5-Minute Lines MAX** *Floral Fun World’s* 3m tsunami pool rivals real ocean waves! No queues—ride the "Giant Tornado" slide endlessly. Unwind in private hot-villa suites at night. *Tickets*: Book online for discounts; pack swimwear, flip-flops, and sunscreen. ✅✅✅ These spots are so underrated even locals sneak in—save this list now! Once they go viral, good luck squeezing in… (Psst…the last one’s best by car—some places aren’t on maps!)

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province is a world-renowned tourist resort city, attracting tourists from all over the world. Today I recommend a fish restaurant: Xijiang Fishing Village. Xijiang Fishing Village in Zhaoqing City is a characteristic area or catering place with the theme of Xijiang fishing culture, usually combining local aquatic cuisine and natural scenery. As the main stream of the Pearl River, Xijiang River is rich in fishery resources and there are often fishing-themed attractions or restaurants around it. It is close to the Xijiang River, and you can walk to the dam below to enjoy the Xijiang River. It is very suitable for sightseeing, vacation, and taking photos! Address: Changxian Street, Dinghu District Opening hours: 09:00-21:00

🌟Seven Star Crags Scenic Area Highlights | Seven Peaks and One Lake, Picturesque Scenery Core Attractions Seven Rock Peaks: Climb Tianzhu Rock for a panoramic view of Star Lake. Shishi Rock houses 531 cliff carvings, including Tang Dynasty Li Yong's "Duanzhou Shishi Ji". Marvelous Caves: Shishi Cave: Take a boat through the underground river and admire stalactites like "Buddha's Hand Citron" and "Carp Spitting Pearls". Longyan Cave: A light show projects onto thousand-year-old stone carvings, and the cave's lake is as still as a mirror. Shuangyuan Cave: The filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 version of *Journey to the West*. Explore the wonders of the underground river by boat. Cultural Landmarks: Shuiyue Palace (a Ming Dynasty Taoist building) is a popular place of worship, and the Five Dragon Pavilion is a great spot for birdwatching and admiring lotus flowers. Tour Tips Tickets start from 70 yuan. Advance online booking is recommended. Entering through the North Gate saves time. Recommended route: Shishi Rock → Longyan Cave → Tianzhu Rock → stroll along Star Lake embankment. 🌉Nearby Attractions | A Millennium of History and Lively Atmosphere Piyun Tower + Song Dynasty City Wall Historical Context: A Ming Dynasty tower on a Northern Song Dynasty brick city wall. Climb the tower for a distant view of the Xijiang River. Night Tour Recommendation: The city wall is illuminated like a golden dragon at night, perfect for traditional photography. Transportation: About a 10-minute taxi ride from the East Gate of Seven Star Crags. Free admission. Zhaoqing Arcade Street Architectural Features: A collection of Republican-era Nanyang-style arcades. Check out the clock tower of the "Zhaoqing Post Office Building". Food Map: Lunch: Ronghua Restaurant (a 60-year-old establishment, their soy sauce pigeon is a must-try). Snacks: Fei Yi Fish Balls (curry flavor), He Ji De Cheng (freshly fried savory pancakes with bonito and peanut porridge). Souvenirs: Choose a mini ink slab at a Duan Inkstone shop (starting from 30 yuan). Yanqian Village Internet-Famous Spot: Over 200 businesses gather here. Recommended: cafes and Yanqian Village lake-view guesthouses. Must-Try Food: Zhaoqing Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings, soft, savory, and fragrant), tofu pudding, and roasted milk. 📅Itinerary Planning | One-Day Express Tour + Two-Day In-Depth Tour One-Day Express Tour 07:00 Enter through the North Gate → Watch the sunrise from Tianzhu Rock → Boat tour of Shishi Cave 10:30 Take a taxi to the Song Dynasty City Wall and climb Piyun Tower 12:00 Lunch and photos at Arcade Street 14:00 Cycling along the west embankment of Star Lake (20 yuan/hour) 17:00 Relax at Yanqian Village Two-Day In-Depth Tour Day 2: Dinghu Mountain (a Buddhist holy site, round-trip cable car 90 yuan) + Star Lake Wetland Park (free Crane Island viewing) 🚗Transportation Guide | Efficient Travel Without Getting Lost High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou South → Zhaoqing East Station (40 mins), transfer to K02 bus directly to Seven Star Crags. Driving: Parking lot at the scenic area is 5 yuan/hour (on weekends, it is recommended to park at Star Lake Square and transfer to a shuttle bus). City Transportation: Taxi starting price is 8 yuan. Customized sightseeing buses are recommended (150 yuan/day for unlimited rides). ⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls | Save Money and Worry Less Price Warning: Small shops within the scenic area are significantly overpriced. Bring your own water and snacks. Food Timing: Most snack shops open after 14:00. Check the guide in advance. Best Season: March-April for Bauhinia and cherry blossoms, October-November for stunning autumn scenery at Star Lake. Avoid June during the rainy season as caves may be closed. 🌟Why is Seven Star Crags Worth Visiting? CCTV Recommended: Featured three times on *Xinwen Lianbo* in March 2025, described by Ye Jianying as a "painting that will forever remain between heaven and earth". Cultural Treasures: 531 cliff carvings and the intangible cultural heritage of Duan Inkstone making offer a glimpse into a thousand years of cultural heritage. Slow-Paced Lifestyle: 24-hour cafes in Yanqian Village and night boat tours on Star Lake combine a lively atmosphere with poetic charm. 👉 Must-See for Out-of-Town Visitors: If time is limited, prioritize a 2-day tour of Seven Star Crags + Dinghu Mountain. Only a 40-minute high-speed rail ride away, offering excellent value!

Passed by Maverick Western Restaurant 🍴 Attracted by the retro and elegant restaurant environment The store is full of green plants 🪴 and the environment is comfortable There is also a huge Christmas tree 🎄 Decorated with Christmas decorations everywhere I felt the strong festive atmosphere 🎀 I couldn't help but take a few photos with my best friend! Ordered vanilla ice cream waffles 🧇 Can be paired with honey or chocolate sauce A bite of cold vanilla ice cream A bite of hot and fragrant waffles! Matcha donuts 🍵 and latte ☕️ The perfect afternoon tea The matcha donuts are so beautiful that I can't bear to eat them ✨MAVERICK Western Restaurant (Hongkou Longemont) Room K52K53, B2, Block B, CapitaLand Longemont, 388 Xijiangwan Road

Discover a hidden gem in Xijiang Miao Village 🏨Name: Dongye Private Hot Spring Chill Panoramic Homestay ✔Mountain views ✔Attentive service ✔Private hot spring The homestay is in a great location! Panoramic views, with beautiful scenery and starry skies 🌃 After check-in, a staff member will pick you up at the scenic area entrance and help you with your luggage 🧳. The homestay offers attentive service and provides travel guides and food recommendations! The private hot spring is a highlight, offering a private space with a simple and stylish design!

🕹️Zhaoqing, a leisurely town where you want to stay and retire🏡 ✨Zhaoqing, the ancient Duanzhou, is as its name suggests, a thousand-year-old city with auspicious history. Because of the slow life with half of the city being mountains and the other half being lakes, it has become a livable place for retirement that most people yearn for. ✨One mountain, one river and one lake make up one city, and checking in at scenic spots cannot fully reflect the tranquility of Zhaoqing. Only by using time to ferment and feeling with ❤️ like the locals can you appreciate the context and breath of this slow life. ✨ Cycle the most beautiful greenway in China, stroll along the West Embankment of Xinghu Lake, take a boat to Yanqian Village to enjoy a cup of coffee at sunset☕, climb Jiangjun Mountain to overlook the night view of Xinghu Lake🌃 ✨Climb the Song Dynasty City Wall, take a panoramic view of the past and present on the thousand-year-old ancient city wall, stroll along the blue bricks to see the Piyun Tower 👀Look at the red tower from afar, and follow the old streets and alleys to find the past 📚 ✨Walk along the Xijiang River to enjoy the beautiful sunset🌇, go to the Yuejiang Bridge to see the Chongxi Tower and Xunfeng Tower facing each other, ride the Xijiang Greenway, and camp in the Riverside Park🏕️ ✨Walking along the ancient plank road in Lingyang Gorge, you can see the traces of oars holes carved on the stone and sigh at the hardships of the Xijiang River trackers in the past. Climb Beiling Mountain and enjoy the beauty of Zhaoqing 🏔️ ✨Go to Dinghushan to breathe oxygen and cleanse your lungs, play in the forest stream, drink tea under the pavilion with three or five friends, and chat while looking at the clear water🍵

Qianhu Miao Village! This spot is really stunningly beautiful!!! The Qianhu Miao Village I've been dreaming of, I finally made it! Netizens didn't lie to me, this homestay is really too beautiful! The real scene is even more beautiful than the pictures and videos online! Far from the hustle and bustle, I'm so content that I don't want to go home. Lying in bed, you can enjoy the view, and when you open the window, you can hear the birds sing. There are 2 big beds inside, accommodating 4 people is no problem. The infinity pool looks super nice in photos, whether it's day or night. From the terrace, you can gaze at the picturesque Miao village scenery. Sunny, overcast, or rainy days each have their own beauty, no filter needed, a casual snap is very photogenic.

🌞This is a one-star leisure route 👪You can bring your elders and children for a parent-child tour Experience taking a ferry and eating river food in Wenshu Ancient Village Enjoy the wide river view of the "Little Three Gorges of the Xijiang River" Watching ships passing by in the distance Comfortable~ - 📍Address: Zhaoqing Lingyangxia Forest Park Hiking Ancient Plank Road 🐠Route: Xijiang Wharf-Wenshu Ancient Village-Ancient Lingyang Plank Road (approx. 9.5km, 4-5h hiking, with restrooms and canteens along the way) 🎫Tickets:🆓

In general, Dongzhai must go to the highest place. It is said that it is the home of Miaowang. However, there are many roads on the road to the mountain. The signs are very inconspicuous, so there are many tourists who are lost in the circle. I am lost too! Because it was raining all the time, holding the camera with an umbrella, the road was very narrow and the road was too wide. The slings and the umbrellas were completely blocked by the feeling. There is no scenery all the way, you can even describe it with ragged, and there is a lot of garbage and it is dirty. Walking to the middle of the mountain, the scenery is better.