Heyuan

Heyuan is known as the “back garden” of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Famous for the natural scenery of Wanlu Lake, the educational experiences at the Dinosaur Museum, and its rich Hakka cuisine, it is ideal for a relaxing weekend or short holiday. Here is a practical 3-day, 2-night travel guide you can follow directly!

Itinerary Route

• Day 1: Prehistoric Discovery and Local Street Life

After arriving in the afternoon, head to the Heyuan Dinosaur Museum, which houses nearly 20,000 fossilized dinosaur eggs and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection in the world. It is a must-visit for families with children or anyone who enjoys science and natural history. In the evening, stroll along Taiping Old Street and sample Hakka snacks on this century-old arcade street. At 8:00 p.m., walk to the waterfront platform to watch the Tallest Fountain in Asia. The 169-meter-high water column, paired with lights and music, is truly spectacular.

• Day 2: Emerald Scenery and Fairytale Hot Springs

In the morning, visit Wanlu Lake Scenic Area. Boat Route 1 is recommended, with stops at Shuiyue Bay, Longfeng Island, and Jinghuayuan. The lake water is so clear you can see to the bottom, and light-colored clothing gives photos a naturally filtered look. In the afternoon, head to Bavaria Manor or Chunmuyuan Town to experience European-style architecture and amusement rides, then soak in natural hot springs in the evening to unwind.

• Day 3: Danxia Cliffs and a Thousand-Year-Old Ancient City

In the morning, drive to Huoshan Scenic Area in Longchuan County. As one of Guangdong’s seven famous mountains, it is filled with spectacular Danxia landforms. Walk along the 188-meter suspended glass walkway, then climb to the top of “Chuantou Rock” for sweeping views of the red cliffs. In the afternoon, visit Tuocheng Scenic Area, which has a history of 2,200 years. Stroll along stone-paved lanes, touch the Qin Dynasty Yuewang Well, enjoy the slower pace, and then return home happily.

Must-Visit Attractions

Heyuan’s attractions are relatively spread out, so it is best to choose based on your interests. Here are the top recommendations:

Local Food Guide

Heyuan cuisine is mainly Hakka cuisine, with flavors leaning savory and salty. Below are long-running local favorites and specialty restaurants often visited by residents:

• Xiajiao Granary Pork Knuckle Rice Noodles: The soul of a Heyuan morning. The pork knuckle is rich but not greasy, and the full-bodied broth with smooth rice noodles wakes up the palate in one bite.
• Zijin Eight-Cut Soup: A classic Hakka dish made by simmering eight parts of the pig. The soup is fresh and the meat is tender; served with rice noodles, it is warming and comforting.
• Wenji Snacks: A small shop that opens only in the afternoon. Must-orders include glutinous rice, five-finger peach chicken wings, and boiled radish ban. You can eat until full for just over ten yuan per person.
• Jiebianwang: A late-night snack favorite. Radish ban, glutinous rice flour snacks, and braised field snails are full of street-side flavor. Around 20 yuan per person is enough for a very filling meal.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay: If you like lively areas and good food, choose somewhere near Taiping Old Street, which has an old-world charm and convenient transport. For a hot spring resort stay, consider the hot spring hotels at Ketianxia or Bavaria Manor, both with complete facilities. For a fresh, artistic atmosphere, stay in Chunmuyuan Town.
• Transport Guide: High-speed trains go directly to Heyuan Station or Heyuan East Station, taking about 1 hour from Guangzhou or Shenzhen. However, Heyuan’s attractions are quite spread out, so self-driving or renting a car after arrival is strongly recommended for a much better travel experience.