Jieyang

Jieyang is a hidden-gem small city full of everyday local life and a thousand years of cultural heritage. Its sights are concentrated, prices are friendly, and it is perfect for a slow weekend trip. Here is a two-day, one-night food-and-sightseeing guide you can follow directly!

Itinerary

• Day 1: Old City Culture and Night Views
  • Morning: After arriving, head to Jinxian Gate, Jieyang’s landmark, then walk to Jieyang Confucian Temple, known as the “Little Forbidden City of Eastern Guangdong” and closed on Mondays.
  • Afternoon: Visit the City God Temple to admire its roof porcelain-inlay craftsmanship, then stop by the Ding Richang Memorial Hall to experience Chaoshan ancient architecture and intangible cultural heritage.
  • Evening: Stroll along the arcaded streets of Jieyang Old City, a filming location for *A Letter to Grandma*, and Datong Street. The night lighting is extremely photogenic, and you can grab a late-night snack along the way.
• Day 2: Nature, Ecology, and Leisure
  • Morning: Visit Shuangfeng Temple, one of Jieyang’s Eight Scenic Spots, or Rongjiang West Lake Park to get a feel for local leisure life.
  • Afternoon: Choose based on your interests. If you like natural scenery, go to Huangmanzhai Waterfall Cluster, which requires self-driving. If you prefer culture, visit Yuanhe Soy Sauce Garden to experience traditional brewing methods and check in with soy sauce ice cream.
  • Evening: Enjoy an authentic Chaoshan beef hotpot or claypot congee before heading home.

Must-Visit Sights

The sights in the old city area are very close to one another and can basically be connected on foot, so you do not need to take taxis frequently.

Must-Eat Food List

Food in Jieyang is more affordable than in Shantou and Chaozhou, so it is worth seeking out old neighborhood shops where locals gather.

Transport and Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• Where to Stay: It is recommended to stay around Jinxian Avenue or near the old city, where you can experience the atmosphere of the old urban area and have convenient access to transport and food. If you like shopping malls, choose somewhere near Wanda Plaza.
• Getting Around: Walking is best within the old city area. For short trips in the urban area, ride-hailing or shared electric scooters are recommended to avoid congestion on the narrow roads of the old town. Be cautious about driving into the old city, as the streets and alleys are narrow and parking spaces are hard to find.
• Pitfall Reminders: Jieyang is hot, humid, and rainy in summer. Try to rest indoors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., then go sightseeing in the morning or evening. Most old city shops are not open in the morning, so for breakfast, head to nearby residential areas such as Beimen Market. Be wary of tricycle drivers soliciting passengers by the station or along roads near attractions.