Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is a city blessed with mountains and water. It has a slow pace and friendly prices, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend or an “oxygen-boosting” trip with family and friends. Below is a 2-day, 1-night travel guide to help you explore Zhaoqing with ease.

Must-Visit Attractions

Zhaoqing’s sights are mainly centered on natural landscapes and history and culture. Here are the core attractions most worth visiting:

Local Food Guide

When you come to Zhaoqing, the scenery is not the only highlight. These local specialties are also absolutely worth trying:

2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

This itinerary has a relaxed pace and balances nature with culture, making it suitable for most travelers.

• Day 1: Oxygen-Rich Landscapes and an Ancient City Night Walk
  • Morning: Head to Dinghu Mountain and take the sightseeing bus to visit Butterfly Valley and Qingyun Temple, enjoying the natural oxygen bar.
  • Afternoon: After descending the mountain, try Dinghu tofu pudding, then go to Seven Star Crags to stroll among lakes and mountains and check in at the caves and cliff inscriptions.
  • Evening: Have coffee by the lake in Yanqian Village. After dinner, go to Paifang Square to watch the musical fountain (every night at 20:00 and 21:00; usually suspended on Mondays).

• Day 2: Cultural Stroll and Nature Stream Trekking
  • Morning: Walk along the Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall, climb Piyun Tower for a view over the city, then browse Qilou Street, which has distinctive Lingnan character.
  • Afternoon: Head to Ziyun Valley and take a boat into the valley. Enjoy the mint-green stream water, try stream trekking and water play, then return in the evening.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Near the Scenic Area: If you want to stay close to Seven Star Crags, choose Wyndham Grand Zhaoqing Downtown. Lake-view rooms come with soaking tubs, making it ideal for a laid-back resort stay.

• Convenient City Stay: Choose Duanzhou District (such as around Agile Plaza), where dining, shopping, and daily conveniences are easy to access and value for money is good.
  • Resort Homestays: If you like nature and pet-friendly stays, consider the suburban Jade Bay White Swan Hotel or a bamboo-forest hot spring villa.

• Transport Guide:
  • Getting There: Take the high-speed rail directly to “Zhaoqing East Railway Station,” then a taxi to the city center takes about 25 minutes; or fly to Guangzhou/Shenzhen and drive there (about 1.5-2 hours).
  • Local Transport: Attractions are not far apart, so taxis or self-driving are the most convenient options. Inside Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain, sightseeing buses are recommended to save energy.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Ticket Times: Daytime tickets for Seven Star Crags are about 70 yuan, and entry is free after 7 p.m.; Dinghu Mountain tickets are 70 yuan, while the Butterfly Valley boat requires an additional 35 yuan. Pay attention to the last boat time (around 17:30).
• What to Wear: Dinghu Mountain and Ziyun Valley require walking, so be sure to wear comfortable athletic shoes. There are many mosquitoes outdoors in summer, so remember to bring insect repellent.
• Food Shopping: For guozheng zongzi, it is best to buy from old local brands or markets frequented by residents. Vacuum-packed versions are convenient to take away as gifts.