Yunfu’s 5 local hidden gems that locals keep returning to. Save this and go straight there
Who would have thought! A seriously underrated treasure city discovered in Guangdong. No need to squeeze into Guangzhou or Huizhou. High-speed rail direct access and affordable prices. Caves with a constant 18℃ temperature, sunrise views from a 1,000-meter mountain peak, free millennia-old temples for peaceful reflection… This article reveals the 5 best spots across different counties. Highly recommend saving it first.
⛰️ 1. Luoding Windmill Mountain | Drive straight to the 1,000-meter peak for sunrise
46 white windmills line the ridge at 1,137 meters elevation. You can drive all the way to the top! In the early morning, when the sea of clouds rolls in, the windmills appear faintly through the mist. At sunrise, the entire peak turns golden. Low light pollution at night lets you see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
📍 Longwan Town, Luoding City, Yunfu, Guangdong Province
🎫 Free (14 yuan garbage management fee per car)
⏰ 3:00 AM–11:00 PM
📱 Reserve via the “Longwan Windmill Mountain” public account. Limit 500 cars daily
🚗 Self-drive navigation “Luoding Windmill Mountain,” about 3.5 hours from Guangzhou
💡 Large temperature difference at the peak, bring a jacket. Windmill No. 12 is the best spot for sunrise
🕳️ 2. Panlong Cave | Natural air conditioning in the city
Right in Yunfu city, accessible by bus. The cave stays at a constant 18℃ year-round, instantly cooling you off during the hottest days. The highlight is the “gem flower”—a rare cave wonder worldwide. When lit, it sparkles like scattered diamonds. The cave has three levels, each step revealing a new scene.
📍 No. 75 Panlong Road, Gaofeng Street, Yuncheng District, Yunfu, Guangdong Province
🎫 30–50 yuan (online purchase recommended)
⏰ 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
🚗 Self-drive navigation “Panlong Cave Scenic Area” or take a taxi 30 minutes from Yunfu East high-speed rail station
💡 Tour takes about 1–2 hours. The paths inside are narrow, watch your step
🏯 3. Guoen Temple | A rare millennia-old temple with the “Guo” character in its name
The former residence and passing place of Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism. Empress Wu Zetian personally bestowed the “Guoen Temple” plaque. The thousand-year-old lychee tree in the temple is said to have been planted by Huineng himself. Arrive before 7:00 AM to enjoy the quiet courtyard and sometimes catch monks’ morning chants. Entirely free, truly genuine.
📍 Longshan Hot Spring Resort, Liuzu Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province
🎫 Free
⏰ 8:00 AM–11:30 AM, 2:00 PM–5:30 PM (closed at noon, don’t come during that time!)
🚗 Self-drive navigation “Guoen Temple,” about 2 hours from Guangzhou
💡 After visiting, take a walk at the nearby Longtan Lake Wetland Park. Vegetarian meals are available outside the temple
🌿 4. Tianlu Mountain Tourist Resort | Cloud adventures at the highest peak in central and southern Guangdong
At 1,251 meters, it’s the highest peak in central and southern Guangdong. The summit has vast alpine meadows. In spring, rhododendrons cover the mountain; summer offers canyon rafting; autumn brings rolling seas of clouds. There’s a glass bridge and a mountain train, with dense forest coverage making it a natural oxygen bar.
📍 Luodong Village, Lidong Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province
🎫 Entrance 48 yuan; entrance + glass bridge 96 yuan
⏰ 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
🚗 Self-drive recommended
💡 Rafting open April–October, weekdays 1:30 PM–3:30 PM, weekends 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Winding mountain roads, take motion sickness medicine in advance if needed
🌳 5. Yunan Dawang Mountain National Forest Park | Free natural oxygen bar with views of the Xijiang River
A favorite weekend spot for locals! Forest coverage is 96.6%, with ancient camphor trees shading the sky. The nine-story Wende Tower at the summit offers a 360° view of Yunan County and the Xijiang River. At sunset, the clouds turn the river red. Best of all, it’s quiet, uncrowded, and free!
📍 Second Ring Road, Ducheng Town, Yunan County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province
🎫 Free
🚗 Self-drive navigation “Dawang Mountain National Forest Park” East Gate parking lot
💡 No shops inside the park, bring your own water. Wear non-slip shoes as stone steps can be mossy. Climb the tower one hour before sunset for the best photos
This seriously underrated city in western Guangdong has few people, beautiful scenery, and low costs. It’s truly a perfect spot for a spontaneous weekend trip. Save this article and check it before you go~