Zhaoqing Slow Travel Diary: Stealing a Few Leisure Days, Drunk in a Landscape Painting

Hey, friend! If you’re looking for a place not far from Guangzhou and Shenzhen that can instantly relax you, I have to strongly recommend Zhaoqing! Don’t think it’s just a “small town” by its name; it’s a treasure trove with mountains, water, and culture, perfect for a two- or three-day “slow life” trip. Follow my guide, and I guarantee you’ll have a comfortable trip without any pitfalls! Day 1: Check in at landmarks, stroll among mountains and waters Morning: Seven Star Crags — The stones here “sing” When you come to Zhaoqing, your first stop must be Seven Star Crags! Don’t think it’s just a few rocks—that’s a big mistake. Once you enter, you’ll understand what “Lingnan’s number one wonder” means. Five lakes, six hills, seven crags, eight caves—the layout is truly magnificent! I highly recommend taking a boat tour on the lake. Sitting on a small boat, slowly drifting over Star Lake, watching the various limestone peaks like Langfeng Crag and Yuping Crag reflected in the emerald water, the feeling is simply amazing! The breeze brushes your face, and all your worries seem to be blown away. Sometimes the boatman will point out stones that look like animals or mythical figures, which is quite interesting. If you have the energy, be sure to climb Shishi Crag. The mountain isn’t high, but the view from the top is excellent, offering a panoramic view of the entire Star Lake—definitely a golden spot for photos. At the foot of the mountain, there’s also Shishi Cave, where you can take a small boat inside to explore another mysterious karst world, illuminated with colorful lights. Afternoon: Yanqian Village — Zhaoqing’s “Gulangyu” After leaving Seven Star Crags, don’t rush off. Take a walk along the lakeside or rent a bike to reach Yanqian Village on the opposite side. This place has now become Zhaoqing’s trendy artsy hotspot! Along the entire lakeside road, there are stylish cafes, small bars, and guesthouses. Find a lakeside café, order a drink, and just sit there watching the sunset dye the lake golden and the silhouette of Seven Star Crags in the distance. That kind of leisure and comfort is a happiness money can’t buy. If you stay here overnight, the lake view at night when the lights come on is breathtakingly beautiful. Evening: Paifang Square to watch the musical fountain You can have dinner in the city and try some local specialties. Then take a stroll at the Seven Star Crags Paifang Square. This is Zhaoqing’s city living room, with a musical fountain show every night. The water jets rise and fall with the music, changing shapes under the lights. The scene is quite spectacular and a great way to experience local nightlife. Day 2: Breathe fresh air, explore ancient and secluded spots Morning: Dinghu Mountain — The “Green Gem” on the Tropic of Cancer On the second day, let’s go into the mountains! Dinghu Mountain is China’s first national nature reserve, known as the “Green Gem on the Tropic of Cancer,” which speaks volumes about its value. As soon as you enter the mountain gate, the rich scent of plants and the negative oxygen ions hit you—take a deep breath and cleanse your lungs! The highlight is Feishui Pool. Follow the stream upstream; the sound of water grows louder until you reach the end, where a waterfall plunges dozens of meters from a cliff into a crystal-clear pool. This is where Dr. Sun Yat-sen once swam. The water quality is astonishingly good, and it’s incredibly refreshing in summer! Don’t forget to visit Qingyun Temple, one of the four famous temples in Lingnan, known for its bustling incense and serene environment. Walking around the temple, your heart will naturally calm down. Afternoon: Duan Inkstone Cultural Village & Song Dynasty City Wall After coming down from Dinghu Mountain, if you’re interested in traditional culture, visit Duan Inkstone Cultural Village. Zhaoqing’s ancient name is Duanzhou, and the Duan inkstone produced here is the top of China’s four famous inkstones. In the village, you can see craftsmen carving a plain stone into exquisite artworks and learn about the culture behind it—very educational. Then return to the city and be sure to see the Song Dynasty City Wall. This is a rare, well-preserved main structure of a Song Dynasty brick city wall in the country! Walking on the ancient wall and touching the weathered bricks, you can instantly feel the weight of history. From the wall, you can overlook Zhaoqing’s old town, where the contrast between old and new offers a unique charm. [Food Recommendations & Practical Tips] · Must-try foods: · Zhaoqing Wrapped Steamed Rice Dumpling: This is not an ordinary zongzi! Wrapped in local winter leaves, filled with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork with both lean and fat, it’s huge, soft, and savory after steaming—super filling! · Wenxi Carp: A specialty from Dinghu Shapu, steamed so that the fish scales are soft and edible, with tender meat and no earthy smell. · Zhugao Rice Noodles: A smooth and tasty rice noodle, one of Guangdong’s famous snacks—perfect for breakfast! · Transportation: Taking the high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Zhaoqing East Station is super convenient, just over half an hour. In Zhaoqing city, taxis or shared electric bikes are very comfortable ways to get around. · Accommodation: For an artsy and romantic experience, stay in Yanqian Village; for convenience and liveliness, stay near Seven Star Crags Paifang; for quietness, choose a guesthouse at the foot of Dinghu Mountain. · Itinerary suggestion: 2 to 3 days is most comfortable. Day one for Seven Star Crags and the city, day two for Dinghu Mountain, and if you have time, day three to explore some off-the-beaten-path spots or just relax by the lake. In short, Zhaoqing is a place where you can slow down your pace and truly feel the beauty of mountains, waters, and the leisure of the city. Wish you a happy trip in Zhaoqing!