South China Travel Guide
A detailed guide to South China, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.
- Introduction to South China
- List of Places to Visit in South China
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South China
- Best Things to Do in South China: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for South China
- Food and Drink Scene of South China
- Where to Stay in South China: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South China: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South China
- Best Time to Visit South China
- Do’s and Don’ts of South China
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South China: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South China
- Where to Go Next from South China: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to South China
South China is a region in China that comprises five provinces: Guangdong, Hainan, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Guangxi. The region is home to a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or local culture, South China has something to offer.
List of Places to Visit in South China
- Guangzhou
- Guilin
- Xiamen
- Hainan Island
- Yangshuo
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
- Yongding Tulou
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
South China is home to some of China’s most important museums and historical places. Here are some places you shouldn’t miss:
- The Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King in Guangzhou
- The Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou
- The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees in Guangzhou
- The Yongding Tulou Cluster in Fujian
- The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in Guangdong
- The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall in Nanjing
Natural Attractions of South China: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
South China is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, from rolling mountains to crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the best places to experience the region’s natural beauty:
- Yangshuo’s Karst Mountains
- The Li River in Guilin
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province
- The Seven Star Crags in Zhaoqing
- The Wuyi Mountains in Fujian
- The beaches of Hainan Island
Hiking/Biking Routes of South China
South China is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the region’s natural landscapes. Here are some popular routes:
- The Li River Hiking Trail in Guilin
- The Yuntai Mountain Hiking Trail in Henan Province
- The Xiamen Cycling Path
- The Jinfo Mountain Hiking Trail in Chongqing
- The Wuyi Mountains Hiking Trail in Fujian
Best Things to Do in South China: Activities and Tours
There are a variety of activities and tours to enjoy in South China. Here are some ideas:
- Take a bamboo raft ride down the Li River in Guilin
- Explore the Yongding Tulou Cluster in Fujian
- Sample Guangdong’s famous dim sum
- Experience the nightlife in Guangzhou
- Visit the ancient town of Fenghuang in Hunan Province
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the Wuzhishan Mountains in Hainan
- Watch the traditional dragon boat races in Xiamen
Week-Long Itinerary for South China
Day 1-3: Guangzhou and Surrounding Areas
- Visit the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King and the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou
- Explore the historic Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
- Take a scenic drive along the Nanling Mountains
Day 4-5: Guilin and Yangshuo
- Take a bamboo raft ride down the Li River
- Explore Yangshuo’s Karst Mountains
- Watch the “Impression Sanjie Liu” light show
Day 6-7: Hainan Island
- Relax on the beaches
- Visit the Wuzhishan Mountains for a hot air balloon ride
Food and Drink Scene of South China
South China is home to some of China’s most famous dishes, including dim sum, Cantonese roast meat, and seafood. Here are some must-try dishes:
Must-Try Dishes
- Dim sum
- Cantonese roast meat
- Hainanese chicken rice
- Guilin rice noodles
- Dongpo pork
Local Beverages
- Pearl milk tea
- Li River beer
- Xiamen Coffee
Where to Stay in South China: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
South China offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some options:
- Guangzhou: White Swan Hotel, Guangdong Victory Hotel
- Guilin: Shangri-La Hotel, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
- Xiamen: Marco Polo Hotel, Xiamen Seashine Palace Hotel
- Hainan Island: Sheraton Sanya Resort, Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Haitang Bay Sanya
- Yongding Tulou: King’s Banquet Hotel
What to Buy in South China: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
South China is home to a range of local products and souvenirs. Here are some ideas:
- Silk products from Guangzhou
- Teas from Fujian
- Handicrafts from Yongding Tulou
- Seafood products from Hainan Island
Local Culture and Customs of South China
South China has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, food, and traditional festivals. Here are some customs to be aware of:
- Handshakes are common when greeting people
- Tipping is not expected in restaurants
- Respect for elders is important
- Bringing a small gift when visiting someone’s home is polite
Best Time to Visit South China
The best time to visit South China is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. However, Hainan Island can be visited year-round for its tropical climate.
Do’s and Don’ts of South China
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting South China:
Do:
- Explore the local cuisine
- Visit historical sites and museums
- Try outdoor activities, such as hiking and bamboo rafting
Don’t:
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
- Cause a disturbance in public places
- Take photographs of people without permission
Safety and Health
Safety in South China
Overall, South China is a safe place to visit. However, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
- Be cautious when walking or driving at night
- Be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation
Health in South China
It’s important to take precautions to stay healthy while visiting South China. Here are some tips:
- Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upset
- Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Be aware of the air quality in larger cities, particularly during winter months.
Getting to South China: Transportation Options and Logistics
South China is well-connected to other parts of China and Asia. Here are some transportation options:
Airports Near South China
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
- Haikou Meilan International Airport
Bus Stations Near South China
- Guangzhou Bus Station
- Guilin Bus Station
- Xiamen Bus Station
Other Options
- High-speed trains connect major cities in South China
- Ferry services connect Hainan Island to mainland China
How to Get Around in South China
Public transportation in South China is affordable and convenient. Options include buses, taxis, and trains.
Where to Go Next from South China: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have more time to explore, here are some nearby destinations to consider:
- Sichuan Province for its spicy cuisine and pandas
- Hong Kong for its bustling cosmopolitan vibe
- Macau for its Portuguese influence and gambling scene
- Taiwan for its night markets and beautiful scenery
Conclusion
South China is an incredible destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and outdoor adventures. With its beautiful natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip today and discover all that South China has to offer!
South China Image Gallery
![Mountains in Danxiashan](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/%E9%9F%B6%E9%97%9C%E4%B8%B9%E9%9C%9E%E5%B1%B1_-_panoramio.jpg/100px-%E9%9F%B6%E9%97%9C%E4%B8%B9%E9%9C%9E%E5%B1%B1_-_panoramio.jpg)