Zhaoqing Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs of Zhaoqing, China with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is a city located in Northern Guangdong, in the province of Guangdong, South China. The city is nestled near the Xi River, and boasts a population of approximately 4 million people. Zhaoqing is filled with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant food scene.

List of Places to Visit in Zhaoqing

If you’re planning a trip to Zhaoqing, you’ll want to make sure to visit these top places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Qingyun Temple: Built-in 1372, Qingyun Temple is one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in Zhaoqing. It is nestled at the foot of a mountain, and visitors can take in the scenic views while exploring its various halls and pagodas.

  • Seven Star Crags: This is a group of seven hills that form a star shape. Each hill has its own unique scenery and landmarks. Seven Star Crags is known for its stunning natural landscapes that have captivated visitors for centuries.

  • Dinghu Mountain: Dinghu Mountain is located in the eastern part of Zhaoqing, and is part of the Dinghu Mountain Range. The area is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna, and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Zhaoqing: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Duanzhou District: Located in the heart of Zhaoqing, Duanzhou District is home to numerous parks, gardens, and scenic spots. The district is an excellent place to take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

  • Panlong Gorge: This is a breathtakingly beautiful canyon that features towering cliffs, crystal clear waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Visitors can hike along the gorge and take in the natural beauty of the area.

  • Star Lake: This is a man-made lake that is surrounded by mountains and forests. Star Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is a fantastic place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best trails to explore include:

  1. Dinghu Mountain Hiking Trail: This trail is 6 km long and takes you through a lush forest, past waterfalls and streams, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

  2. Shizhu Mountain Biking Trail: This trail is 12 km long and offers a challenging but rewarding ride past small villages, rice fields, and bamboo groves.

  3. Seven Star Crags Hiking Trail: This trail is 4 km long and takes you through the scenic Seven Star Crags, offers diverse and picturesque scenes.

Best Things to Do in Zhaoqing: Activities and Tours

Zhaoqing offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours to choose from. Here are some of the best:

  • Cruise Along the Xi River: The Xi River is a 1400 km river that flows from southern China through to the Pearl River Delta. A cruise along the river is a fantastic way to take in the city’s natural beauty.

  • Learn to Make Traditional Cantonese Dishes: Cantonese cuisine is famous for its unique flavors and cooking techniques. Visitors can take cooking classes and learn to make dishes such as dim sum and steamed fish.

  • Chinese Traditional Painting Class: Chinese traditional painting is an ancient art form that dates back over 1000 years. Visitors can take classes and learn how to create their own watercolor paintings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zhaoqing

Day 1: Check-in and explore Duanzhou District Day 2: Visit Qingyun Temple and Seven Star Crags Day 3: Hike Dinghu Mountain, take a break in the tea house in the tea plantation area of Dinghu Mountain Day 4: Bike along Shizhu Mountain, tour a traditional Cantonese village Day 5: Visit Star Lake and Snake Island, enjoy outdoor activities Day 6: Take a cruise along Xi River and enjoy Cantonese cuisine Day 7: Chinese traditional painting class and souvenir shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is a foodie’s paradise. With a mix of Cantonese, Hakka, and Guangdong cuisine, visitors can expect to find a variety of unique and tasty dishes to indulge in.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roast Goose: Zhaoqing is known for its succulent roast goose that is cooked to perfection.

  • Fengkai Yam: This is a sweet potato that grows in Fengkai County. It is known for its delicious taste and creamy texture.

  • Bamboo Rice: This is a sticky rice dish that is cooked inside of bamboo tubes. The rice takes on a unique smoky flavor and is a must-try.

Local Beverages

  • Wuyi Tea: Wuyi tea is a type of oolong tea that is grown in the Wuyi Mountains. Visitors can try different varieties of this tea and learn about its history and culture.

  • Chinese Baijiu: This is a potent liquor that is brewed from sorghum. Baijiu is often enjoyed during celebratory occasions and is a popular drink in Zhaoqing.

Where to Stay in Zhaoqing: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Zhaoqing has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and style. Here are some of the best:

  • Zhaoqing Dongdian Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

  • Zhaoqing Venus Hotel: A luxury hotel with top-notch amenities such as an indoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

  • Zhaoqing Hongdu Hotel: This is a budget-friendly hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Zhaoqing: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Zhaoqing Embroidery: Zhaoqing embroidery is a traditional handicraft that has been around for over 400 years. Visitors can purchase embroidered items such as shoes, hats, and clothing.

  • Fengkai Yam: Visitors can purchase fresh or dried yams to take home as a tasty and unique souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing has a strong cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture and customs, such as:

  • Respect for elders: In Chinese culture, respect for elders is emphasized. Visitors should show respect to the elderly by making eye contact when speaking and using formal language.

  • Etiquette when entering someone’s home: When entering someone’s home, visitors should remove their shoes and wait for the host to let them know where to sit.

Best Time to Visit Zhaoqing

The best time to visit Zhaoqing is during the autumn months of September to November. The temperatures are mild, and there is less rainfall, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s natural beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zhaoqing

Do:

  • Try new foods: Zhaoqing has a unique food scene, and visitors should try new dishes and experience local cuisine.

  • Respect the local culture: Visitors should be respectful of local culture and customs, such as honoring traditions, speaking Chinese during conversations, and using polite language.

Don’t:

  • Be careless with personal belongings: Visitors should be careful with their personal belongings, including money, bags, and electronic devices.

  • Wear revealing clothing: Visitors should dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites and temples.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is a safe city to visit, but visitors should take precautions such as:

  • Be aware of pickpockets and scam artists: Visitors should be careful when carrying money and be cautious of individuals that may attempt to scam tourists.

  • Stay alert when crossing the street: Drivers in China can be aggressive, so visitors should be careful when crossing the street and look both ways.

Health in Zhaoqing

Visitors should take precautions when visiting Zhaoqing to ensure they stay healthy, such as:

  • Drink bottled water: While the tap water is generally safe to drink, visitors should drink bottled water to avoid any potential health risks.

  • Take necessary immunizations: Visitors should make sure they have up-to-date immunizations before traveling to China.

Getting to Zhaoqing: Transportation Options and Logistics

Zhaoqing is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. Here are some of the best transportation options:

Airports Near Zhaoqing

  • Zhaoqing Guangfo Airport: Located 25 km from the city center, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Zhaoqing

  • Zhaoqing Bus Station: This is the main bus station in the city, offering both short and long-distance trips.

Other Options

  • Train Station: The city’s train station offers direct connections to major cities in China such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing.

How to Get Around in Zhaoqing

Getting around Zhaoqing is easy and convenient. Visitors can use:

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available in the city and are the easiest way to get around.

  • Public Transportation: The city has a well-developed bus system that is affordable and convenient.

  • Bike rental: Visitors can rent bikes to explore the city and the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Zhaoqing: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Zhaoqing, visitors may want to check out nearby destinations such as:

  • Guangzhou: Located 120 km away, Guangzhou is one of China’s largest cities, and offers a mix of modern and historic attractions.

  • Kaiping: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaiping is a must-visit for history lovers, with its unique diaolou towers.

  • Foshan: Located 100 km away from Zhaoqing, Foshan is known for its martial arts, cultural heritage, and ceramics.

Conclusion

Zhaoqing is a beautiful, fascinating destination that offers visitors a wealth of cultural, natural, and gastronomical experiences. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can feel confident in exploring the city, trying new foods, and embracing the local culture and customs.