Escape to Zhaoqing: Limestone peaks, ancient villages & flavors

Travelog

Just a few hours from the vibrant energy of Macau lies Zhaoqing, a region where time drifts slowly, measured by the rhythm of nature and the sun’s passage over limestone peaks. My recent visit offered a refreshing blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, highlighting the serene beauty that defines much of the Greater Bay Area.

Seven Star Caves and Yanqian

My journey began at the Seven Star Caves (Qixingyan), where dramatic karst peaks rise from misty lakes like timeless sculptures. Visitors can hire local boatmen to navigate the tranquil waterways, steering clear of the typical tourist routes. As we glided past limestone formations, ancient cliff carvings—poems etched by scholars of the Tang and Song dynasties—came into view, with crystal-clear water revealing schools of fish below.

For lunch, I sought out Zhaoqing’s renowned zongzi—a pyramid of glutinous rice stuffed with pork and mushrooms, slow-cooked in lotus leaves for over eight hours. This rich, savory dish paired beautifully with silky tofu pudding made from pure mountain spring water.

A short drive brought me to one of Zhaoqing’s hidden gems: the Song Dynasty City Wall. As one of the best-preserved ancient walls in Southern China, it offers a walk through history. Strolling along its ramparts, I admired the moss-covered bricks and panoramic views of the old city, feeling a deep connection to the architects of a bygone era.

As evening descended, the revitalized fishing village of Yanqian became a highlight of my trip. Now home to artsy cafes and boutique B&Bs lining the lakefront, the village’s “Rainbow Road” offered stunning sunset views. I enjoyed a simple yet exquisite steamed Xijiang river fish at a lakeside restaurant, followed by a local craft beer at a cozy bar with live folk music.

Dinghu Mountain: A UNESCO sanctuary

No visit to Zhaoqing is complete without exploring Dinghu Mountain, one of Guangdong’s Four Famous Mountains and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Known for its pristine subtropical forests and rich biodiversity, Dinghu Mountain is also a centuries-old center of Buddhist culture.

The mountain’s lush trails led me to the captivating Flying Water Terrace waterfall, where a cool, clear pool invited a refreshing swim. Further along the path, I discovered the revered Qingyun Temple, an active Buddhist monastery filled with the scent of incense. Here, I observed devotional practices and sampled Dinghu Shangsu, an exquisite vegetarian feast featuring eighteen mountain-sourced ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and lotus seeds.

A leisurely farewell

On my final morning, I returned to Yanqian Village for coffee at a lakeside cafe, watching fishermen cast their nets—a scene largely unchanged for generations. Before departing, I picked up a small Duan inkstone, a meaningful souvenir from my journey through time and nature.

Don’t miss: Rent an e-bike to explore Yanqian Village and its surrounding areas for a more immersive experience. GBA correspondent, Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing by numbers

GDP: Approximately 300 billion RMB (2024)

GDP per capita: 70,600 RMB (2024)

Population: 4.13million (2024)

Main industries:

• New Energy Vehicles
• Advanced Equipment Manufacturing
• Energy Conservation & Environmental Protection