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Nanxiong City, located in northeastern Guangdong Province, has long served as a key route from Lingnan to the Central Plains. Historically, it's been called "the head of the Five Ridges, the gateway between Jiang and Guangdong," and "the throat of the north and south, nestled between Chu and Guangdong." Due to its abundance of dinosaur fossils, it's also known as the "hometown of dinosaurs." Nanxiong, with its rolling mountains to the north and south and distinct four seasons, is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Yellow Tobacco" and the "Hometown of Lingnan Ginkgo," and boasts numerous historical and cultural sites.
Tropical monsoon humid climate with four distinct seasons, short winters and long summers;
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Recommended 1-2 days of play
Maozifeng Forest Farm
Maozifeng Forest Park is a provincial-level forest park established on the site of the state-owned Maozifeng Forest Farm. The forestland and trees are state-owned. Many areas retain their pristine forest landscape, with wild fruits gracing the mountains and fields. Birdsong and flowers abound throughout the year, and the forest is a vibrant place, with a vibrant array of trees and flowers. Late autumn is particularly vibrant, with the golden glow of the ginkgo trees creating a vibrant scene, a popular destination for photographers. It has earned the reputation of being the "Jiuzhaigou of Northern Guangdong."
Pingtian Ginkgo Village
Pingtian Town, located 58 kilometers east of Nanxiong City, Guangdong Province, is known as the "Ginkgo Hometown" of northern Guangdong. Home to over 5,000 ancient ginkgo trees over a century old, the town produces hundreds of tons of ginkgo nuts annually. Every autumn, the leaves of the ancient ginkgo trees in Aobei, Jingdong, Jiangtang, Wangtang, and Junyingzhai areas of Pingtian Town fall yellow, leaving the ground covered in a blanket of golden color. This attracts photographers, artists, and writers from both within and outside the province to create their works. The "Ginkgo Autumn" display has become a major tourist attraction in Nanxiong during the autumn and winter seasons.
Meiguan Ancient Road Scenic Area, Nanxiong City
The Meiguan Ancient Road sits atop Meiling Mountain. Historically, Meiguan in Nanxiong was a crucial north-south transportation route and a battleground for military strategists throughout history, earning it the historical title of Nanxiong. Establishment of the Meiguan Ancient Road dates back to the Qin Dynasty. The lush, luxuriant leaves of the thousand-year-old maple trees in Meiling Mountain are so abundant that Chen Yi famously wrote his famous poem "Three Chapters on Meiling" here. In the cold winter, the red plum blossoms bloom in a myriad of colors, vying for beauty.
Nanxiong City, located in Shaoguan, Guangdong, has a long history and is known for its rich cultural heritage. It played a significant role in local trade and has a strong connection to the Hakka culture. The city is also home to ancient tombs, temples, and scenic landscapes.
Nanxiong City is located in the northern part of Guangdong Province. It is accessible by train from major cities like Guangzhou, and by bus or taxi from nearby areas. The city has a well-developed transport network, but for specific attractions, taxis and walking may be preferred.
The city is open year-round for visitors. The best times to visit are in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.
Ticket prices for attractions in Nanxiong vary. For example, the Nanxiong Nanling Scenic Area charges around ¥80-100 for entrance. Tickets can generally be bought at the entrance or through travel platforms online.
For most attractions, tickets can be purchased upon arrival. However, for popular sites like Nanxiong Nanling Scenic Area, booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, is recommended to avoid long waits.
To fully explore Nanxiong, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days. This allows you to visit the key attractions, experience the local culture, and explore the scenic areas at a leisurely pace.
Guided tours are available at major attractions like Nanxiong Nanling Scenic Area. Most tours are in Mandarin, but some may offer English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides are available at certain sites in multiple languages.
A suggested itinerary would be to start with a visit to Nanxiong Old Town to explore its history, followed by a trip to Nanxiong Nanling Scenic Area for hiking. Finish the day by exploring local markets for souvenirs and snacks.
Night visits are available at some attractions, especially in Old Town Nanxiong, where the streets light up in the evening. There are no major light shows, but the evening ambiance makes for good evening walks and photography.
Nanxiong is generally less crowded than larger tourist destinations. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays during the off-peak seasons, particularly in early spring or late autumn.
Most tourist areas in Nanxiong are equipped with basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and food stalls. Larger attractions like the Nanxiong Nanling Scenic Area have more extensive facilities, including shops selling local snacks and souvenirs.
Many of the major attractions are accessible for children and elderly visitors, although some areas, particularly the scenic trails in Nanling, may require some physical effort. It’s advisable to check accessibility details in advance.
Cash is accepted in most places, but mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are more common. Some smaller markets or rural areas may only accept cash, so it’s recommended to carry both cash and a mobile payment option.
While the local cuisine is primarily based on meat and rice, there are vegetarian options available, especially in larger restaurants. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in major cities or specific eateries upon request.
There are souvenir shops selling local handicrafts such as woven baskets, bamboo products, and Hakka traditional clothing. Local snacks and tea are also popular souvenirs.
