[Popular Guide] Zhaoqing Seven Star Crags In-Depth Tour | A Lingnan Secret Hidden in the Star Lake

🌟Seven Star Crags Scenic Area Highlights | Seven Peaks and One Lake, Picturesque Scenery

Core Attractions

Seven Rock Peaks: Climb Tianzhu Rock for a panoramic view of Star Lake. Shishi Rock houses 531 cliff carvings, including Tang Dynasty Li Yong's "Duanzhou Shishi Ji".

Marvelous Caves:

Shishi Cave: Take a boat through the underground river and admire stalactites like "Buddha's Hand Citron" and "Carp Spitting Pearls".

Longyan Cave: A light show projects onto thousand-year-old stone carvings, and the cave's lake is as still as a mirror.

Shuangyuan Cave: The filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 version of *Journey to the West*. Explore the wonders of the underground river by boat.

Cultural Landmarks: Shuiyue Palace (a Ming Dynasty Taoist building) is a popular place of worship, and the Five Dragon Pavilion is a great spot for birdwatching and admiring lotus flowers.

Tour Tips

Tickets start from 70 yuan. Advance online booking is recommended.

Entering through the North Gate saves time. Recommended route: Shishi Rock → Longyan Cave → Tianzhu Rock → stroll along Star Lake embankment.

🌉Nearby Attractions | A Millennium of History and Lively Atmosphere

Piyun Tower + Song Dynasty City Wall

Historical Context: A Ming Dynasty tower on a Northern Song Dynasty brick city wall. Climb the tower for a distant view of the Xijiang River.

Night Tour Recommendation: The city wall is illuminated like a golden dragon at night, perfect for traditional photography.

Transportation: About a 10-minute taxi ride from the East Gate of Seven Star Crags. Free admission.

Zhaoqing Arcade Street

Architectural Features: A collection of Republican-era Nanyang-style arcades. Check out the clock tower of the "Zhaoqing Post Office Building".

Food Map:

Lunch: Ronghua Restaurant (a 60-year-old establishment, their soy sauce pigeon is a must-try).

Snacks: Fei Yi Fish Balls (curry flavor), He Ji De Cheng (freshly fried savory pancakes with bonito and peanut porridge).

Souvenirs: Choose a mini ink slab at a Duan Inkstone shop (starting from 30 yuan).

Yanqian Village

Internet-Famous Spot: Over 200 businesses gather here. Recommended: cafes and Yanqian Village lake-view guesthouses.

Must-Try Food: Zhaoqing Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings, soft, savory, and fragrant), tofu pudding, and roasted milk.

📅Itinerary Planning | One-Day Express Tour + Two-Day In-Depth Tour
One-Day Express Tour
07:00 Enter through the North Gate → Watch the sunrise from Tianzhu Rock → Boat tour of Shishi Cave
10:30 Take a taxi to the Song Dynasty City Wall and climb Piyun Tower
12:00 Lunch and photos at Arcade Street
14:00 Cycling along the west embankment of Star Lake (20 yuan/hour)
17:00 Relax at Yanqian Village

Two-Day In-Depth Tour
Day 2: Dinghu Mountain (a Buddhist holy site, round-trip cable car 90 yuan) + Star Lake Wetland Park (free Crane Island viewing)

🚗Transportation Guide | Efficient Travel Without Getting Lost

High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou South → Zhaoqing East Station (40 mins), transfer to K02 bus directly to Seven Star Crags.

Driving: Parking lot at the scenic area is 5 yuan/hour (on weekends, it is recommended to park at Star Lake Square and transfer to a shuttle bus).

City Transportation: Taxi starting price is 8 yuan. Customized sightseeing buses are recommended (150 yuan/day for unlimited rides).

⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls | Save Money and Worry Less

Price Warning: Small shops within the scenic area are significantly overpriced. Bring your own water and snacks.

Food Timing: Most snack shops open after 14:00. Check the guide in advance.

Best Season: March-April for Bauhinia and cherry blossoms, October-November for stunning autumn scenery at Star Lake. Avoid June during the rainy season as caves may be closed.

🌟Why is Seven Star Crags Worth Visiting?

CCTV Recommended: Featured three times on *Xinwen Lianbo* in March 2025, described by Ye Jianying as a "painting that will forever remain between heaven and earth".

Cultural Treasures: 531 cliff carvings and the intangible cultural heritage of Duan Inkstone making offer a glimpse into a thousand years of cultural heritage.

Slow-Paced Lifestyle: 24-hour cafes in Yanqian Village and night boat tours on Star Lake combine a lively atmosphere with poetic charm.

👉 Must-See for Out-of-Town Visitors: If time is limited, prioritize a 2-day tour of Seven Star Crags + Dinghu Mountain. Only a 40-minute high-speed rail ride away, offering excellent value!