Within 1.5 hours from Guangdong, these lesser-known and comfortable scenic towns offer perfect getaways:

1. **Qingyuan Oujia Rice Terraces**
Location: Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan.
Highlights: During irrigation season, the terraces resemble "earth's fingerprints" with misty clouds creating a fairyland. Enjoy sunrise views, try catching loaches, and stay overnight in traditional Yao stilt houses.
Tips: Ideal for countryside lovers. Must-try local dishes: Lianshan clear-water duck, lotus-fed fish, and Yao bamboo-tube rice.

2. **Jiangmen Gulao Water Town**
Location: Northwest of Heshan, Jiangmen.
Highlights: Dubbed "Guangdong’s Venice," its interconnected lakes, ponds, and canals form a natural watercolor painting. Kayak through the aquatic maze or savor fresh water chestnuts under ancient banyan trees.
Tips: Great for families and couples. Try local specialties like Gulao fish skin dumplings and salted egg yolk rice balls.

3. **Zhaoqing Ziyun Valley**
Location: Gaoyao District, Zhaoqing.
Highlights: Known as "Little Jiuzhaigou of Guangdong," its emerald streams, deep pools, and stone-grilled fish offer a pristine escape.
Tips: Perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Recommended dishes: Xijiang river shrimp and Dinghu Mountain tofu.

4. **Huizhou Yanzhou Island**
Location: Huangbu Town, Huidong County, Huizhou.
Highlights: The last industrial-free ecological zone in Huizhou, featuring mangroves, beaches, and islands. Ideal for hiking, photography, and relaxation. Capture sunsets on basalt rocks and rainbow reefs.
Tips: Best for seaside lovers. Enjoy freshly caught seafood.

5. **Lianzhou Huangchuan Three Gorges**
Location: South of Lianzhou city, Guangdong.
Highlights: Comprising Longquan, Lengjia, and Yangtiao gorges, the dramatic landscape features deep green waters, rugged rocks, and cascading waterfalls—poetically described as "silver snow piled on the river, white waves leaping into boats."
Tips: A paradise for landscape photography. Take a boat tour to soak in the views.

These hidden gems promise tranquility and untouched nature for travelers seeking relaxation.