Qingyuan's New Viral Hotspot Takes the Internet by Storm – Bamboo Forest and Sea of Clouds Like a Fantasy World

Qingyuan Travel Guide | Unlocking Guangdong's Hidden Natural Treasures🏞️

In Guangdong lies a city blessed by nature – Qingyuan, home to karst peaks rivaling Guilin's, thrilling rafting adventures, soothing hot springs, and rich Yao ethnic culture. Follow this guide to explore Qingyuan's best!

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Gulong Canyon: Features the "Sky Glass Walk" – a combination of glass bridges and cantilevered walkways offering heart-stopping views over deep gorges. Its international rafting course promises continuous excitement with thrilling drops. For those avoiding rafting, the glass bridges provide spectacular canyon views, especially stunning in autumn/winter.
2. Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor: Known as "Little Guilin" for its thousands of picturesque peaks and idyllic countryside. Recommended route: Huanghua Town → Cave Heaven Fairyland (spectacular stalactites and glass walkways) → Pengjia Ancestral Hall (resembling a mini Potala Palace) → Peak Forest Dawn Town (stunning lotus blooms). Best photographed at dawn/dusk when peaks reflect on water – drone shots highly recommended.
3. Lianzhou Underground River: A massive 18°C constant-temperature cave system. Walk among extraordinary stalactites then boat through subterranean rivers, feeling like entering Earth's mysterious core.
4. Thousand-Year Yao Village (Nangang Yao Village): Guangdong's oldest Yao settlement with flagstone paths and stilt houses. Catch sunrise over sea of clouds if lucky, enjoy ethnic performances, try long-table banquets, and rent Yao costumes for photos. Note: Wear comfortable shoes for steep paths.
5. Huangtengxia Rafting/Tianmen Hanging Corridor: Offers rafting options from beginner to extreme levels. The Hanging Corridor's light shows and circular waterfall are breathtaking, especially from its high-altitude observation deck.

Transport Guide

1. Self-drive: ~1.5hr from Guangzhou, ~2.5hr from Shenzhen with scenic routes perfect for road trips.
2. High-speed rail: 30min from Guangzhou South to Qingyuan Station, then taxi/rental to attractions.
3. Local transport: As attractions are scattered, consider chartered cars/rentals for flexibility, or join day tours for convenience.

Food Map

1. Qingyuan Chicken: Must-try! Best served white-cut with yellow skin and tender meat, paired with ginger-scallion or sand ginger sauce. Tianqiaodi Chicken Pot (charcoal hotpot with instant noodles) comes highly recommended.
2. Beijiang River Delicacies: Fresh river shrimp, yellow bone fish etc., best enjoyed at riverside stalls.
3. Zhouxin Congee: Hearty pork offal congee with fried dough sticks – locals' favorite breakfast.
4. Lianzhou Specialties: Dongbei dumplings, cured meat platters, dried flowering cabbage – all unique local flavors.
5. Yao Cuisine: Bamboo-tube rice with aromatic flavors, mountain stream snails, and sweet glutinous rice wine showcase authentic Yao culinary culture.

Accommodation Picks

1. Downtown: Hilton Qingyuan for comfort/service; Merlin Hot Spring Hotel near Gulong Canyon offers post-adventure relaxation.
2. Themed Stays: "Yunju Resort" amidst Yingxi Peak Forest for waking to birdsong; stone-house homestays in Yao Village for immersive ethnic experiences.
3. Hot Spring Resorts: New Silver Hot Spring or Senbora Hot Spring surrounded by forests, featuring unique volcanic springs.

Itinerary Suggestions

2D1N
- Day1: Gulong Canyon rafting/glass bridge → Yingxi Peak Forest → overnight in Huanghua Town.
- Day2: Cave Heaven Fairyland → return.

3D2N
- Day1: Gulong Canyon → Tianmen Hanging Corridor night view → downtown stay.
- Day2: Lianzhou Underground River → Yao Village → ethnic homestay.
- Day3: Yao Village sunrise → return.

Travel Tips

1. Best seasons: Rafting (May-Oct, avoid summer weekends); Peak Forest (spring/autumn, March-Apr for rapeseed flowers, Oct-Nov for golden rice fields); Hot springs (Nov-Mar).
2. Essentials: Sunproof clothing, waterproof phone cases, mosquito repellent, hiking shoes.
3. Avoid pitfalls: Check restaurant reviews near attractions; share rafting lockers for better value.

Qingyuan – where breathtaking landscapes meet rich culture – awaits to unveil its magic for your unforgettable journey!