Maoming 5-day food, accommodation and travel guide

**5-Day Trip from Guangzhou to Maoming | Immerse Yourself in Western Guangdong's Charm, Enjoy the Mountains, Sea, and Hot Springs**

**📅 Trip Overview**

- **Length of Trip**: 5 days, 4 nights
- **Best Season**: April to October (Pleasant weather, perfect for both coastal and mountain adventures)
- **Travel Method**: High-speed rail + local chartered/rental car recommended (High-speed rail takes approximately 2 hours, flexible itinerary)
- **Suitable for: Families, couples, and friends

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🌟 **Highlights**

✅ Immerse Yourself in Maoming's Five Elements: Mountains, Sea, Springs, Forests, and Culture
✅ Savor Authentic Western Guangdong Delicacies: Shuidong Duck Porridge, Huazhou Tangshui, and Xinyi Chaiqiang Noodles
✅ Explore Popular Attractions: Fangji Island, Yushui Ancient Hot Springs, Gaozhou Reservoir, and Genzi Lychee Cultural Area
✅ Immerse yourself in nature and culture: Enjoy flowers in spring, escape the heat in summer, and pick fruits in autumn—perfect for all seasons.

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🗺️ **Detailed Itinerary**

**Day 1: Guangzhou → Maoming | First Impressions of the Coastal City**

- **Transportation Recommendations**:
- High-speed Rail: Guangzhou South Station → Maoming Station (approximately 2 hours, frequent trains, early morning train recommended)
- Self-Driving: Approximately 4 hours, via the Shenhai Expressway, with stops along the way.
- **Morning**: Arrive in Maoming and check into your hotel (recommended: **Borman Hotel Maoming High-speed Railway Station** or **Country Garden Dinglong Bay Seaview Room**).
- **Afternoon**:
- Visit **China's No. 1 Beach** (free admission): Fine sand and a gentle sea breeze, perfect for photography, surfing, and kite flying.
- Rent an electric bike for a ride around the beach and experience the slow pace of coastal life.
- **Evening**:
- Stroll along the **Romantic Coast** and enjoy the night light show.
- Dinner: Recommended: **Dianbai Laofen** + **Shuidong Duck Congee**, light and delicious, with authentic local flavors.

Accommodation: Hotels in Maoming City or Dinglong Bay Scenic Area

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**Day 2: Cultural Exploration | Gaozhou Ancient Charm Day Trip**

**Transportation: Maoming City → Gaozhou City (approximately 1 hour drive)

**Morning**:

Visit **Baoguang Pagoda**: A famous tower in Lingnan, offering panoramic views of Gaozhou.

**Visit **Xian Tai Temple**: Commemorate the heroic Lady Xian and learn about the history and culture of western Guangdong.

**Lunch**:

Taste Gaozhou's local snacks: **Wrapped Zongzi, **Sweet Potato Buns, **Beef Brisket Noodles**

**Afternoon**:

Depart to **Gaozhou Reservoir** (Yuhu Scenic Area): Enjoy stunning views of the lake and mountains, take a boat tour, and visit the "Heavenly Lake of Western Guangdong."

Climb to the Yuhu Peninsula Observation Deck to capture stunning landscape photos.
- Evening: Return to Maoming City, free time at leisure.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Maoming City.

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Day 3: Island Exploration | A Fantastic Journey to Fangji Island

Transportation:
- Morning: Maoming City → Bohe Port (approximately 1 hour drive)
- Boat Trip: Boat to Fangji Island (round trip, approximately 180 yuan).
- Full Day:
- Fangji Island, known as "one of Guangdong's most beautiful islands," boasts crystal-clear waters.
- Recommended Activities:
- Snorkeling/Diving: Observe coral reefs and tropical fish.
- Jet skiing, banana boat rides, and other water activities.
- Ascend to the island's highest observation deck for a panoramic view of the entire island.
- Take photos of the beach, creating a "sky mirror" effect.
- Evening:
- Check into the Fangji Island Ocean Resort Park or return to the city for your overnight stay.
- Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner: freshly caught and cooked for an affordable price.

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Day 4: Wellness and Relaxation | Slow Time at Yushui Ancient Hot Springs

Transportation: Maoming City → Yushui Ancient Hot Springs (approximately 1.5 hours by car)
- Full Day:
- Enjoy the Yushui Ancient Hot Springs: Dozens of unique mineral-rich pools scattered among the forested mountains.
- Recommended Experiences: Traditional Chinese Medicine Pool, Petal Pool, Waterfall Pool, Slate Hot Springs
- Relax in the park with a lounge, tea area, and massage services.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a short visit to the Xianren Cave Scenic Area (National 4A-rated): primeval forests, waterfalls, and a sea of alpine azaleas.
- Breathe in the negatively ionized air, a perfect escape from the summer heat.
- Evening:
- Check into the Maoming Yushui Ancient Hot Springs Resort Hotel or return to the city.
- Enjoy the "Crocodile Health Set Dinner" (a special nourishing meal featuring crocodile stew, crocodile jelly, and more).

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Day 5: Natural Ending | Forest Park + Return to Guangzhou

- Morning:
- Visit Guangdong Maoming Forest Park: the city's green lung, featuring a zoo, botanical garden, and a recreational facility.
- Enjoy family activities like grass skiing, archery, and a miniature train ride.
- Lunch:
- Dine at a nearby farmhouse restaurant. Recommended dishes include stir-fried mountain snails and a local chicken stew.
- Afternoon:
- Return to the city to pack and pick up some souvenirs:
- Huazhou Tangerine Peel (cough-relief and lung-moistening)
- Xinyi Sanhua Dried/Preserved Plums
- Maoming Laofen Gift Box
- Return:
- High-Speed Rail: Maoming Station → Guangzhou South Station (trains after 3:00 PM recommended)
- Self-driving: Approximately 4 hours, avoid evening rush hour

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💰 **Budget Reference** (per person)

| Items | Cost (RMB) |
| ------ |------ |
| Round-trip High-Speed Rail Tickets | 200-300 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | 800-1500 (mid-range to high-end hotel) |
| Meals | 600-1000 |
| Entrance Tickets + Ferry Tickets + Hot Springs | 400-600 |
| City Transportation/Chartered Car | 300-500 |
| **Total** | **Approximately 2300-4000 RMB** |

- Book hotels and tickets in advance; some platforms offer discounted packages.
- Travel during non-holidays for lower accommodation prices.
- Groups can carpool and share fuel costs.

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🧳 **Travel Tips**

1. **Document Preparation**: Bring your ID; all hotels in Guangdong require real-name check-in.
2. **Clothing Recommendations**: Wear primarily light summer clothing, along with sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses; bring a swimsuit for hot spring days.
3. **Dietary Considerations**: Seafood is fresh but can be allergenic, so consume in moderation; drink plenty of water to prevent heatstroke.
4. **Safety Tips**:
- When visiting islands, pay attention to tide times and avoid entering the sea without permission.
- When hiking in mountainous areas, wear non-slip shoes and follow the instructions of scenic spots.
5. **Eco-Friendly Travel**: Bring your own toiletries (Guangdong star-rated hotels do not provide disposable items).

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🌸 **Seasonal Recommendations**

- **Spring (January-April)**: Join the "Spring Litchi Country Flower Viewing Tour"—Xinyi Sanhua Plum Blossoms, Gaozhou Bird of Paradise Flowers, and the Huajuhong Flower Sea.

- **Summer (May-August)**: For summer escapes, visit Xianren Cave and Gaozhou Reservoir. Nighttime hot spring soaks are even more relaxing.
- **Autumn (September-November)**: Pick lychees and longans and experience farmhouse fun.
- **Winter (December-January)**: Hot springs are the perfect time for wellness, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

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**✨ Conclusion**
This is a poetic escape from the city to the mountains and sea. Over five days, you'll find the rhythm and warmth of life amid Maoming's azure seas and skies, ancient pagoda hot springs, and flower-filled orchards. Whether you're chasing the thrill of the waves or soaking in the tranquility of hot springs, this place will satisfy all your travel fantasies.

**Set off and discover a different western Guangdong!**