Qingyuan, renowned as the "Hometown of Rafting in China" and the "City of Hot Springs," is just a 1-hour drive from Guangzhou.

### **Qingyuan 2-Day & 1-Night Travel Guide: Rafting, Hot Springs, and Scenic Landscapes**

Qingyuan, famous as the "Hometown of Rafting in China" and the "City of Hot Springs," is just a 1-hour drive from Guangzhou, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. This guide covers **thrilling rafting, natural hot springs, karst landscapes**, and local delicacies for an unforgettable experience!

---

## **🚗 Transportation Guide**
- **High-Speed Rail**: Guangzhou South → Qingyuan Station (~30 minutes), then take a taxi or rent a car to scenic spots (self-driving is recommended for convenience).
- **Self-Driving**: Guangzhou → Guangqing Expressway → Qingyuan (~1.5 hours), with ample parking at attractions.

---

## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations**
✅ **Hot Spring Resorts** (for relaxation):
- **Xilegu Hot Spring Resort** (luxury, Instagram-worthy)
- **Senbola Hot Spring Hotel** (forest-themed, family-friendly)
- **Merlin Lake Hot Spring Hotel** (European-style, ideal for couples)

✅ **Budget Hotels** (convenient for next-day activities):
- Downtown Qingyuan hotels (near Beijiang River night cruise)

---

## **📝 Itinerary (2 Days & 1 Night)**

### **Day 1: Rafting + Beijiang Night Cruise**
**Morning: Depart → Gulongxia Rafting (or Xuanzhen Rafting)**
- **Gulongxia Rafting** (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- One of Guangdong’s most thrilling rafting experiences, lasting ~1 hour with steep drops, perfect for adrenaline seekers.
- **Tips**:
- Book tickets in advance (crowded on weekends).
- Bring a change of clothes, waterproof phone case, and sandals.
- Changing rooms and lockers are available onsite.
- **Xuanzhen Rafting** (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Gentler, suitable for families or first-time rafters.

**Noon: Qingyuan Chicken Feast**
- Recommended restaurants: **Tianqiaodi Restaurant** (charcoal chicken hotpot), **Huahuayi Braised Goose** (local specialty).

**Afternoon: Feixia Mountain or Bijia Mountain (optional)**
- **Feixia Mountain**: Hike for panoramic views of the Beijiang River.
- **Bijia Mountain**: Great for hiking, with waterfalls and suspension bridges.

**Evening: Beijiang Night Cruise + Snack Street**
- **Beijiang Night Cruise** (⭐⭐⭐): Enjoy riverside lights and breezes on a boat.
- **City Square/Ladies' Street**: Night market for snacks like **Zhouxin Roast Pork** and **Lianzhou Beef Offal**.

---

### **Day 2: Hot Springs/Caves → Return**
**Morning: Hot Springs or Cave Exploration**
- **Option 1: Xilegu/Senbola Hot Springs** (unwind)
- **Option 2: Lianzhou Underground River** (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- South China’s largest karst cave, featuring a mesmerizing boat ride through subterranean rivers.

**Noon: Farmhouse Meal or Qingyuan River Delicacies**
- Recommendations: **Beijiang River seafood (yellow catfish, river shrimp)**, **Jiulong Tofu**.

**Afternoon: Yingxi Peak Forest (optional) → Return**
- **Yingxi Peak Forest** (⭐⭐⭐⭐): Karst terrain ideal for cycling/hiking, with photogenic views.

---

## **🍲 Must-Try Qingyuan Dishes**
1. **Qingyuan Chicken** (white-cut, soy sauce, or charcoal hotpot)
2. **Zhouxin Roast Pork** (crispy skin, tender meat—a local favorite)
3. **Beijiang River Seafood** (yellow catfish, river shrimp—super fresh!)
4. **Jiulong Tofu** (silky-smooth, a must-try!)
5. **Lianzhou Beef Offal** (spicy broth, deeply flavorful)

---

## **📌 Practical Tips**
✅ **Best Seasons**:
- **Rafting**: May–October (summer is peak).
- **Hot Springs**: November–March (cozy in cooler months).
✅ **Packing Tips**:
- Rafting: Quick-dry clothes + sunscreen + sandals.
- Hot Springs: Swimwear + robe.
- Hiking: Comfortable shoes + hat.
✅ **Bug spray & sunscreen**! Mountainous areas have mosquitoes, and rafting can cause sunburn.

---

### **🚩 Itinerary Summary**
- **Day 1**: Rafting → Qingyuan Chicken → Beijiang Night Cruise
- **Day 2**: Hot Springs/Caves → Yingxi Peak Forest (optional) → Return

Qingyuan offers thrilling rafting, relaxing hot springs, and stunning karst landscapes—perfect for couples, families, or friends! 🚣‍♂️♨️