"Shaoguan: The Perfect Blend of Lingnan Ancient Charm and Natural Wonders"

Shaoguan, a city located in northern Guangdong, shines like a dazzling pearl, exuding unique charm. It boasts magnificent natural landscapes and a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a tourist destination that visitors find hard to leave. Here is a detailed travel guide for Shaoguan.

Recommended Attractions

- Danxia Mountain: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, famous for its unique Danxia landform. The mountain peaks vary in shape, including famous spots like Elder Peak, Yangyuan Stone, and Yinyuan Stone. You can also take a boat tour to see the water Danxia and enjoy the picturesque scenery along both sides of the Jin River. Tickets cost around 100 RMB.
- Nanhua Zen Temple: A thousand-year-old temple and the birthplace of the "Southern School Zen" promoted by the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Huineng. The temple environment is serene, with simple and elegant architecture. Admission is free.
- Guangdong Grand Canyon: Known as the "Mother of South China Canyons," the canyon features waterfalls, deep pools, cliffs, and steep walls, perfect for hiking and adventure lovers. Tickets cost about 55 RMB.
- Yunmen Mountain Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area: Here you can enjoy fresh air and dense forests, and experience entertainment like the Yunmen Mountain glass skywalk, enjoying the beauty and thrill of nature. Tickets are around 88 RMB.
- Century-old East Street: Located by the Zhenjiang River in Shaoguan’s old town, it preserves the original style of the old district. It is a large riverside commercial pedestrian street, brightly lit at night, with many snacks, bars, and specialty shops.

Recommended Food

- Cold Water Pig Stomach: Fresh, fragrant, crispy, and tender with a chewy texture.
- Goose Vinegar Pot: Featuring a sweet and sour flavor, the goose meat is tender with a rich sauce that balances greasiness and enhances freshness.
- Nanxiong Sour Bamboo Shoot Braised Duck: The sourness of the bamboo shoots and the spiciness of the chili penetrate the duck meat, creating a fragrant, spicy, and rich flavor.
- Hakka Stuffed Tofu: Tofu stuffed with taro, radish, cured meat, and other ingredients, steamed to perfection with a delicious taste.
- Stir-fried Mountain Snails: Stir-fried with various seasonings, offering a strong northern Guangdong flavor.

Recommended Accommodation

- Luxury: Shaoguan Ruyuan Lanshan Source Lingnan Oriental Hot Spring Hotel, featuring Guangdong’s "Little Bali" style hot springs; Shaoguan Jinglvlun International Hotel, quiet environment with radon hot springs to nourish body and mind.
- Comfortable: Orange Hotel Shaoguan Qujiang South Avenue, close to food streets and shopping malls with convenient transportation; Ji Hotel Shaoguan Station, near the high-speed rail station, offering free shuttle service.
- Boutique Homestays: Pushu Mountain House Homestay (Nanhua Temple branch), with a fresh and clean decoration style; Danxia Mountain Original Color Homestay, offering mountain and wild scenery views.

Itinerary

- Day 1: Arrive in Shaoguan, visit Shaoguan City Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture, then stroll along Century-old East Street in the evening and taste local snacks.
- Day 2: Head to Danxia Mountain to admire the unique Danxia landform; you can take the cable car to save energy.
- Day 3: Get up early to visit Nanhua Zen Temple and experience Buddhist culture; return to the city in the afternoon to rest or explore nearby areas.
- Day 4: Visit Guangdong Grand Canyon to enjoy hiking and adventure.
- Day 5: Depending on your departure time, you can visit local markets to buy souvenirs before heading back.