Guangdong Hidden Gem County Travel Guide

How to explore Guangdong's hidden gem county? Get the full travel guide all at once|||Dear friends, tired of the National Day travel crowds? Consider a county trip—Shaoguan Ruyuan in Guangdong is a great travel destination. It has fewer people, beautiful scenery, and fresh air, making you feel refreshed and calm. Here are 9 must-visit spots personally tested for great photos and fun. Save this guide and go!

1️⃣ Yunmen Temple: A serene spiritual retreat
Yunmen Temple is the birthplace of the Yunmen sect of Chan Buddhism, rich in history. Once you enter, the ancient and tranquil atmosphere surrounds you. Strolling inside while listening to the gentle Buddhist chants instantly calms a restless mind. It’s not only a religious site housing the Shakyamuni Buddha Pagoda but also home to Guangdong Buddhist Academy’s Yunmen College, full of cultural vibes.

2️⃣ Guangdong Grand Canyon: A breathtaking natural masterpiece
Stretching 15 kilometers long and over 300 meters deep, this magnificent canyon is one of the rare sinkhole-type canyons in South China. The 200-meter waterfall is spectacular on film, and climbing the 1,386-step Heavenly Ladder is very rewarding. A must for hiking enthusiasts!

3️⃣ Nanshui Lake: A poetic and tranquil lake
The “Erhai of Guangdong” is absolutely stunning! Covering 57,000 mu with a reservoir capacity of 1.2 billion cubic meters, the lake sparkles like a sapphire under the sun, reflecting the rolling green mountains. Driving along the lake is both healing and perfect for photos.

4️⃣ Tianjing Mountain: Explore the natural wonder of the primeval forest
Known as the “Xishuangbanna of Guangdong,” Tianjing Mountain is the third highest peak in Guangdong. The forest coverage rate is as high as 97.6%, and the air negative ion concentration reaches 41,600 per cubic centimeter, making every breath fresh and pleasant.

5️⃣ Yunmen Mountain: Thrills and scenic beauty combined
Adjacent to Yunmen Temple, Yunmen Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 89.3%. Take on the challenge! Ride the cable car up, brave the glass bridge, enjoy cloud drifting, and descend on the cloud coaster—a mountain you don’t have to climb!

6️⃣ Xianmen Qixia: An adventurous journey through magical landscapes
Feels like stepping into a fantasy drama! The giant Heavenly Gate is awe-inspiring, the 319-step suspended ladder is thrilling, plus a 5 km bamboo raft drift and flying zipline to fulfill your fantasy adventure dreams.

7️⃣ Bibei Village: Authentic Yao ethnic village
Bibei Village is the origin of the World Guoshan Yao in Ruyuan. No commercialization, no entrance fees, perfect for photos. If you love exploring ancient villages, this is a must-visit.

8️⃣ Mountain City Water Capital: A perfect family fun and leisure spot
The ultimate family trip! A thousand-mu grassland plus Hobbit houses perfect for photos, with fruit picking, fishing, and a petting zoo all in one place. Easy to spend a whole day with kids!

9️⃣ Dongpingshan Zhengjue Chan Temple: Peace amidst lake and mountain scenery
A thousand-year-old temple founded in the Tang Dynasty! After reconstruction, it’s gaining popularity for its beautiful autumn and winter red leaves, even though it’s not fully restored yet.

🏠 Accommodation recommendation: Shaoguan Ruyuan Yunmen Five Seasons Elegant Pavilion Resort, a hotel combining modern design with rural aesthetics.