Escape the scorching heat of Guangzhou and head to Lianzhou for a summer retreat

**Complete Lianzhou Travel Guide: Attractions + Food + Accommodation**
**📍 Qingyuan, Guangdong · Lianzhou**—A Lingnan landscape ancient town, where Yao ethnic culture meets karst wonders

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**🌟 Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. Lianzhou Underground River**
- **Highlights**: The only 5A-rated karst cave in South China. Boat through a kilometer-long subterranean river adorned with stunning stalactites illuminated like a fairyland.
- **Tips**: Constant 18°C temperature—perfect for summer; guided tours recommended.

**2. Huangchuan Three Gorges**
- **Highlights**: Known as the "sister river" of the Li River. Cruise past cliffs and waterfalls (e.g., "Fairy Washing Gauze"), with misty spring rains creating the most magical scenery.
- **Activities**: Night cruises feature light shows; bamboo rafting available in summer.

**3. Lianzhou Millennium Yao Village (Nangang Yao Village)**
- **Highlights**: Guangdong’s largest Yao ethnic settlement, surrounded by terraced fields, with preserved stone paths and stilt houses. Dress in Yao attire for photos.
- **Experience**: The "Panwang Festival" (October 16 lunar calendar) offers drum dances and bonfire parties.

**4. Tanling Sky Lake**
- **Highlights**: A high-altitude lake. Winter brings rare "Southern Snow Village" frost scenes, while spring/summer offers mirror-like waters ideal for camping.

**5. Fushan Scenic Area**
- **Highlights**: A Taoist mountain with ancient trees. Hike to the summit for panoramic Lianzhou views.

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**🍜 Must-Try Food**
**1. Lianzhou Cai Xin (Heart of Greens)**
- **How to eat**: Blanched with dipping sauce or stir-fried with cured meats. Sweetest and crispiest in winter (a National Geographic-recognized product).

**2. Dongpi Water Dumplings**
- **Highlights**: Lianzhou’s version of dumplings—rice wrappers stuffed with minced meat and water chestnuts, steamed and served with chili soy sauce.

**3. Xingzi Beef Glutinous Rice Cakes**
- **Highlights**: Crispy fried glutinous rice parcels filled with beef, a specialty of Xingzi Town.

**4. Lianzhou Cured Meats**
- **Recommendations**: Dongpi sausages and cured duck, perfectly balanced for steaming or stir-frying.

**5. Yao Bamboo Tube Rice**
- **Highlights**: Mountain rice + Yao-style cured meat, roasted in fresh bamboo for a fragrant twist.

**6. Beef Offal Hotpot**
- **Top pick**: "Beimen Beef Offal," a local legend with rich broth and spicy dipping sauce.

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**🏨 Accommodation Picks**
**1. Luxury Stays**
- **Lianzhou Longtan Inn**: Yao-style wooden cabins by Huangchuan Three Gorges, with river views and cruise tickets included.
- **Lianzhou Underground River Resort**: Nestled in the cave scenic area, ideal for families.

**2. Budget-Friendly**
- **Lianzhou Vienna Hotel**: Central location with modern amenities.
- **Nangang Yao Village Homestays**: Stay in stilt houses and join bonfire nights (try "Yao King House").

**3. Unique Experiences**
- **Tanling Sky Lake Camping**: Stargaze in summer or admire frost in winter (gear rental available).

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**📌 Practical Tips**
1. **Transport**: ~3.5-hour drive from Guangzhou, or take a high-speed train to Qingyuan Station + bus transfer.
2. **Best seasons**:
- **Spring/Summer (Apr–Jun)**: Misty gorges and fresh greens.
- **Autumn/Winter (Oct–Dec)**: Yao harvest festivals, cured meats, and possible frost at Tanling Lake.
3. **Itinerary**: 2–3 days, combining "Underground River + Yao Village + Huangchuan Gorges."

Lianzhou blends natural wonders, ethnic culture, and underrated gourmet delights—perfect for a weekend getaway! 🌿🚣‍♂️