Youth is for freedom, travel on weekends!

Here's a curated weekend travel guide focusing on Qingyuan as the core destination in Guangdong Province, blending natural scenery with cultural experiences in a compact yet detailed itinerary:

🌄 Destination: Qingyuan (Guangdong's "Little Guilin")

Why Go: Just 1.5 hours drive from Guangzhou, it combines karst peaks, Yao ethnic culture, and thrilling rafting—perfect for a two-day immersive trip.

📅 Itinerary

Day 1: Peak Forest Adventure & Exciting Rafting

- Morning: Experience China's steepest rafting at Gulongxia Scenic Area (1-hour ride) through rushing waters and deep canyons; then conquer the glass bridge for aerial forest waterfall views where thrill meets beauty.
- Afternoon: Cycle through Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor ("Guangdong's Little Guilin"), passing limestone formations like Guanyin Valley and Camel Peak, with a bamboo raft ride on Huanghua Stream to savor rural landscapes. Stay overnight at a B&B with mountain views.

Day 2: Yao Village Charm & Terraced Fields

- Morning: Visit Liannan Millennium Yao Village—Guangdong's best-preserved Yao settlement. Wander stone-paved paths, see Panwang Temple and stilt houses, and observe silversmithing by traditionally dressed Yao people.
- Afternoon: Drive to Oujia Terraced Fields at Dashan Mountain (Guangdong's largest). Hike through summer's emerald "green waves" and capture panoramas from the viewpoint. Try farmhouse rice wine en route.

🍜 Food Picks

- Qingyuan Chicken: Boiled or charcoal-grilled, crispy-skinned and tender. Try at "Tianqiaodi Restaurant."
- Beijiang River Delicacies: Yellow catfish tofu soup and perilla-stirred snails—fresh and non-fishy.
- Yao Bamboo Rice: Smoked pork and mushrooms roasted in bamboo (DIY at Yao Village).

⚠️ Tips

- Transport: 0.5-hour high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station; rent a car for flexibility.
- Gear: Bring spare clothes for rafting; wear anti-slip shoes for hiking; sunhat and repellent in summer.
- Stay: "Yunju Resort" (infinity pool with mountain views) or Yao-style homestays.

This route avoids crowds, diving into northern Guangdong's landscapes and ethnic culture—ideal for couples, families, or photographers. Extend to Senbol Hot Springs (volcanic pools) if time allows.