A hidden paradise comparable to Guilin’s landscape—Yingde!

Deep travel in Yingde, Guangdong’s “Little Guilin”｜Complete guide to the mountain and water secret spots, 3 days 2 nights for a family of five, high-speed rail direct access with no pitfalls!

Many people think Guangdong only has skyscrapers and morning tea,
but little do they know that in northern Guangdong’s Qingyuan, there is a hidden paradise comparable to Guilin’s landscape—Yingde!

Here, the karst peaks are lush and green, streams meander,
the karst landforms are poetic and picturesque,
known as the “Little Guilin of Guangdong,”
and even better: direct high-speed rail, low budget, perfect for family trips!

Today’s super detailed guide will take you through Yingde’s must-see attractions, stay in mountain homestays, and taste authentic Beijiang flavors.

🚄【Transportation Guide】1.5 hours from Guangzhou, ready to go anytime

🚆 High-speed rail recommendations:
Guangzhou South → Yingde West Station (about 50 minutes to 1 hour, second class ¥79/person)
Shenzhen North → Yingde West (about 1.5 hours, ¥148/person)
🚕 After exiting the station, take a taxi or book a carpool to various scenic spots (it’s recommended to contact your homestay in advance for pick-up and drop-off)

📌 Tip: During holidays, you can choose “Yingde Station” (regular train station), but there are fewer trains.

🌿【Itinerary Recommendation】3 days 2 nights classic route｜Easy and relaxed

Day 1: Arrive in Yingde → Explore Baojing Palace Cave + Swan Lake boating
- 🛫 Arrive at Yingde West Station in the afternoon, taxi to 【Baojing Palace International Resort】 (about 20 minutes)
🌌 Baojing Palace Cave:
Stalactites under colorful lights take on countless shapes, like an underground palace
Constant temperature inside is 18℃, perfect for summer cooling
Tickets ¥65/adult, free for children under 1.2m
🦢 Swan Lake boating:
The lake reflects the mountains and scenery like a painting, electric boats available for rent (¥60/hour) or pedal boats
Kids love feeding the swans, great for photos!

🏨 Accommodation recommendations:
✅ Baojing Palace Swan Lake Hot Spring Hotel (lake view from the window, includes hot spring) ¥500+/night
✅ Or choose nearby cost-effective homestays ¥180–298/night

🍽 Dinner recommendation: Try Beijiang river fresh dishes and white-cut chicken at “Jinfuyuan Restaurant” in the city

Day 2: Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor one-day highlights tour｜Cycling & cave exploration experience
📍 China’s longest karst peak forest corridor, stretching 20 kilometers, a scenic view every ten steps.

🚴 Recommended self-drive/car hire route (about 60km loop):
1. Dongtian Wonderland (must-visit!)
Natural cave passes through the mountain, boat ride feels like entering “The Peach Blossom Spring”
Suspended plank road thrilling and exciting, kids scream with joy
Tickets ¥98 including boat ride, free for children under 1.2m

2. Peng Family Ancestral Hall (Qing Dynasty fortress-style ancestral hall)
Built on a cliff, easy to defend, known as the “Little Potala Palace”
Free to visit, climb to the top for panoramic views of peak forests and fields

3. Xiao Zhaozhou Bridge + Camel Peak Viewing Platform
Photo spot, distant view of mountains shaped like a camel

4. Tiger Rock / Lingxu Ancient Cave
Optional cave exploration experience to feel the original karst landform

📌 Family tips:
Rent electric bikes for more freedom (¥80/day)
Bring sun hats, mosquito repellent, and lightweight shoes
Lunch can be had in Jiulong Town: tofu pudding, stuffed tofu, bamboo tube rice

🏨 Overnight stay:
✅ Jiulong Town boutique homestay (such as “Peak Forest Dawn Town” tent camp) ¥180–350/night
✅ Or return to the city to stay at chain hotels (Vienna, Lavande, etc.)

Day 3: Zhenyang Gorge Scenic Area or Huanghua Lake cycling → Return trip
🔹 Option A: Zhenyang Gorge (for culture lovers)
Historic town by the Beijiang River, ancient-style buildings + train theme museum
Take a boat tour on Beijiang River (¥68/person), see the strange peaks on both sides
Suitable for a slow-paced family trip, experience old Cantonese style

🔹 Option B: Huanghua Lake greenway cycling
Free and open, very pleasant cycling along the lake
Along the way, rapeseed flower fields (spring), reed marshes (autumn and winter)
Kids can ride balance bikes with ease

🚄 Return to Guangzhou/Shenzhen from Yingde West Station in the afternoon

🍜【Yingde Food Culture】Northern Guangdong flavors on your palate
Don’t just drink Yingde black tea! These authentic dishes are the soul:

1. Jiulong Tofu 🥣
Made with mountain spring water, crispy outside, tender inside, must order “Copper Plate Steamed Tofu.”

2. Donghua Stuffed Tofu 🧈
Tofu stuffed with meat, slow simmered, the broth goes perfectly with rice—can eat three bowls!

3. Beijiang River Fresh 🐟
White clam soup, steamed bream, salt and pepper river shrimp, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise.

4. Lei Tea Porridge 🍵
Hakka specialty, tea leaves + peanuts + mint crushed and mixed with rice soup, fragrant and refreshing.

5. Yingde Black Tea ☕
One of China’s top three black teas, recommended to visit “Jiqingli Black Tea Valley” to taste authentic Yingde Hongjiu.

📌 Foodie map:
Jiulong Town market: breakfast with rice rolls + tofu pudding
Yingde city: Baihua Road, Limin Road night market snacks concentrated

💰【Budget Reference】Family of 5 ≈ ¥3200
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| High-speed rail round trip (Guangzhou↔Yingde West) | ¥632 (4 people × 2 trips) |
| Local transportation (taxi + rental) | ¥400 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | ¥360–650 |
| Meals (6 main + snacks) | ¥600 |
| Tickets (Baojing Palace + Dongtian Wonderland, etc.) | ¥600 |
| Others (souvenirs + snacks) | ¥200 |
| Total | ¥2600–3000 |

“When Guilin is crowded with people,
Yingde’s peak forest still quietly reflects in the lake;
When you are exhausted in the city,
ride a country road here, listen to the wind blowing through the rice waves, and that’s enough.”

💬 Comment interaction:
Do you most want to see caves in Yingde or cycle through the peak forest?
Have you ever passed through a mountain by boat?

True poetry is not far away.