Four Lesser-Known Cities for Short Trips Within 1.5 Hours from Guangdong

If you want to start from Guangdong and reach your destination in about **1.5 hours** (by high-speed train or self-driving), avoiding crowds and experiencing unique local charm, these 4 cities are definitely worth bookmarking!

Huizhou (Guangdong · 40 minutes by high-speed train)
🚄 Transport: Guangzhou South → Zhaoqing East (about 40 minutes)
Reasons to visit:
- Scenic secret spots like Qixingyan (karst lake scenery) and Dinghu Mountain (natural oxygen bar), comparable to Guilin but with fewer people.
- Rich cultural heritage including Song Dynasty city walls and Duan inkstone culture, perfect for those who enjoy a slow-paced, artistic vibe.
- Must-try foods: wrapped steamed rice dumplings, Wenling carp, tea oil chicken, all filling for about ¥30 per person.
🏡 Accommodation suggestion: Guesthouses near Qixingyan, ¥150-300/night.

2. Jiangmen (Guangdong · 30 minutes by high-speed train)
🚄 Transport: Guangzhou South → Jiangmen East (about 30 minutes)
Reasons to visit:
- Filming location of "The Wild Goose Lake" at San Shisan Xu Street, experience the lively local market atmosphere.
- Secret fortress site Kaiping Diaolou (1 hour by car), filming location of "Let the Bullets Fly," a stunning mix of Chinese and Western architecture.
- Wuyi cuisine including eel rice and ancient well roast goose, a paradise for foodies!
🏡 Accommodation suggestion: Unique guesthouses near Kaiping Diaolou, ¥200+/night.

3. Hezhou (Guangxi · 1.5 hours by high-speed train)
🚄 Transport: Guangzhou South → Hezhou (about 1.5 hours)
Reasons to visit:
- Ink-wash style ancient town Huangyao Ancient Town (ticket ¥88), with bluestone roads and Ming-Qing architecture, shrouded in morning mist like a fairyland.
- Karst wonders Gupo Mountain (hiking waterfall clusters) and Jade Stone Forest (stone peaks like swords), few visitors and beautiful scenery.
- Guangxi flavors like fermented black bean noodles, oil tea, and sour snacks, tangy and appetizing.
🏡 Accommodation suggestion: Boutique inns inside Huangyao Ancient Town, ¥150-400/night.

4. Ganzhou (Jiangxi · 1.5 hours by high-speed train)
🚄 Transport: Shenzhen North → Ganzhou West (about 1.5 hours)
Reasons to visit:
- Song Dynasty heritage sites like Yugutai, ancient city walls, and Zaor Alley, instantly transporting you back to the Song era.
- Danxia landform Tongtian Rock (the top grotto in Jiangnan), hiking to explore this off-the-beaten-path spot.
- Hakka cuisine including Ganzhou stir-fried fish, rice noodle fish, and stuffed tofu, spicy and satisfying!
🏡 Accommodation suggestion: Hotels near the old town in Zhanggong District, ¥200+/night.