【Guangzhou 'Little Jiuzhai'】—— Complete Guide to Cooling Off and Playing in Ziyun Valley

Ziyun Valley, an emerald embedded in the land of Lingnan, is located in Gaoyao District, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. It is the cradle of Duan Inkstone culture and an ideal place to cool off in summer. Here, the mountains are lush, the streams babble, and the original forest blends with the subtropical scenery, as if stepping into a paradise.

🚗 Transportation Guide
- **Self-driving**: Depart from Guangzhou, take the Guangfozhao Expressway to the Zhaoqing exit, and then drive along County Road X429 for about 1.5 hours to reach.
- **Bus**: Take a bus from Zhaoqing city to Dinghu Mountain Archway, then transfer to the special bus to Ziyun Valley.
- **Taxi**: Take a taxi directly from Zhaoqing city to Ziyun Valley, which takes about 40 minutes.

🗺️ Play Route
**Day 1:** Visit the section from the entrance of Ziyun Valley to Antelope Gorge, admire the iron chain bridge and waterfall, and experience the fun of stream tracing.
**Day 2:** Go deep into the valley, visit the inkstone pit site, and play by the stream in the afternoon to enjoy the cool summer.

📍 Must-visit Attractions
- **Antelope Gorge**: Explore the winding gorge and marvel at the wonders of nature.
- **Iron Chain Bridge**: Suspended in the air, challenge your courage while enjoying the beauty of the mountains and rivers.
- **Inkstone Pit Site**: Witness the birth of Duan Inkstone and feel the precipitation of thousand-year culture.
- **Ziyun Valley Waterfall**: The waterfall cascades down, bringing bursts of coolness.

🏨 Accommodation and Food
- **Accommodation**: There are characteristic homestays and resorts around Ziyun Valley, such as **Ziyun Villa**, providing a comfortable resting space.
- **Food**: Try local farmhouse dishes, **Dinghu Mountain Water Tofu** and **Bamboo Tube Rice**, which are delicacies not to be missed.

📝 Travel Tips
- **Clothing**: Wear light, quick-drying outdoor clothing and prepare non-slip hiking shoes.
- **Sun Protection**: The ultraviolet rays are strong in summer, remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
- **Environmental Protection**: Keep the scenic area clean and do not leave any garbage.

Ziyun Valley is not only a summer resort but also a haven for the soul. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle, get close to nature, and experience true tranquility and coolness. Whether you are pursuing historical culture or enjoying natural scenery, Ziyun Valley can bring you an unforgettable travel experience.