Zhaoqing is a picturesque city surrounded by shimmering lakes and dramatic limestone formations. It's a gateway to Guangdong Province, a scenic slice of China with lush mountains, blue pine forests and tumbling waterfalls. You can also devour local food, visit an ancient Buddhist monastery and discover the region's folk culture.
Things to do in Zhaoqing
More than 700 years old, Licha Village offers a fascinating glimpse at life in imperial China. The village is around 20 kilometres east of Zhaoqing and was designed to resemble an octagon. Once inside the gates, you can explore a network of moss-covered alleyways lined with ancient stone houses.
Seven Star Crags Park is one of the crown jewels of Guangdong Province. Inside you'll discover a wondrous landscape of limestone hills, hidden grottoes and tree-lined lakes. You can explore the park trails on foot or zip around on a battery-operated cart.
Strewn with leafy stone fruit trees, the Plum Monastery Buddhist is one of Guangdong Province's most beautiful complexes. It's dedicated to Master Huineng, the beloved Father of Chinese Zen Buddhism. You can stroll around the grounds, peer into the prayer halls and admire the beautifully carved irrigation well.
For some of the best seafood in Guangdong Province, snag a table at Kuaihuolin Restaurant, a busy eatery serving delicious broiled shrimp and fish soup. Bohailou is another local favourite, known for its sumptuous sticky rice dumplings stuffed with chestnuts, pork, beans and egg yolk.
Getting around Zhaoqing
Parts of downtown Zhaoqing are easy to get around on foot or by using local buses. Taxis are the easiest way to reach the train station and ferry pier. The main bus station offers services to Guangzhou, Shenzhèn and Zhuhai.