Nature and Old Towns in 1 Week of Side Trips from Guangzhou
Looking for short trips beyond Guangzhou? In just one week, you can explore a mix of nature getaways and old towns in Guangdong. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want mountains, rivers, hot springs, and charming heritage villages—all within 2–3 hours from the city.
1. Kaiping Diaolou & Villages
- Location: Kaiping, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province
- How to Get There: 2.5 hrs by bus from Guangzhou South Bus Station or 2 hrs by car.
- Ticket Price: RMB 100–180 (combo ticket for multiple villages).
- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage site featuring watchtowers (diaolou) blending Chinese and Western styles. Must-see: Zili Village, Majianglong, Chikan Old Town.
- Food to Try: Kaiping claypot rice, Cantonese roast goose.
- Avoid: Overpriced tourist snacks near the gates.
- Nearby Hotels: Kaiping WuYi Hotspring Hotel, Pantower International Hotel.
2. Zhaoqing Seven Star Crags (Qixing Yan)
- Location: Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing City
- How to Get There: 1.5 hrs by high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Zhaoqing East, then 15-min taxi.
- Ticket Price: RMB 60–70.
- Highlights: Karst peaks rising from the lake, scenic boat rides, caves, and pagodas. Perfect for photography.
- Food to Try: Zhaoqing stuffed tofu, lotus root soup.
- Avoid: Packaged “souvenir snacks” sold at tourist shops.
- Nearby Hotels: Zhaoqing International Hotel, Star Lake Hotel.
3. Foshan Ancestral Temple & Lingnan Tiandi
- Location: Zumiao Road, Foshan City
- How to Get There: 1 hr by Guangzhou Metro (Guangfo Line).
- Ticket Price: RMB 20 (Ancestral Temple); Lingnan Tiandi is free.
- Highlights: Historic temple with martial arts and lion dance shows. Lingnan Tiandi is a charming district with cafes and boutique shops inside old Lingnan-style houses.
- Food to Try: Foshan double-skin milk dessert, Cantonese dim sum.
- Avoid: Generic chain restaurants around Zumiao Metro.
- Nearby Hotels: Marco Polo Lingnan Tiandi, Swissôtel Foshan.
4. Conghua Hot Springs & Liuxi River National Forest Park
- Location: Conghua District, north of Guangzhou
- How to Get There: 2 hrs by car or bus from Guangzhou.
- Ticket Price: Hot springs RMB 120–300; Forest Park RMB 30.
- Highlights: Natural hot spring resorts + lush Liuxi River Park with hiking trails and lakeside views.
- Food to Try: Conghua lychee (seasonal), local chicken hotpot.
- Avoid: Fast food chains near bus stations.
- Nearby Hotels: Imperial Springs Hotel, Conghua Hotspring Resort.
5. Qingyuan Huangteng Gorge Glass Bridge & Old Town
- Location: Huangteng Gorge, Qingyuan City
- How to Get There: 2 hrs by train from Guangzhou to Qingyuan, then shuttle bus.
- Ticket Price: RMB 120–150 (includes glass bridge).
- Highlights: Thrilling glass skywalk, rafting, lush mountains. Combine with Qingyuan Old Town for a cultural stroll.
- Food to Try: Qingyuan chicken, silky tofu pudding.
- Avoid: Street BBQ stalls near the gorge—quality varies.
- Nearby Hotels: Sheraton Qingyuan, Holiday Inn Qingyuan.
1-Week Side Trip Itinerary from Guangzhou
| Day | Destination | Recommended Departure (from Guangzhou) | Travel Time | Suggested Stay/Duration | Overnight Stay? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kaiping Diaolou & Villages | 08:00 (by car/bus) | ~2.5 hrs | Afternoon & evening village tour | ✅ Yes (Kaiping) | Enjoy sunset and night walk in Chikan Old Town |
| Day 2 | Kaiping → Zhaoqing Seven Star Crags | 09:00 (by car) | ~1.5 hrs | Half-day at scenic lake & caves | ❌ No | Return to Zhaoqing city for dinner, then head back to Guangzhou (2 hrs) |
| Day 3 | Foshan Ancestral Temple & Lingnan Tiandi | 09:00 (by metro) | ~1 hr | Full-day temple visit + old town stroll | ❌ No | Easy day, back to Guangzhou in the evening |
| Day 4 | Conghua Hot Springs | 09:00 (by car/bus) | ~2 hrs | Afternoon hot spring relaxation | ✅ Yes (Conghua) | Choose a hot spring resort, enjoy spa & dinner |
| Day 5 | Liuxi River National Forest Park | 08:30 (from Conghua) | ~30 min | Hiking & lake exploration (4–5 hrs) | ❌ No | Return to Guangzhou in the evening |
| Day 6 | Qingyuan Huangteng Gorge (Glass Bridge & Rafting) | 08:00 (high-speed rail) | ~1 hr train + shuttle | Adventure activities (5–6 hrs) | ❌ No | Return to Guangzhou same day |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Guangzhou or Short Half-Day Trip (Shamian Island / Canton Tower) | Flexible | – | Easy sightseeing, shopping, or relax before flight | ❌ No | Great buffer day for travelers flying home |
FAQ – Side Trips from Guangzhou
Q: Can I do these trips without Chinese language skills?
Yes, but it’s easier if you book tickets online via Ctrip/Trip.com. Some villages may have limited English signage.
Q: Are these destinations family-friendly?
Yes. Zhaoqing lakes and Conghua hot springs are especially good for kids.
Q: Should I rent a car?
Not necessary. Trains and buses cover most routes, though a private car makes the Kaiping–Zhaoqing route more flexible.
Q: What’s the best season to go?
October–March is cooler and less humid, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Travel Tips
- Bring cash + Alipay/WeChat Pay: Some small towns don’t accept foreign cards.
- Avoid weekends: Weekdays mean fewer crowds at hot spots.
- Try local food markets: They’re cheaper and more authentic than touristy restaurants.
- Book hotels in advance: Especially during Chinese holidays (Golden Week, Spring Festival).
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