Things To Do
in Liantang
Liantang is a riverside town in southern China, positioned near the Guangdong–Guangxi border with a calm, small-town atmosphere. Its streets blend Cantonese culture and rural charm, offering traditional markets, temples, and scenic river views. The town is known for fresh seafood, aromatic street foods, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to linger along the waterfront.
Visitors can wander narrow lanes, explore historic architecture, and use Liantang as a gateway to nearby hills and countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Liantang Ancient Town, where you can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional architecture. Stop by a local tea house to savor the rich flavors of Chinese tea while enjoying the morning ambiance. The fresh morning air and the gentle sounds of locals starting their day create a perfect backdrop for your exploration.
After lunch at a quaint local restaurant, continue your journey at the Liantang Museum to learn about the region's history and cultural heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the evolution of Liantang through the ages. As the afternoon sun pours in, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, enjoying the picturesque views.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a riverside café to enjoy local delicacies while watching the vibrant colors of the evening sky. The nightlife begins to stir, with street vendors selling delicious snacks and local performers showcasing their talents. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the river, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of the town.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local eatery before heading out to the nearby Liantang Nature Reserve. The morning air is crisp, and the sounds of chirping birds accompany your trek along well-marked trails surrounded by lush greenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you immerse yourself in the serene environment.
After a refreshing picnic lunch in a designated area within the reserve, continue your nature exploration by visiting the stunning waterfalls that are a highlight of the park. Take a moment to dip your feet in the cool waters and capture beautiful photographs of the cascading falls. The afternoon light filters through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere as you hike deeper into the reserve.
Return to Liantang and unwind at a traditional massage spa where you can indulge in a relaxing treatment to soothe your tired muscles. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a renowned local restaurant, sampling the regional specialties. As the evening unfolds, take a peaceful stroll through the reserve again, now illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Local noodles bowl | $3-6 |
| 🥟Dumplings or dim sum | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $2-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
| 🍛Lunch at casual restaurant | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and riverfront scenery
- Excellent Cantonese and Guangxi-influenced cuisine
- Good base for nature trips and short culture walks
- Relatively affordable compared to larger cities
- Limited nightlife and advanced infrastructure
- English commonly limited outside tourist spots
- Public transportation within town can be sparse
- Fewer large-scale attractions than major cities
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
- "素菜有哪些？" - What vegetarian dishes are available?
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
- "我需要帮助" - I need help
- "在哪里可以买票？" - Where can I buy tickets?
Places to Visit in Liantang
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm water, soft morning light, and silhouettes of boats create tranquil sunrise reflections.
Classic Lingnan architecture with shaded courtyards, stone paths, and lanterns—great for architectural detail and candid street scenes.
A historic bridge crossing the river with scaffolded shadows and traditional arches, ideal for long-exposure shots.
Quiet farmhouses and clumped greenery offer intimate portraits of everyday life and texture-rich backdrops.
Food in Liantang
Liantang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed mandarin fish with light soy and ginger, showcasing fresh river seafood and precise steam timing.
Must-Try!
Guangxi-style snails noodle soup with a sour, spicy broth and pickled vegetables; available at select spots in Liantang, best sampled at dedicated streetside eateries.
Simply prepared boiled chicken served with a light dipping sauce; a Cantonese staple found in many family-run eateries.
Beef chow fun—stir-fried flat rice noodles with beef and vegetables, a quick and satisfying noodle dish common in local Cantonese kitchens.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling daytime market offering fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and small eateries where you can try classic local bites.
Evening stalls along the riverbank serving grilled seafood, rice rolls, dumplings, and sweet treats; a good place to sample a variety of street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or light handshake is common. Use respectful titles for elders and avoid overly loud behavior in religious or historical sites.
Chopsticks are standard; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice and finishing your plate to show appreciation for the meal.
Keep conversations respectful; avoid sensitive political topics in casual settings.
Safety
Tipping in Liantang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common expectation in most local restaurants or markets; it is increasingly accepted in higher-end or tourist-focused venues but still optional.
Cash (CNY) is widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are prevalent in urban and tourist areas; some rural stalls may prefer cash. Cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery; light layers recommended. Expect brief showers; carry a compact umbrella.
Hot and humid with heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. Stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing, and plan riverfront visits for cooler mornings and evenings.
Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies. Great for outdoor walks, photography, and outdoor markets.
Cool to mild, rarely very cold. Layered clothing is sufficient; evenings can be cooler near the river.
Liantang at Night
Hiking in Liantang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate, scenic loop with river views and forested sections; suitable for a half-day hike.
Forest trail leading to a series of waterfalls; best in the spring or after rain.
Famous hillside terraces about a few hours away by car/rail; a longer day trip offering dramatic terraced scenery and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Liantang by plane.
Major southern China hub; connected by high-speed rail and road; suitable for international and domestic connections.
Regional hub in Guangxi with numerous domestic flights; longer transfer from Liantang but a good option for regional travel.
Large international airport with extensive domestic and international routes; convenient if combining with nearby Shenzhen access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnicity in Liantang, with a strong Cantonese cultural influence in language, food, and traditions.
Smaller communities with a presence in nearby areas; cultural diversity reflected in local crafts and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local clubs and street games are common in parks and schools.
A popular pastime in community centers and homes; many residents play regularly.
Common in parks and sports courts; easy to join a casual game with locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Liantang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many shops offer tofu and vegetable dishes; look for 素菜 (vegetarian dishes) and ask for no meat stock or fish sauce. In markets, opt for fresh vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and plain steamed rice.