Things To Do
in Qingyuan

Fresh river fish prepared steamed or in light broth; look for restaurants near the Beijiang River or local seafood stalls.

Must-Try!

A tender, subtly seasoned chicken prepared with Hakka techniques—common in family-run eateries and village restaurants.

Rice cooked in bamboo with savory additions like meat or mushrooms; found at countryside markets and specialty stalls.

Locally pickled greens and mushroom dishes sold in markets and served in homestyle restaurants.

Morning markets near the river selling fresh fish, vegetables and snacks—try rice rolls, fried dough sticks and small steamed buns.

Evening stalls offering skewers, oyster pancakes, savory crepes and local sweet soups; great for casual tasting.

Show deference to older people—stand when elders enter, use polite greetings and offer seats on public transport.

Dress modestly, speak quietly and follow any photography rules when visiting temples and religious sites.

Accepting tea or food offerings politely is appreciated; when dining in a group, allow hosts to serve first and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Bargaining is normal at markets for souvenirs but not in supermarkets or fixed-price stores; be polite during haggling.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and taxis; small tips may be accepted in upscale hotels or for special services but are not expected. For guides or drivers booked privately, a modest tip is appreciated but not obligatory.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate local transactions; many small vendors and markets accept cash (RMB) but not international cards. Ensure you have cash for rural areas and set up mobile payment if staying longer—many banks now support linking foreign cards for QR payments.

March–May brings mild temperatures, blooming countryside and occasional rain; good for hiking and waterfalls which run strong after rains. Pack a light rain jacket and layers.

June–August is hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; great for water activities (rafting, waterfalls) but expect heat and higher insect activity. Bring sun protection, quick-dry clothing and insect repellent.

September–November is the most pleasant with cooler temperatures, lower humidity and clear skies—ideal for outdoor activities and photography. Book popular resorts and hiking trips in advance on weekends.

December–February is mild compared with northern China but can be cool and damp; hot springs are especially appealing. Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.

Scenic trails around waterfalls and gorges suitable for moderate hikes and canyon exploration; offers river views and natural pools.

Forested paths with viewpoints, picnic spots and opportunities for birdwatching—good for families and casual hikers.

Short routes and viewpoints around limestone formations ideal for photography and short day hikes; some routes are steeper and rockier.

Cultural walks linking traditional Hakka villages with nearby rivers and farmland—excellent for combining nature and cultural experiences.

Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in major cities; order stir-fried vegetables, tofu-based dishes and vegetable soups and ask about broths made with meat stock.

Vegan choices require caution—many dishes use oyster sauce or meat broths. Communicate clearly (use ‘我吃素’ wǒ chī sù) and request no animal products; bigger restaurants or hotels are likelier to accommodate.

Rice-based dishes are common and usually safe, but soy sauce contains gluten. Ask staff about ingredients and request tamari-style alternatives where possible.

Carry allergy cards in Chinese for nuts, shellfish or soy; cross-contamination in street stalls is possible, so choose established restaurants for stricter control.