Things To Do
in Shaoguan

Iconic red sandstone cliffs, natural bridges, and layered formations; great light early and late in the day for dramatic landscape shots.

Historic Buddhist temple complex with halls, incense-filled courtyards and traditional architecture — good for cultural and portrait photography.

Riverside walks and older neighborhoods show everyday life, market scenes and local architecture — ideal for street photography.

Green mountain trails and rivers near Shaoguan offer misty landscapes, streams and seasonal wildflowers for nature photography.

A savory, fragrant whole or portioned chicken prepared with salt and spices; commonly found in Hakka-influenced restaurants and family-style eateries.

Must-Try!

Fresh local river fish simply steamed with ginger and scallion — a Cantonese staple available at family restaurants and scenic-area eateries.

Local-style rice noodle soups served for breakfast or lunch, often topped with sliced meat, pickles, or preserved vegetables.

Tofu pockets stuffed with seasoned minced pork or fish paste and steamed or braised; commonly found at local markets and restaurants.

Small night markets near transport hubs and downtown squares offer skewers, fried snacks, rice rolls and sweets — great for trying many small dishes affordably.

Wet markets are where locals buy fresh produce, fish and prepared breakfast items like rice noodle soups and steamed buns — ideal for experiencing everyday food culture.

Show deference to older people in greetings and seating; offering seats on public transport is common courtesy.

Dress modestly, speak softly, avoid pointing flash photography at worshippers, and follow any local guidance when visiting temples.

Be polite and avoid public confrontation; direct criticism can cause loss of face — use indirect language when declining or correcting.

When invited to a meal, wait for the host or eldest to start; try a bit of each dish and accept small offers; it’s polite to leave a small amount of food on the plate rather than finishing everything in some settings.

Tipping is not customary in most places in Shaoguan; it’s rare at restaurants and taxis. For exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not expected. KTV and some tourist services may accept or expect small gratuities in tourist areas.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used; many small vendors and markets accept only mobile pay or cash. UnionPay-compatible cards work in hotels and larger stores; international credit cards may be accepted at major hotels and restaurants but are less common in small shops.

Mild temperatures and blooming vegetation make spring pleasant for hiking and temple visits; occasional rain — bring a light jacket and umbrella.

Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; ideal for early-morning hikes but expect heat and high humidity — pack sun protection and lightweight rain gear.

Cooler and drier with clear skies, making it one of the best times for outdoor activities and photography at Danxia and surrounding hills.

Mild to cool temperatures compared with northern China; chilly mornings and evenings but rare snow — bring layers for variable temperatures.

The largest international gateway for the region, about 2–3 hours by high-speed train or car depending on connection — good option for most international arrivals and transfers.

Another major airport serving southern Guangdong; reachable by car/train in around 2.5–4 hours depending on route and traffic — useful for some international and regional flights.