Things To Do
in Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing is a riverside city in Guangdong province, set on the Xi (West) River and known for its karst scenery, historic sites and laid-back pace compared with nearby Guangzhou. The city’s highlights are the Seven Star Crags and the large Star Lake park, while nearby Dinghu Mountain offers well-preserved subtropical forest and waterfalls. Zhaoqing blends Cantonese cultural traditions, river-based cuisine and accessible nature attractions within short drives from the urban core.
It’s popular for day trips from the Pearl River Delta but rewards multi-day visits for hikers, photographers and food lovers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in the heart of Zhaoqing by visiting the Daming Palace, an ancient site rich in history. Stroll through the vibrant streets lined with traditional architecture and local shops, where you can sample local delicacies. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby Seven Star Crags, where the lush greenery and serene lakes offer a picturesque backdrop.
After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, spend your afternoon exploring the Zhaoqing Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. Take a leisurely walk around the scenic riverside, enjoying the views of the Qixing Lake and its surrounding hills. Keep your camera ready as the area is filled with beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife.
As the sun sets, head to the bustling night market where you can indulge in street food like grilled squid and local rice cakes. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather, and enjoy the lively music and performances. Conclude your day with a relaxing boat ride on the lake, soaking in the illuminated views of the city.
Start your day with a refreshing visit to Xinghu Lake, known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil environment. Rent a bike and explore the lakeside paths, taking in the scenic views of the surrounding hills and the unique rock formations. Stop by the nearby tea houses to sample some traditional Chinese tea while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
After lunch, participate in a local cooking class where you will learn about Zhaoqing's culinary traditions and prepare some local dishes. Engage with friendly locals who are eager to share their cooking secrets and stories about the region's food culture. Enjoy your self-prepared meal, savoring the flavors of Zhaoqing's unique ingredients.
As night falls, take a stroll along the lakefront, where you can admire the colorful lights reflecting on the water. Visit a local bar or café to enjoy a drink and chat with locals, soaking up the vibrant nightlife. End your evening with a peaceful sit by the lakeside, listening to the soft sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2.5-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/metro fare | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful karst scenery and accessible nature (Seven Star Crags, Dinghu Mountain).
- Authentic Cantonese river and mountain cuisine with local specialties.
- Less crowded and more relaxed atmosphere compared with major Pearl River Delta cities.
- Good value for money for dining and accommodation.
- Limited international flight options; most international arrivals require transfer via Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
- Fewer high-end tourist services and English language availability than in larger cities.
- Hot, humid summers and a pronounced rainy season that can limit outdoor plans.
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "这个多少钱? (zhè ge duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请帮我叫车 (qǐng bāng wǒ jiào chē)" - Please call a taxi for me
- "到。。。怎么走? (dào... zěnme zǒu?)" - How do I get to...?
Places to Visit in Zhaoqing
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic limestone karst pillars rising from Star Lake with reflections on calm water — excellent at sunrise or in misty mornings for dramatic shots.
Wide lakeside views, classical pavilions and bridges; evening lights create beautiful reflections and long-exposure possibilities.
Dense subtropical forest, waterfalls and temples — good for nature, macro and landscape photography, especially after rain when water features are full.
Riverside scenes with boats, bridges and local life — offers cinematic golden-hour photography and candid street scenes.
Old-frame architecture, narrow lanes and market scenes that capture everyday local life and historic atmosphere.
Food in Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught river fish steamed simply with ginger, scallion and soy — found at riverside restaurants and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked in a claypot with preserved meats, sausage and vegetables; crispy rice at the bottom is prized and available in many casual restaurants.
Seasonal bamboo shoots from the Dinghu area, typically stir-fried or used in soups; a spring specialty sold in markets and mountain restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning wet markets sell fresh river fish, vegetables and snacks — great for seeing local ingredients and trying simple street bites like rice noodle rolls and fried dough.
Evening stalls near Star Lake and old streets serve skewers, fried snacks, soups and sweet treats; hygiene varies so pick busy stalls where food is cooked to order.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) and modest manners go far. Avoid loud or boisterous behavior in temples and public transport.
In private homes you may be asked to remove shoes — follow hosts’ cues.
Queuing for transport and services is expected in formal lines; in busy markets things can be more chaotic — be patient and courteous.
Avoid sensitive political topics. Show respect for elders, family and cultural traditions when discussing local matters.
Safety
Tipping in Zhaoqing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most everyday situations in Zhaoqing; small tips may be accepted in higher-end hotels or by tour guides, but are not expected. For good service in private tours or driver-guides, a modest tip is appreciated.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous for shops, markets and taxis; carry some cash (RMB) for small vendors. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and chain restaurants but less so at small stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and gradually humid with occasional rain; flowers and bamboo shoots are in season — great for hiking and sampling seasonal produce.
Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activity in mornings, expect high humidity and mosquitos in rural areas.
Cooler, drier and often the most pleasant time to visit with clearer skies — ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Mild and cooler than summer but rarely freezing; overcast days and occasional cold snaps are possible — light layers recommended.
Zhaoqing at Night
Hiking in Zhaoqing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with well-maintained trails, waterfalls, temples and rich biodiversity — best for half-day to full-day hikes.
Short scenic walks around the crags and lake with viewpoints and small caves; ideal for photographers and casual walkers.
A richer, more remote reserve within driving distance offering dense forest trails and birdwatching opportunities — suitable for a day trip if you have transport.
Airports
How to reach Zhaoqing by plane.
Small regional airport serving limited domestic flights; convenient if your flight is available but options are limited.
Major international airport about 1.5–2 hours by car or around an hour by high-speed rail to Guangzhou plus transfer; offers the best range of domestic and international connections.
Smaller regional airport serving some domestic routes; reachable by road from Zhaoqing and sometimes a convenient alternative to Guangzhou for certain flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of residents are Han Chinese, with Cantonese cultural and linguistic influences predominant.
Workers from other provinces who support local industry and service sectors; contribute to a mix of dialects and cuisines.
Like many Chinese cities, there is a visible elder demographic enjoying public parks, teahouses and community activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played across Guangdong; easy to find local clubs and public tables.
A very popular recreational sport with many indoor courts and community leagues.
Traditional water sport along the Pearl River system and occasionally on the Xi River; teams practice and compete during festival times.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhaoqing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable stir-fries, tofu, soups) but many dishes use stock or sauces with fish or oyster sauce. Use the phrase '我吃素' (wǒ chī sù) and clarify '不要鱼露、不要蚝油' (no fish sauce, no oyster sauce). Teahouses and vegetarian restaurants in larger towns are safest.
Inform servers about allergies because cross-contamination with seafood and soy is common. Carry a translation card for specific allergens and consider eating at hotels or larger restaurants if severe.