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Things to Do in Zhaoqing (2026)
The Seven Star Crags are Zhaoqing's most iconic attraction, featuring limestone peaks rising from a serene lake. You can take a boat ride across Star Lake to explorβ¦ ποΈ Explore the Seven Star Crags
The Seven Star Crags are Zhaoqing's most iconic attraction, featuring limestone peaks rising from a serene lake. You can take a boat ride across Star Lake to explore the caves and climb to the top for panoramic views. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and entry costs 78 RMB for adults.
π― Visit the Dinghu Mountain
Dinghu Mountain is a sacred Buddhist site with ancient temples and lush forests. The Qingyun Temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is a must-see for its peaceful atmosphere and historical architecture. Admission is 60 RMB, and the mountain is accessible by bus from downtown Zhaoqing.
πΆ Take a River Cruise on the Xi Jiang
A cruise along the Xi Jiang River offers a different perspective of Zhaoqing's landscape, passing by limestone karsts and local villages. Evening cruises are particularly popular for the sunset views and city lights. Tickets start at 50 RMB per person, and boats depart from the Zhaoqing Port area.
π Taste Local Delicacies
Zhaoqing is famous for its steamed river snails and zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings). Head to the food street on Songcheng Road to sample these dishes at stalls like Lao Ma Zi Zongzi. Prices are affordable, with most snacks costing between 5 and 20 RMB.
π Getting Around Zhaoqing
Public buses are the most convenient way to get around, with routes covering major attractions like Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain. A single ride costs 2 RMB, and you can pay with a transit card or mobile payment. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at 8 RMB.
π Best Evening Spots
For a relaxing evening, stroll along the Star Lake promenade, where the crags are beautifully lit after dark. The area near the Zhaoqing Archway is lively with street performers and night markets. Alternatively, head to the rooftop bar at the Holiday Inn for a cocktail with a view.
ποΈ Discover Local History
The Zhaoqing Museum, located near the Seven Star Crags, showcases artifacts from the region's long history, including ancient pottery and calligraphy. Admission is free, and it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Another historical site is the Yuejiang Tower, a Ming Dynasty structure overlooking the river.
The Seven Star Crags are worth the early morning visit if you can manage it. I went around 7:30 AM once and had the place nearly to myself before the tour buses showed up around 9. The mist coming off Star Lake with the limestone peaks half-hidden in it is a completely different experience from midday. If you are climbing one of the crags, pick Tianzhu Peak for the best view. The steps are steep in places but the payoff over the whole lake and city is the best up there.
if you have time for a day trip outside the city, take the bus to the yanxia cave in the qixingyan scenic area. it's a limestone cave with these wild underground pools that reflect the stalactites like mirrors, really quiet and cool inside even when it's hot out. the entrance is separate from the main crags ticket but it's only around 30 rmb and worth it if you like caves. just watch your step on the wet stairs, i slipped once and my phone almost went for a swim
honestly the river cruise is underrated in this list. the daytime one is fine but the evening cruise at golden hour is where it's at, the limestone karsts catch the sunset light and turn this deep orange color thats pretty stunning. i did it last spring and the boat wasnt crowded at all, maybe 12 people, so it felt chill. just book ahead if you want the window seats on the upper deck, those fill up fast
also worth mentioning the Zhaoqing Museum is small but has this one room with really old calligraphy scrolls that are surprisingly well preserved. i spent like an hour in there just reading the english descriptions, they explain a lot about the local silk road history i had no idea about. free entry but they close at 4:30 not 5, learned that the hard way
3 Days in Zhaoqing: Itinerary 2026
Start your trip in the city center, focusing on Seven Star Crags and the lakeside area. This compact zone is walkable and has most of Zhaoqing's iconic sights. You'll save time bβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1 Overview
Start your trip in the city center, focusing on Seven Star Crags and the lakeside area. This compact zone is walkable and has most of Zhaoqing's iconic sights. You'll save time by staying near the Star Lake Boulevard.
ποΈ Morning at Seven Star Crags
Arrive at Seven Star Crags Scenic Area (Qixingyan) by 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. The entrance fee is 78 RMB, and a boat ride across Star Lake costs an additional 30 RMB. Spend 3 hours exploring the limestone peaks and caves.
π Lunch on Songcheng Road
Walk to Songcheng Road, a 10-minute stroll from the scenic area, for local specialties like Zhaoqing steamed rice rolls (changfen). Try the popular restaurant 'Laozi Hao' at 15 Songcheng Road, where a meal costs around 40 RMB. The street is lively with food stalls and shops.
ποΈ Afternoon at Yuejiang Tower
After lunch, take a 15-minute taxi (15 RMB) to Yuejiang Tower on the northern bank of the Xi River. This Ming-dynasty tower offers panoramic views of the river and city. Admission is 20 RMB, and you can climb to the top for photos.
π Evening on Star Lake Boardwalk
Return to the Star Lake area for a sunset stroll along the boardwalk. The lakeside lights up at 7 PM, creating a romantic atmosphere. Grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant like 'Xinghu Restaurant' on Xinghu West Road, where a set meal costs about 80 RMB.
π― Day 2: Dinghu Mountain
Dedicate your second day to Dinghu Mountain, a 40-minute bus ride (Route 21, 5 RMB) from the city center. The entrance fee is 60 RMB, and the mountain features ancient temples and waterfalls. Start early at 8 AM to complete the main loop by noon.
β°οΈ Hiking to Qingyun Temple
From the mountain gate, hike 1.5 hours to Qingyun Temple, a serene Buddhist site dating back to the Tang dynasty. The trail is well-marked and shaded. Bring water and snacks, as there are few vendors along the path.
π Return and Local Dinner
Descend by 3 PM and take the bus back to the city (last bus at 6 PM). For dinner, head to the pedestrian street on Duanzhou Road, where 'Zhaoqing Flavor Restaurant' serves authentic claypot dishes. A meal here averages 50 RMB per person.
πΆ Day 3: Countryside and Departure
On your final day, visit the rural area of Longmu Bay, a 30-minute taxi ride (50 RMB) from the city. This scenic spot has a large reservoir and hiking trails. Spend 2 hours here before heading back to pack.
π Souvenir Shopping
Before leaving, stop at the Zhaoqing Gift Center on Xinghu East Road for local products like star anise and dried longan. Prices are reasonable, with most items under 50 RMB. The shop is open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
The itinerary has the main sights down well. One thing I'd adjust is the timing on day 2 at Dinghu Mountain. If you start the hike by 8 AM, you can reach Qingyun Temple before the tour buses roll in around 10, and the temple feels completely different when it's just you and a few monks sweeping the courtyard. The incense smoke hangs still in the morning air and you can hear the wind chimes clearly.
For dinner on Duanzhou Road, Zhaoqing Flavor Restaurant is fine but walk two blocks north to Renmin Middle Road and look for a place called Sister Chen's Kitchen. Their claypot eggplant with salted fish is the dish to order, costs about 35 RMB and comes with a free bowl of lotus root soup. The owner remembers regulars and will pour you a small cup of osmanthus tea while you wait.
On your last morning at Longmu Bay, skip the main hiking trail and take the path that branches left just past the reservoir dam. It follows a small stream for about 20 minutes and ends at an old stone bridge where local kids jump into the water in summer. There's a concrete bench under a lychee tree where you can sit and eat the dried fish snacks from the village, just watch out for the ants.
honestly the itinerary is pretty spot on, i've done similar trips a few times. one thing i'd suggest is on day 2 at dinghu mountain, instead of taking the bus back straight to the city, get off at the stop before the final one and walk through the little village there. there's a noodle shop run by an old couple that does this soupy fish noodle with local herbs, only 12 kuai a bowl and they make it fresh. the bus route 21 runs every 20 minutes so you won't miss the last one if you linger for a bit
for star lake boardwalk in the evening, the waterfront restaurants are fine but the best spot is actually the little pavilion near the east gate around 6:30 pm. the sunset hits the crags just right and the reflection turns the whole lake orange for about 10 minutes. bring some peanuts from the shop across the street, the stray cats there know the routine and will come sit with you
longmu bay is nice but if you're there on a weekend the reservoir gets busy with local families. go on a weekday if you can, it's dead quiet and you might spot the herons that nest in the reeds by the hiking trail
yeah this is a really good setup, covers the essentials without being too packed. one thing i'd say is that dinghu mountain can get pretty humid even in the morning, so bring a small towel or extra shirt if you're hiking up to qingyun temple. i made that mistake and was soaking by the time i reached the top, the breeze at the temple was nice but the walk down was rough
also on day 1, after yuejiang tower there's a tiny park right underneath it called the xi river promenade, costs nothing and has these old banyan trees with roots hanging down. locals go there to play cards and drink tea in the afternoon, it's a chill spot to sit for 20 minutes before heading back to star lake. the view from the tower is better but the promenade has a different vibe
for the longmu bay day, if you have time theres a small village just past the reservoir called longmu village, maybe 15 minutes walk. they sell homemade rice wine and this dried fish snack that's super salty but addictive, the old ladies there are really friendly and will let you try before buying. just bring cash, they don't take wechat pay