Qingyuan Travel

Qingyuan — known as the “Rafting Capital of China” and “Hot Spring City of China,” is an eco-tourism paradise combining canyon rafting, underground caves, Yao ethnic culture, and natural hot springs.

2100+
Years of History
1
5A Scenic Area (Lianzhou Underground River)
1902
Meters Highest Altitude (Shikengkong Peak)
3.9M+
Resident Population

Qingyuan City Districts & Counties

Qingcheng District

Urban center of Qingyuan, home to famous rafting spots like Huangtengxia and Gulong Gorge, with convenient transportation.

Huangtengxia Rafting Gulong Gorge Feilaixia Niuyuzui Primitive Ecological Area Qingyuan Museum
Qingxin District

Rich in eco-tourism resources, famous for hot springs and landscape scenery, ideal for leisure vacations.

Taihe Ancient Cave Xuanzhen Ancient Cave Rafting Qingxin Hot Spring Bijia Mountain Scenic Area Baibuti Trail
Yingde City

A typical karst landform area, featuring geological wonders such as Yingxi Peak Forest and Baojing Palace.

Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor Baojing Palace Qidong Hot Spring Xianqiao Underground River Tea World
Lianzhou City

A historical and cultural city, famous for its underground river caves, photography festivals, and ancient villages.

Lianzhou Underground River Huangchuan Three Gorges Lianzhou Ancient Street Huiguang Pagoda Longtan Resort
Fogang County

A leisure vacation destination combining hot springs, rafting, and countryside tourism.

Julongwan Hot Spring Senbola Holiday Forest Guanyin Mountain Huanghua Lake Golden Turtle Spring Eco-Resort
Yangshan County

Beautiful landscapes, home to Guangdong’s highest peak and many ancient villages.

Guangdong First Peak Yangshan Little Guilin Shenbishan Xianling Mountain Han Yu Memorial Hall
Lianshan Zhuang & Yao Autonomous County

An ethnic minority settlement preserving rich Zhuang and Yao cultures and pristine natural scenery.

Jinzishan Daxu Mountain Waterfalls Yingyang Pass Zhuang Song Festival Yao Ethnic Culture Park
Liannan Yao Autonomous County

Known as the “Hometown of Yao Culture in China,” famous for Nangang Millennium Yao Village and Yao singing and dancing.

Nangang Millennium Yao Village Guangdong Yao Museum Wanshan Chaowang Youling Ancient Village Sanpai Yao Village

Qingyuan 3-Day 2-Night Eco-Adventure Tour

Rafting adventures, cave exploration, and Yao ethnic cultural experiences

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Huangtengxia, Lianzhou Underground River, Nangang Millennium Yao Village, Gulong Gorge, Qingxin Hot Spring
Best For
Rafting enthusiasts, families, cultural explorers, outdoor adventurers
Budget Per Person
¥1200 – ¥2500
01
Thrilling Rafting
Huangtengxia + Gulong Gorge
Highlights

Experience the excitement of Huangtengxia Rafting in the morning, known as the “King of Rafting.” In the afternoon, challenge the glass skywalk at Gulong Gorge, then enjoy local delicacies in Qingcheng District in the evening.

Attractions
Huangtengxia Rafting
A national 4A scenic area, known as the “King of Rafting,” featuring steep drops and fast currents. Offers Warrior, Brave, and Extreme rafting routes for different thrill levels.
Gulong Gorge
A comprehensive scenic area combining rafting, glass viewing platforms, and waterfalls. The glass grand canyon holds multiple world records, and the rafting route is known as a “roller coaster on waves.”
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • 4-star hotels in Qingcheng District
  • Guesthouses near rafting scenic areas
  • Holiday apartments at Gulong Gorge
Food
  • Qingyuan Chicken Hot Pot
  • Zhouxin Big Porridge
  • Daoqie Rice Cake
  • Luokeng Bamboo Shoots with Pork
Tips
  • Bring spare clothes and waterproof bags for rafting
  • Apply sunscreen and wear non-slip shoes
  • Store phones and electronics before rafting
  • Seniors and children can choose gentle rafting sections
02
Cave Exploration
Lianzhou Underground River + Huangchuan Three Gorges
Highlights

Head to Lianzhou Underground River in the morning to explore the mysterious karst cave. In the afternoon, take a cruise through Huangchuan Three Gorges to admire riverside scenery, then enjoy the night view of Lianzhou Ancient Street in the evening.

Attractions
Lianzhou Underground River
A national 5A scenic area featuring classic karst cave and underground river landscapes. Stalactites inside the cave are uniquely shaped, and the boat tour feels like entering a fairyland — known as the “No.1 Underground River in Guangdong.”
Huangchuan Three Gorges
Composed of Longquan Gorge, Lengjia Gorge, and Yangtiao Gorge, with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along both banks. The cruise offers a unique blend of “Three Gorges’ grandeur and Li River’s elegance.”
Practical Info
Transport
  • ~150 km from Qingyuan downtown (2.5 hours by car)
  • ~26 km from Lianzhou city center (40 minutes)
  • Self-driving or tourist shuttle recommended
Tickets
  • Lianzhou Underground River: ¥120
  • Huangchuan Three Gorges Cruise: ¥80
  • Combo Ticket (both): ¥180
Experiences
  • Cave photography (watch lighting conditions)
  • Listen to guides explain geological formation stories
  • Taste Lianzhou flowering cabbage banquet
  • Night tour of Lianzhou Ancient Street
03
Yao Ethnic Culture
Nangang Millennium Yao Village + Qingxin Hot Spring
Highlights

Visit Liannan Yao Autonomous County in the morning to explore Nangang Millennium Yao Village and experience Yao traditions. In the afternoon, relax in Qingxin Hot Spring to soothe fatigue, then return according to your schedule.

Attractions
Nangang Millennium Yao Village
The oldest and largest Yao ancient village in China, preserving complete Yao architecture and cultural customs. Known as the “No.1 Yao Village in China.”
Qingxin Hot Spring
A famous hot spring resort in Guangdong, with mineral-rich waters, themed pools, water parks, and wellness centers — perfect for relaxation and health.
Practical Info
Return Tips
  • ~30 km from Qingxin District to Qingyuan Station (40 minutes)
  • ~100 km to Guangzhou (1.5 hours)
  • Buy local specialties like vacuum-packed Qingyuan chicken and dried bamboo shoots
Food Map
  • Yao bacon with dried bamboo shoots
  • Liannan stuffed tofu
  • Dongpi cured meat rice
  • Qingyuan Maohuang Chicken
Souvenirs
  • Vacuum-packed Qingyuan chicken
  • Lianzhou flowering cabbage
  • Dried Luokeng bamboo shoots
  • Yao embroidery handicrafts

Must-Try Foods in Qingyuan

Qingyuan Chicken

A signature poultry breed of Qingyuan and a China Geographical Indication product. Known for its crisp skin, tender meat, and delicious flavor, often served as plain boiled chicken.

Zhouxin Big Porridge

A thick rice porridge made with pork offal and bones, rich in ingredients and flavor, a popular local breakfast choice in Qingcheng District.

Lianzhou Flowering Cabbage

A Lianzhou specialty and China Geographical Indication product. Crisp, sweet, refreshing, and rich in vitamins, perfect for stir-frying or soup.

Dongxiang Steamed Pork

A specialty of Yangshan County, made with streaky pork mixed with rice flour and seasonings, then steamed until fragrant and tender without being greasy.

Qingyuan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April–October: Ideal for rafting and outdoor activities
  • November–March: Perfect for hot spring wellness, avoiding rafting crowds
  • Lunar October 16: Join the Yao Panwang Festival for rich ethnic experiences
Must-Do Experiences
  • Raft at Huangtengxia or Gulong Gorge
  • Explore Lianzhou Underground River
  • Visit Nangang Millennium Yao Village
  • Soak in Qingxin Hot Spring
  • Take a Huangchuan Three Gorges cruise
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Rafting ~¥180 + Underground River ¥120 + Other ~¥200 ≈ ¥500
  • Accommodation: ¥250–800/night (higher in peak season)
  • Food: ¥150–300/day
  • Transport: ¥200–400 (including inter-county travel)
  • Total: ¥1200–2500
FAQ
  • Main dialects? → Cantonese and Hakka, with Mandarin widely spoken
  • Age/weight limits for rafting? → Children under 1.2m and seniors over 60 generally not advised for extreme rafting
  • Yao Village etiquette? → Respect local customs; avoid photographing elders and women without permission
  • Rainy season impact? → Rafting may pause after heavy rain; check with scenic areas before traveling