Spirit of Qujiang · Rich Zen Flavor

Qujiang District, Shaoguan — the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, home to the millennium-old Nanhua Temple and the ancient footprints of Maba Man. This 2-day 1-night itinerary takes you to visit ancient temples, explore cultural sites, soak in hot springs, and experience the cultural and natural charm of Qujiang.

Nanhua Temple
Ancestral Court of Zen Buddhism
Maba Man Site
Ancient Civilization
Caoxi Hot Spring
Wellness Resort
Xiaokeng National Forest Park
Ecological Secret Realm
Scenery of Nanhua Temple in Qujiang District, Shaoguan
Panoramic View of Nanhua Temple in Qujiang District
Scenery of Nanhua Temple, the ancestral court of Chinese Buddhism Zen Sect

2-Day 1-Night Zen Culture Tour of Qujiang District

Zen Culture + Ancient Civilization + Hot Spring Wellness, Experience the diverse charm of Qujiang

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Nanhua Temple, Maba Man Site, Caoxi Hot Spring, Xiaokeng National Forest Park, Luokeng Grassland
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, History Explorers, Wellness Vacationers, Family with Kids
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1200
01
Zen Culture Tour
Visit to Nanhua Temple and Maba Man Site
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day experience of Zen culture and ancient civilization

Attraction Arrangement
Nanhua Temple
Founded during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it is the ancestral court of Chinese Buddhism Zen Sect and the place where the Sixth Patriarch Huineng propagated Buddhism for 37 years. The temple preserves precious cultural relics such as the true body statue of the Sixth Patriarch and the wooden carvings of 500 Arhats from the Tang Dynasty. The temple buildings are simple and solemn with prosperous incense.
Maba Man Site
Including Maba Man fossil site and Shixia Culture site, it is an important ancient human site in South China. It unearthed the Maba Man skull fossil dating back 129,000 years and a large number of cultural relics from the Neolithic Age, witnessing the early human civilization in the Lingnan region.
Caoxi Cultural Town
A cultural tourism complex built relying on Nanhua Temple, integrating Zen culture, folk custom experience and characteristic commerce. With elegant and simple architectural style and bright lights at night, you can experience Zen meditation, copying scriptures and other activities here.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Reservation is required to enter Nanhua Temple, it is recommended to book in advance on the official website
  • Observe etiquette when visiting the temple, keep quiet and do not wear shorts or short skirts
  • There are professional explanations in Maba Man Site Museum to deeply understand ancient history
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Caoxi Hot Spring Resort
  • Zen-style Homestays near Nanhua Temple
  • Central Hotels in Maba Town
02
Ecological Wellness Tour
Hot Spring Experience and Forest Park Exploration
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day hot spring wellness and natural ecological experience

Attraction Arrangement
Caoxi Hot Spring
Known as the "No.1 Spring in Lingnan", the hot spring water is rich in various minerals. There are dozens of characteristic hot spring pools hidden in the garden with a quiet environment, making it an ideal choice for relaxing and wellness vacation.
Xiaokeng National Forest Park
One of the first batch of national forest parks in Guangdong Province, with a forest coverage rate of over 85%. It has clear Xiaokeng Reservoir, dense primeval forest and multiple waterfalls, fresh air, making it a good place for oxygen absorption, camping and hiking.
Luokeng Grassland
A rare alpine grassland landscape in Lingnan, located in Luokeng Town, Qujiang District. The grassland is vast, surrounded by mountains on all sides with flocks of cattle and sheep. It is suitable for camping, picnicking and photography, experiencing rural scenery and natural wild interest.
Practical Information
Characteristic Experiences
  • Experience traditional Chinese medicine wellness bath at Caoxi Hot Spring
  • Boat tour on the lake in Xiaokeng Forest Park
  • Camping and star-gazing on Luokeng Grassland
  • Participate in Zen meditation experience activities
Return Suggestions
  • Buy local specialties such as Maba Youzhan Rice and Nanhua Vegetarian Cakes
  • Xiaokeng Forest Park is far from the urban area, it is recommended to set out early
  • It takes about 30 minutes by car from Qujiang urban area to Shaoguan Station, convenient for return trip

Must-Try Cuisine in Qujiang District

Nanhua Vegetarian Cuisine

Characteristic vegetarian food in Qujiang District, originated from Nanhua Temple. Using bean products, mushrooms and vegetables as raw materials, imitating the shape and taste of meat dishes, with exquisite production, light and refreshing taste, full of Zen flavor, it is a representative of Buddhist dietary culture.

Maba Youzhan Rice

Specialty rice of Maba in Qujiang, with slender grains, crystal clear, fragrant and soft after cooking, full of luster. It is a representative of high-quality rice in Lingnan and can be bought as souvenirs.

Qujiang Datang Braised Pork

Characteristic dish of Datang Town, Qujiang District. Selected local black pork belly, steamed with taro. The meat is fat but not greasy, the taro absorbs the meat fragrance with rich taste, it is a traditional famous Hakka dish in northern Guangdong.

Luokeng Bearded Chicken

Specialty local chicken in Luokeng Town, Qujiang, named for the iconic beard on its chin. The meat is firm and tender with delicious taste, suitable for white cut or soup cooking, it is a fine dish for entertaining guests locally.

Travel Tips for Qujiang District
Best Seasons
  • January-February: Best season for hot spring, pleasant climate
  • April-May: Xiaokeng Forest Park is full of greenery, suitable for spring outing
  • September-November: Clear autumn sky and fresh air, suitable for outdoor activities and grassland camping
  • 8th day of the second lunar month: Birthday of the Sixth Patriarch at Nanhua Temple, you can participate in celebration activities
Travel Suggestions
  • It is recommended to hire an interpreter at Nanhua Temple to deeply understand Zen culture
  • Avoid soaking in hot springs on an empty stomach, each soak should not exceed 15 minutes
  • Xiaokeng Forest Park is suitable for half a day to a day, you can bring your own dry food
  • For camping on Luokeng Grassland, understand the weather in advance and take insect-proof measures
Practical Information
  • Please abide by the regulations in areas where photography is prohibited in the temple
  • Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas of Xiaokeng Forest Park
  • The water temperature in the hot spring area is high, the elderly and children need to be accompanied
  • There are few infrastructure facilities on Luokeng Grassland, please bring necessary items by yourself
Transportation Guide
  • Qujiang District is about 15 kilometers from Shaoguan urban area, accessible by bus or taxi
  • Nanhua Temple and Maba Man Site can be reached by bus in Qujiang urban area
  • Remote attractions such as Xiaokeng and Luokeng are recommended to drive by yourself or charter a car
  • High-speed rail from Guangzhou to Shaoguan takes about 1 hour, transfer to bus to Qujiang District