Dinghu Rhyme · Ecological Zen

Dinghu District, Zhaoqing — the emerald on the Tropic of Cancer, boasts both the primitive ecology of Dinghu Mountain and the picturesque scenery of Jiulong Lake. This 2-day 1-night itinerary explores famous mountains, beautiful lakes, and ancient islands, appreciating the blend of nature and culture in Dinghu.

Dinghu Mountain

The First of the Four Great Mountains in Lingnan

Jiulong Lake

Ecological Lake Secret Realm

Yanzhou Island

Ancient Village on the Pearl of Xijiang River

Baoding Garden

Treasure of Bronze Culture

Panoramic View of Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area in Dinghu District

The primeval forest and waterfalls of Dinghu Mountain in Dinghu District, Zhaoqing, complement each other

2-Day 1-Night Ecological Zen Tour of Dinghu District

Famous mountains and scenic spots + lake and island scenery + ancient village culture, experience the diverse charm of Dinghu

                    
Itinerary Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Dinghu Mountain, Jiulong Lake, Yanzhou Island, Baoding Garden, Dinghu Archway Square

                    
Suitable For
Ecology lovers, photography enthusiasts, family with kids, seekers of Zen culture

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1000

Dinghu Zen Tour

Exploring Famous Mountains and Precious Tripods

Itinerary Highlights

All-day experience of ecology and Zen culture

Attraction Arrangement

Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area

A national nature reserve, the first of the four great mountains in Lingnan, and an oasis on the Tropic of Cancer. It has rich biodiversity and numerous waterfalls and streams, with an extremely high content of negative oxygen ions in the air, known as a "natural oxygen bar".

Baoding Garden

Located in Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area, it is themed on displaying ancient Chinese tripod culture. The garden has a 1:1 scale replica of the "No.1 Tripod in China" — Simuwu Ding, as well as many bronze tripods such as Jiulong Baoding, with a magnificent momentum.

Qingyun Temple

One of the four famous Buddhist temples in Lingnan, founded in the Ming Dynasty, built against the mountain with a grand scale. The temple is shaded by ancient trees and has a strong incense, being one of the ancestral courts of the Linji sect of Zen Buddhism, with profound historical and cultural heritage.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

It is recommended to set off early for Dinghu Mountain to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful morning mist scenery
Wear comfortable sports shoes for mountain climbing, as some sections are steep
Please abide by Buddhist etiquette and keep quiet in Qingyun Temple

Accommodation Recommendations

Resort hotels in Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area
4-star hotels in Dinghu urban area
Ecological homestays around Jiulong Lake

Lake and Island Scenery Tour

Exploring Beautiful Lakes and Ancient Islands

Itinerary Highlights

All-day experience of lake scenery and ancient village culture

Attraction Arrangement

Jiulong Lake Scenic Area

An eco-themed scenic area, with nine mountain ranges extending into the lake, shaped like nine dragons playing in the water, hence the name. The scenic area has natural landscapes such as forests, waterfalls and streams, where you can take a boat tour or hike to explore.

Yanzhou Island

A river island in the Xijiang River, named after Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty who threw an ink slab here to form an island. The island has historical buildings such as Baogong Tower and Chen Huanzhang's Former Residence, as well as large areas of pastoral scenery, making it a great place to experience rural customs.

Dinghu Archway Square

A landmark building in Dinghu District, the square is spacious and open, with bright lights at night. It is a place for local residents to relax and entertain, and there are many food shops around where you can taste authentic Dinghu cuisine.

Practical Information

Featured Experiences

Take a boat tour on Jiulong Lake and experience the characteristic route of "Exploring the Source of Nine Dragons"
Cycle around Yanzhou Island to enjoy the scenery of Xijiang River and pastoral landscapes
Taste special snacks at Dinghu Archway Square and feel the local life atmosphere

Return Suggestions

Buy local specialties such as Dinghu Mountain tea and wrapped zongzi
Pay attention to the last ferry time of Yanzhou Island to avoid being stranded
It takes about 20 minutes by car from Dinghu District to Zhaoqing East Railway Station, with convenient transportation

Must-Try Cuisine in Dinghu District

Dinghu Mountain Pit Snails

A special delicacy in Dinghu District, selected from mountain pit snails in the streams of Dinghu Mountain, stir-fried with perilla leaves. The snail meat is fresh and crispy, with a spicy and delicious taste, being a highly representative local snack.

Dinghu Wrapped Zongzi

A traditional food in Dinghu District. Compared with Duanzhou wrapped zongzi, Dinghu wrapped zongzi pays more attention to the ratio of mung beans to glutinous rice, with a richer taste. Wrapped with Chinese sweet gum leaves, it has a unique aroma and is a must-have food for festivals.

Dinghu Mountain Water Tofu Pudding

Tofu pudding made with spring water from Dinghu Mountain, with a tender texture and sweet taste. Served with honey or syrup, it is an excellent choice to relieve summer heat after visiting Dinghu Mountain.

Xijiang Catfish

Fresh catfish taken from the Xijiang River, with tender meat, can be steamed or braised in brown sauce, tasting delicious. It is a common river fresh dish in restaurants in Dinghu District, reflecting the local dietary characteristics.

Travel Tips for Dinghu District

Best Season

April-May: Azaleas bloom in Dinghu Mountain, with pleasant scenery
October-November: Cool weather, suitable for mountain climbing and outdoor activities
Summer: Boating on Jiulong Lake can relieve summer heat
During the Spring Festival: There are New Year activities at Dinghu Archway

Travel Suggestions

For Dinghu Mountain, it is recommended to take the scenic sightseeing bus to the top of the mountain and then walk down to save energy
You can participate in forest adventure projects in Jiulong Lake to experience the fun of original ecology
Yanzhou Island can only be reached by ferry, it is recommended to check the ferry schedule in advance
You can watch the bronze tripod casting process display in Baoding Garden to deeply understand the tripod culture

Practical Information

Dinghu Mountain is a nature reserve, please pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter randomly
The weather in mountainous areas is changeable, it is recommended to carry rain gear
Some areas of Jiulong Lake require hiking, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
Yanzhou Island is large in area, you can rent a bicycle to tour around the island

Transportation Guide

There are buses from Zhaoqing urban area directly to Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area, about 30 minutes' drive
It is recommended to drive or take a tourist special line to Jiulong Lake Scenic Area
To get to Yanzhou Island, you need to take a ferry from Dinghu Ferry Terminal, with ferries departing about every 20 minutes
The high-speed train from Guangzhou to Zhaoqing East Railway Station takes about 1 hour, and you can take a taxi to various scenic spots in Dinghu District after getting off the station

Explore Tourism in All Districts and Counties of Zhaoqing City