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Prefecture-level city in Guangdong, People's Republic of China
Photo: John Martin Perry, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Zhaoqing (肇庆; Zhàoqìng) is a city in western Guangdong province, China, on the banks of the Xi River. Known for its karst landscapes, historic monuments and traditional Lingnan culture, it offers a quieter alternative to the larger cities of the Pearl River Delta. The city's best-known attractions include Seven Star Crags, a scenic area of limestone peaks and lakes, and Dinghu Mountain, a forested nature reserve. Visitors can also explore the ancient city wall, historic temples and riverside districts to discover Zhaoqing's long history and local culture.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
肇庆古城墙
A largely preserved Song-era city wall surrounding the historic centre of Zhaoqing. The wall has four historic gates and includes Piyun Tower on its northwestern section. It is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.
梅庵
A historic Buddhist temple on Mei'an Hill in Duanzhou District. Founded in the Northern Song period, it is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level and is now part of the Zhaoqing Museum.
七星岩公园; Qīxīngyán GongYuan; Qixingyan Garden
Seven rocky peaks (crags) sit here in the middle of a beautiful lake. The arrangement of the peaks resembles the Big Dipper constellation, so the crags are known as the Seven Star Crags, and the lake as Star Lake. The site is sometimes known as "little Guilin" due to its resemblance to the spectacular Guilin scenery. There are also some temples and pagodas in the park.
七星岩音乐喷泉
A musical fountain at Paifang Square beside Star Lake. The fountain combines water jets with music and lighting and is a feature of the square. Performance times vary and may be suspended temporarily; check the official Xinghu Scenic Area website for current schedules.
披云楼
A historic three-storey tower on the northwestern section of the Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall. The present structure was rebuilt in 1986 and stands at the highest point of the city wall. The tower is part of the protected historic city-wall complex.
阅江楼
A historic building on the north bank of the Xi River. It is associated with the Former Site of Ye Ting's Independent Regiment and is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.
Yuankui Pagoda, 元魁塔 Yuánkuí Tǎ
A Ming-dynasty pagoda in Duanzhou District. Built in 1623, the seven-storey tower is about 27 m high and has a brick-and-wood structure. It was designated a Zhaoqing municipal cultural heritage site in 1984 and a Guangdong provincial cultural heritage site in 2019.
白沙龙母庙
Baisha Longmu Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Longmu, the Dragon Mother, on the western outskirts of Zhaoqing beside the Xi River. The temple was originally built during the Southern Song period and was designated a Zhaoqing municipal cultural heritage site in 1984. Surviving historic structures include the Guangyin stone archway, Longmu Pavilion and the rear hall.
羚山炮台
A historic fort on Ling Hill in eastern Zhaoqing. The site is listed among Zhaoqing's revolutionary heritage sites.
包公祠
Baogong Temple is a memorial temple dedicated to Bao Zheng, who served as the prefect of Duanzhou from 1040 to 1043. The present temple forms part of Baogong Cultural Park, which was developed on the site of the former temple and also includes a museum, Qingxin Garden, a cultural square and a riverside promenade.
Dinghushan, 鼎湖山
Dinghu Mountain is a forested mountain and nature reserve in Dinghu District. It is part of the Xinghu Scenic and Historic Interest Area together with Seven Star Crags. The area includes Baoding Garden, Butterfly Valley, Feishui Waterfall and Qingyun Temple, and was established as China's first national nature reserve in 1956.
肇庆市博物馆
A comprehensive local museum presenting the history and culture of Zhaoqing. The new museum opened in 2021 and houses exhibitions on local history and selected objects from its collection.
崇禧塔
A Ming-era brick and stone pagoda in Duanzhou District. Built between 1582 and 1585, the octagonal pagoda stands on the bank of the Xi River.
庆云寺
A Buddhist temple on Dinghu Mountain, with origins dating to the Ming dynasty. The present temple was established in 1636 and preserves traditional Chinese architectural features. It was designated a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area in 1983.
Take a boat trip around the lake and enjoy views of the karst peaks, caves and surrounding scenery.
Enjoy the scenery of the scenic area after dark, including views of the lake and surrounding karst peaks.
Follow the cycling route around the lake and enjoy the scenery along the waterfront.
Explore the original valley rainforest along the mountain trails.
肇庆广府文化庙会
A temple fair featuring intangible cultural heritage parades, lion and dragon dances, and Song-style markets. The parade runs from Qixingyan East Gate Square to Paifang Square.
灯火是端州光影艺术嘉年华
A light and shadow art festival at the Zhaoqing Fu City Ruins Park, with light shows, Song-style markets and parades.
高要开耕节
A traditional spring farming festival in Hetai Town, dating back to the Ming dynasty. Features dragon mother worship, lion dances, and folk performances.
China Tea House
Classic cantonese dim sum restaurant not far from the lake.
悦中餐厅
A Chinese restaurant inside Sheraton Zhaoqing Dinghu serving traditional Cantonese cuisine, Guangfu specialties and Chinese tea snacks. It also has six private dining rooms.
肇庆酒家
A local restaurant serving Cantonese and Zhaoqing dishes, including bamboo shoot and river fish specialties.
肇奶奶奶茶店
A local tea shop serving milk tea and fruit tea.
星湖茶馆
A tea house near Star Lake serving local Guangdong teas.
A resort next to Seven Star Crags lake with hot springs.
江山大酒店; Jiāngshān Dàjiǔdiàn
Doubles for ¥90 and triples for ¥120
星湖大酒店
A hotel near Star Lake with views of the lake and Seven Star Crags.
A street market selling mostly clothing and footwear.
湖滨商场
A shopping centre in Zhaoqing.
牌坊广场商圈
A commercial area around Paifang Square with shops and restaurants.
By train
Zhaoqing is served by conventional and high-speed rail services.
By bus
Long-distance buses connect Zhaoqing with Guangzhou and other cities in Guangdong. The main long-distance bus facilities are around Zhaoqing railway station.
By taxi
Taxis are available in the urban area. Ride-hailing services are also available and can be useful for reaching attractions outside the city centre.
By bicycle
Cycling is practical around Xinghu Scenic Area and some roads near Star Lake. The roads around the lake provide access to several attractions and are suitable for recreational cycling.
On foot
Walking is practical in parts of central Zhaoqing, where attractions such as the Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall, Yuejiang Lou and Piyun House are located.
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Foshan (Nanhai) · Regional · FUO
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