Name: Zhaoqing

Chinese name: 清远

Province: Guangdong

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 13,698,394

Area: 19,000 km²

Zhaoqing is a city in the heart of Guangdong province, located about a hundred kilometers from Guangzhou. Zhaoqing is a relatively quiet city that offers visitors pleasant walks through a landscape reminiscent of Guilin.

History

As one of the birthplaces of the Lingnan minority, Zhaoqing stands as a historic and cultural city with over 2,200 years of history. According to certain archaeological discoveries, human traces have been identified as dating back millions of years.

During the Qin (221–206 BC) and Han (206 BC–220 AD) dynasties, Zhaoqing was known as Gaoyao. The city was later called Duanzhou under the Sui dynasty (581–618 AD). At that time, Duanzhou was an important military base and administrative center. The city acquired its current name under the Northern Song dynasty in 1118.

Zhaoqing became the seat of the Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi and emerged as a major administrative hub for the province, welcoming the first Europeans to Chinese territory.

Today

Zhaoqing is situated in a beautiful region shaped by mountains, lakes and karst formations. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to this charming and surprising city.

Among the must-see sites when visiting Zhaoqing, the Seven Stars Peak Park is surrounded by lakes that conceal numerous caves. The Constellation Lake, bordered by weeping willows, promises peaceful and pleasant walks. The mountain reflected in the lake adds to the beauty of places often compared to Yangshuo and Guilin.

Zhaoqing's old town is also worth exploring. With its walls and stone-paved streets dotted with ancient buildings from the Song dynasty, it will quickly transport you to the past while bearing witness to the city's historic and cultural character.

From the top floor of the Chongxi Pagoda, a magnificent view of the river and two neighboring pagodas unfolds before you and is well worth a stop.

Northeast of the city stretches the Dinghu Mountain protected area, which is considered one of the most picturesque zones in the province. Nicknamed the Museum of Nature, the park is home to numerous plant and animal species and promises a delightful outdoor excursion.

Climate

Zhaoqing is influenced by a subtropical monsoon climate. Temperatures remain mild year-round with an average of 22°C, averaging 12°C in January and 28.7°C in July.

Rainfall concentrates from April to September. In spring, the sky is often overcast and rainy, so it may not be the best time to discover Zhaoqing's charms. Summer and autumn, though sometimes affected by typhoons, are the best seasons to visit Zhaoqing. Be sure to check the weather before you go.

Train

The train service is relatively slow on the Guangzhou line.

An express train shuttles between Zhaoqing and Hong Kong.

Bus

Buses from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan and Zhuhai serve Zhaoqing's bus station. Daily services also operate from Wuzhou in Guangxi.

Boat

Zhaoqing Gankou wharf is served by ferries from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Wuzhou and Zhongshan.

Zhaoqing operates about twenty bus lines that cross the city and facilitate exploration.

Affordable taxis also offer quick rides to your chosen destination.

What to do in Zhaoqing?

• Stroll along the walls of the old town and wander through stone-paved alleyways.
• Admire the limestone peaks overlooking the Constellation Lake from the Seven Stars Park.
• Venture out for a peaceful excursion in the protected area of Dinghu Mountain.
• Enjoy views of the river and panoramic vistas from the Chongxi Pagoda.