A green, lake-dotted Hakka prefecture in northeast Guangdong, Heyuan is known for its record-breaking dinosaur-egg fossils, the vast Wanlü Lake, and relaxing hot-spring resorts.
History & culture
An old Hakka settlement on the East River headwaters, Heyuan gained worldwide attention when huge numbers of dinosaur eggs were unearthed here, giving it a claim as a 'home of the dinosaurs'.
What to see & do
- ◆Heyuan Dinosaur Museum's fossil-egg collection
- ◆Wanlü Lake's islands and clean water
- ◆Hot-spring resorts around the prefecture
- ◆Guifeng Mountain's gorges and waterfalls
- ◆Hakka walled villages
What to eat
- ●Dongjiang salt-baked chicken
- ●River fish from Wanlü Lake
- ●Hakka stuffed tofu and stews
Getting there
High-speed rail (Heyuan East) links to Shenzhen and Guangzhou; a car helps for the spread-out lake and springs.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Attractions are dispersed around the lake and hills — a day trip won't cover much.
- Hot-spring resorts are best booked ahead on weekends.
- It's a low-key nature break rather than a sightseeing checklist.
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