West of Guangzhou, Zhaoqing is one of Guangdong's prettiest natural escapes — the limestone Seven Star Crags rising from a lake, beside the ancient, biodiverse Dinghu Mountain reserve.
History & culture
An old prefectural seat on the West River, Zhaoqing was where the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci first settled in China in the 1580s, and it has long been famed for its inkstones, prized by scholars.
What to see & do
- ◆Seven Star Crags lake park
- ◆Dinghu Mountain nature reserve
- ◆The old city walls and Yuejiang Tower
- ◆Duanzhou inkstone workshops
- ◆West River boat scenery
What to eat
- ●Wrapped sticky-rice dumplings (Zhaoqing zongzi)
- ●West River fish dishes
- ●Cantonese herbal soups
Getting there
High-speed rail (Zhaoqing East) links to Guangzhou in ~40 minutes; local buses reach the crags and Dinghu Mountain.
Avoid the pitfalls
- The Seven Star Crags park is large — rent a bike or take the park boat.
- Dinghu Mountain is a separate trip out of town; allow half a day.
- Weekends draw Guangzhou day-trippers; go early for quiet.
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