Qingyuan

Qingyuan (清远; Chīngyúhn in Cantonese, Qīng​yuǎn​ in Mandarin) is a city in Guangdong Province in China.

Qingyuan Prefecture consists of the following districts:

• Qingcheng District (清城区; Qīng​chéng​qū​) - centre of the city
• Yingde City (英德市; Yīng​dé​shì​) - 50 km northeast of the city centre, home to Baojing Palace
• Lianzhou City (连州市; Lián​zhōu​shì​) - 150 km north of the city centre, home to the Underground River
• Fogang County (佛冈县; Fó​gāng​xiàn) - 40 km northeast of the city centre, home to Huanghua Lake
• Yangshan County (阳山县; Yáng​shān​xiàn​) - 100 km north of the city centre, home to Shikengkong Mountain
• Qingxin County (清新县; Qīng​xīn​xiàn​) - home to caves and hot springs, just north of the city centre
• Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County (连山壮族瑶族自治县; Lián​shān​ Zhuàng​zú​ Yáo​zú​zì​zhì​xiàn​)
• Liannan Yao Autonomous County (连南瑶族自治县; Lián​nán​ Yáo​zú​zì​zhì​xiàn​)

The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by both Han Chinese and ethnic minorities. The present city of Qingyuan was established as a prefecture level city in 1988.

Qingyuan is just north of the Pearl River Delta in a diverse landscape with both plains and mountains. The climate is subtropical monsoon with plenty of rain in the summer half and not too cold winters. The city can be visited all year but is most pleasant during April to October.

Cantonese is the main language spoken in Qingyuan, albeit with a distinctive accent. Although there are noticeable pronunciation differences between the local dialect and standard Cantonese, if you are fluent in standard Cantonese, this should not pose too much of a challenge. Most younger locals are bilingual in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Qingyuan does not have its own airport. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is about 30 km away. Buses and trains connect the airport to Qingyuan; travel time is roughly 1–1.5 hours by road.

Arriving by train will take you to Qingyuan Station, about 15 km east of the city centre. Local buses and taxis are available from the station to the city centre. Trains include from

• Guangzhou - less than one hour, ¥10-17
• Shaoguan - 1½-2 hours, ¥21-34

There are plenty of buses to the city arriving including from

• Guangzhou - 1½ hours
• Shenzhen - 2½ hours
• Hong Kong - 4½ hours

Old bus station: ☏ +86 763 3306600. New bus station: ☏ +86 763 3368565.

Qingyuan city centre is compact and walkable. Local buses serve most districts; taxis are also available. For trips to outlying scenic areas such as Yingde or Lianzhou, buses from the main bus stations are the main option. Ride-hailing apps work in the city centre.

Qingyuan's main attractions are spread across several districts and counties. The city is known for its mountains, caves, rivers, hot springs and cultural sites. The attractions below are listed with practical visitor information where reliable sources are available.

• 23.70398113.160491 Feilai Temple (飞来寺; Feilai Si), Beijiang River, Qingyuan, Guangdong (About 23 km from central Qingyuan. The temple can be reached by boat from Qingyuan.). A historic Buddhist temple on the bank of the Beijiang River. The temple was founded in 520 and is one of Qingyuan's most important historic religious sites.  

• 23.71762113.186262 Feixia Scenic Area (飞霞风景区; Feixia Scenic Area), Feixia Mountain, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (About 30 km northeast of central Qingyuan. Accessible by boat or bus.), ☏ +86 763 3780088. 09:00-17:30. A scenic area along the Beijiang River, with mountains, river scenery and historic religious sites. ¥60.  

• 24.58174112.300373 Nangang Millennium Yao Village (南岗千年瑶寨; Nangang Yao Village), Nangang Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan, Guangdong (In Liannan Yao Autonomous County in northern Qingyuan. Access is by road from Liannan.), ☏ +86 763 3175788, qiannianyaozhai@sina.com. 09:00-17:30 weekdays; 08:30-17:30 weekends. A historic Yao settlement with traditional buildings and cultural sites. The village is useful for visitors interested in Yao culture, traditional architecture and local history. ¥108-118.   ^{[dead link]}

• 23.78032112.9573884 Gulong Gorge (古龙峡; Gulongxia), Sankengtan, Qingxin District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (About 2 km from G107 National Highway at Jinkou. The scenic area is about 68 km from Guangzhou and can be reached by road from Qingyuan.), ☏ +86 763 5851668. Yuntian Boba / Gulong Secret Realm / Great Waterfall Group: 09:00-16:00; rafting season generally runs from mid-April to the end of October. A major outdoor attraction with a gorge, waterfalls, glass viewing platforms and rafting. The scenic area is a national 4A tourist attraction and a national sports tourism demonstration base.  

• 23.76944113.101675 Huangteng Gorge (黄腾峡; Huangtengxia), Huangtengxia Scenic Area, Dongcheng Subdistrict, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (From central Qingyuan, travel east toward Dongcheng Subdistrict and follow local signs for Huangteng Gorge.), ☏ +86 763 3906221. A mountain gorge known especially for rafting and other outdoor activities. The area also has cable cars, a mountain luge and a treetop walk.   ^{[dead link]}

• 24.92781112.990916 Shikengkong (石坑崆; Shikengkong Mountain), Yangshan County, Qingyuan, Guangdong, near the border with Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County (This is a mountain destination rather than an urban attraction. Access and hiking conditions should be checked locally before departure.). At 1,902 m, Shikengkong is the highest mountain in Guangdong and a major high-mountain destination in northern Qingyuan.  

• 24.12113.367 Baojing Palace of Yingde (宝晶宫; Baojing Palace), Swallow Rock Mountain, about 7 km southwest of Yingde, Qingyuan, Guangdong (From central Yingde, follow Yingzhou Avenue south toward Baojing Palace. The attraction is about 7 km from Yingde Bus Station; check current public-bus routes locally.), ☏ +86 763 2222131. 08:30-18:00; last admission 16:30. A karst cave and scenic area in Yingde, with cave formations and other outdoor attractions.   ^{[dead link]}

• 23.7443112.98688 Taihe Ancient Cave (太和古洞; Taihe Ancient Cave Scenic Area), Taihe Town, Qingxin District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Travel north from central Qingyuan toward Taihe Town and follow signs for the scenic area.), ☏ +86 763 5810647. 07:00-18:00; last admission 17:30. A cave and mountain scenic area in Taihe Town, suitable for visitors interested in caves, mountain scenery and walking.  

• 25.006224112.3184419 Lianzhou Underground River (连州地下河; Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area), Dadong Village, Dongpi Town, Lianzhou, Qingyuan, Guangdong (From Lianzhou, travel toward Dongpi Town and follow signs for the Underground River scenic area.), ☏ +86 763 6269189. 08:30-17:00. A large karst cave system containing an underground river. The attraction is one of the major natural attractions in northern Qingyuan. About ¥120; check the current price before visiting.  

• 24.1548112.895110 Dongtian Xianjing (洞天仙境; Yingxi Fenglin Dongtian Scenic Area), Jiulong Town, Yingde, Qingyuan, Guangdong (The scenic area is in Jiulong Town in the Yingxi Fenglin karst landscape area.), ☏ +86 763 2751777. 08:30-18:00. A karst landscape attraction with caves, cliffs and a natural opening through the mountain.  

• 24.775298112.37695411 Huangchuan Three Gorges (湟川三峡; Huangchuan Sanxia), Longtan Village, Jiubei Town, Lianzhou, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Travel from Lianzhou toward Jiubei Town and follow signs for the Huangchuan Three Gorges–Longtan scenic area.), ☏ +86 763 6669860. A scenic gorge system on the Lianjiang River. Boat trips and river scenery are among the main reasons to visit.  

• 23.78276112.955421 Gulongxia Rafting (古龙峡漂流), Sankengtan, Qingxin District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (About 13 km from Qingyuan city centre), ☏ +86 763 5851668. Mid-April to end of October; usually 11:00-15:00 on weekdays. A natural-water rafting course 6,063 m long with a vertical drop of 378 m.  

• 23.615218112.78931612 Qingxin Hezhong Hot Spring (清新河中温泉; Qingxin Hot Mineral Spring; Qingxin Hot Spring), No. 2 Quangu Road, Sankeng Town, Qingxin District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (About 13 km from central Qingyuan. From S114, follow local signs toward Quangu Road and the hot spring resort.), ☏ +86 763 5898888. 10:00-23:30; last admission 22:30. A national 4A-rated hot spring resort on the Manshui River. The resort has outdoor hot spring pools surrounded by forest and includes the Hezhong Spring, Spring Valley and Forest Villa areas.  

• 23.675382113.0579432 Qingyuan Museum (清远市博物馆; Qingyuan Museum Visit), Yinquan North Road, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Take Qingyuan bus routes 101 or 107 to Tianjiabing Middle School stop and walk about 100 m toward the museum. The museum is also accessible by car via Yinquan North Road.), ☏ +86 763 3375262. Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:30; last admission 17:00; closed Mondays except public holidays. Visit Qingyuan Museum to learn about the history and culture of Qingyuan through archaeological remains, historical objects, ceramics, calligraphy and other local heritage. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, public lectures and educational activities. Free.  

• Panwang Festival and Shua Ge Tang (盘王节·耍歌堂; 盘王节; 瑶族耍歌堂; Panwang Festival), Youling Village Gētángping, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Travel to Sanpai Town in Liannan Yao Autonomous County and follow local signs for Youling Village and Gētángping.). Usually held around the 16th day of the tenth lunar month; the 2025 festival was held from 5 to 7 December. An important Yao traditional festival featuring Panwang worship, Shua Ge Tang ceremonies, Yao singing and dancing, traditional cultural performances and festive activities. Shua Ge Tang is a national-level intangible cultural heritage tradition. The 2025 festival included an original Shua Ge Tang performance at Youling Village Gētángping.  

• Nangang Millennium Yao Village Farming Festival (千年瑶寨开耕节; 南岗千年瑶寨开耕节; Yao Farming Festival), Nangang Millennium Yao Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Travel to Sanpai Town in Liannan Yao Autonomous County and follow local signs for Nangang Millennium Yao Village. The opening farming ceremony is held at Panwang Temple inside the village.), ☏ +86 763 3175788. Usually held around the third day of the third lunar month; check the annual program. An annual Yao farming festival marking the beginning of the spring agricultural season. Traditional activities include a farming ceremony, Yao folk performances and agricultural experiences in the rice terraces.  

• Qingyuan Lantern Festival (清远元宵节; Qingyuan Lantern Festival), Qingcheng Performance Plaza, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Travel to central Qingyuan and follow local signs for Qingcheng Performance Plaza.). Usually held around the 15th day of the first lunar month; the 2026 main program was held on 3 March. Qingyuan's annual Lantern Festival celebration featuring dragon and lion dances, lantern displays and other traditional festive activities. The 2026 Dragon and Lion Dance Lantern Festival Championship was held at Qingcheng Performance Plaza on 3 March, while additional lantern activities and a drone light show were held at Fengcheng Cultural Square. Free. 

• 23.712794113.0134061 Qingyuan Qingcheng Wanda Plaza (清远清城万达广场; Qingyuan Wanda Plaza), 89 Huxi Road, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (From central Qingyuan, travel west toward Huxi Road and follow signs for Wanda Plaza.), ☏ +86 763 6888520. 10:00-22:00; Friday-Saturday until 22:30. A large shopping and entertainment complex with retail stores, restaurants, a cinema and other leisure facilities.  

• 23.70763113.0305982 Shunying City Plaza (顺盈城市广场; Qingyuan City Plaza), 18 Xianfeng Middle Road, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Located in central Qingyuan on Xianfeng Middle Road; the City Plaza bus stop is nearby and served by multiple local bus routes.), ☏ +86 763 3322399. 10:00-22:00; Friday-Sunday until 22:30. A central shopping centre with department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment and other retail services.  

• 23.710401113.0351743 Qingyuan Yiyuecheng (壹悦城; Qingyuan Yiyuecheng Shopping Mall; 锦绣清城), East Gate Tang Road, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong (Located near the intersection of Dongmentang Road and Donghu Road in central Qingyuan. Follow local signs for Yiyuecheng.), ☏ +86 763 3303999. A large lakefront shopping and entertainment complex with retail shops, restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas and family entertainment facilities.  

Qingyuan is known for Qingyuan chicken (清远鸡), a local chicken breed commonly served as poached chicken. Other local specialties include Beijiang River seafood, Zhouxin roasted pork (洲心烧肉), Zhouxin roasted chicken (洲心烧鸡), and Zhouxin porridge (洲心大粥). The Qingcheng District government identifies these as local specialties of the Zhouxin area.

• **Qingyuan chicken (清远鸡)** — commonly served as poached chicken (白切鸡), which is cooked and served with dipping sauce.
• **Zhouxin roasted pork (洲心烧肉)** — a traditional roasted-pork dish from Zhouxin.
• **Zhouxin roasted chicken (洲心烧鸡)** — roasted chicken associated with Zhouxin and traditionally prepared using Qingyuan chicken.
• **Zhouxin porridge (洲心大粥)** — a local rice porridge traditionally prepared with pork offal.
• **Beijiang River seafood (北江河鲜)** — freshwater fish and other river produce from the Bei River.

• **Fengzhonghuang Qingyuan Chicken Village** (凤中皇清远鸡村), 8 Renmin 2nd Road, Qingcheng District. A Cantonese restaurant specializing in Qingyuan chicken dishes, including poached and plain-boiled chicken. ☏ +86 763 366 6646.
• **Beijiang Cuisine** (北江美食), Yanjiang Road, Qingcheng District. A Cantonese restaurant serving Beijiang River seafood and Qingyuan chicken dishes.
• **Qingyuan Hubin BBG Hotel Chinese Restaurant** (清远湖滨步步高酒店·中餐厅), 88 Shuguang 1st Road, Qingcheng District. A Cantonese restaurant serving dishes including poached Qingyuan chicken and other Cantonese dishes. ☏ +86 763 333 7776.

Qingyuan Tie Guan Yin（清远铁观音）: Clearwater Tie Guan Yin is a type of oolong tea, renowned for its unique floral and fruity fragrance. Its leaves are shaped like iron blocks, hence the name "Tie Guan Yin."

Qingyuan Biluochun（清远碧螺春）: Biluochun is a green tea, and the tea leaves from the Clearwater region may have a distinctive flavor influenced by the local climate and soil conditions, characterized by freshness and a crisp taste.

Qingyuan White Hair Silver Needle（清远白毫银针）: This is a type of white tea, known for its tender buds and prominent white hairs. White tea is crafted with a simple process that emphasizes preserving the natural flavors of the tea leaves.

Qingyuan Puerh Tea（清远普洱茶）: The Clearwater region may also produce Puerh tea, a fermented tea with a unique aged flavor.

• Green Recirt (清远汤塘格林度假酒店).  

• Baiyun Airport Hot Spring Resort (清远白云机场温泉度假村).  
• Dragon Bay Natural Hot Spring Resort (清远聚龙湾天然温泉度假村).  
• Gehao Holiday Hotel (清远格豪假日酒店 (原清远万豪假日酒店)).  
• Grace Garden Hotel (清远清新花园酒店).  
• Hubin Bubugao Hotel (清远湖滨步步高酒店).  
• Lilac Garden Hotel (清远丁香花园酒店).  
• Qingyuan Yingde Baodunhu Villa (清远英德宝敦湖半山度假酒店 (原英德奇洞温泉度假村)).  
• Shampoola Forest Hotel (清远佛冈森波拉度假山庄).  
• Tianmengou Jiuzhouyizhan Resort (九州驿站清远英德天门沟驿站).  
• Zoto Garden Hotel (阳山县卓代花园酒店).  

• Sofitel Riverside Qingyuan (清远索菲特丽豪大酒店).  

Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, restaurants and shopping centres in Qingyuan. Mobile internet is widely available through China's major mobile networks. See China#Internet for information about internet access and restrictions in China.

Mobile phone coverage is available throughout Qingyuan, although coverage may be weaker in mountainous and rural areas. China's major mobile operators provide service in the city and surrounding areas.

China Post provides postal services in Qingyuan. For international mail and parcels, check the current service availability and requirements at a local China Post branch.

• **Guangzhou** — The provincial capital is about 60 km south of Qingyuan. Guangzhou can be reached from Qingyuan by intercity train, conventional train and bus. It is a major transport hub for onward travel throughout Guangdong.

• **Shaoguan** — A city north of Qingyuan, known for Danxia Mountain and Nanling National Forest Park. Direct trains connect Qingyuan with Shaoguan.

• **Yingde** — A county-level city northeast of central Qingyuan, known for Baojing Palace and its surrounding karst scenery. It can be reached from Qingyuan by road and rail.

• **Lianzhou** — A city in northern Qingyuan known for the Lianzhou Underground River and the Three Gorges of Huangchuan. It is about 150 km north of central Qingyuan.