How to Plan Your Qingyuan Travel Itinerary

Spend a full day sightseeing amid mountains and water to get close to nature.

Head to Niuyu Mouth Primeval Ecological Scenic Area in the morning. Centered on the operation philosophy of "Greenery + Fun + Culture", the scenic zone is split into two core sections. The first section revolves around the "No.1 Stream in Lingnan". It integrates relaxing, joyful and thrilling outdoor experiences with abundant natural science knowledge over a roughly 2-hour walking route upstream along the stream. You will pass exotic flowers, rare plants, ancient vines, jagged rock formations and gurgling brooks. Along the way, you may spot Mucuna birdwoodiana, hailed as the "magical flower on vines" in botany. The blooms bear an uncanny resemblance to sparrows with vivid, lifelike postures. What makes them extraordinary is that they ooze red sap when broken, a rare natural wonder seldom seen elsewhere. The second section centers on Niuyu Lake, designed for laid-back leisure and vacationing.

At noon, proceed to the dock and take a cruise to tour the Lianjiang Gallery at Shuikou, Yangshan, admiring the gorgeous mountain and river landscapes lining both banks.

Spend Day 1 exploring Sanpai Yao Village to immerse yourself in authentic Yao culture. Visit the thousand-year-old underground wonders of Lianzhou Underground River on Day 2, and appreciate primeval wilderness scenery at Niuyu Mouth on Day 3.

Travel to Sanpai Yao Village, the best-preserved ancient Yao settlement boasting the richest and most vivid Yao folk customs. As one of the earliest inhabited villages of the Eight Pa Yao clans, it boasts a history spanning over a thousand years. You will see hillside stone houses stacked in neat terraced layers, alongside thousand-year-old stone coffins, ancient trees and stone arch bridges dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stepping into the village feels like wandering through a time tunnel, stirring a profound longing for the past and letting you soak up profound historical culture and folk art.

After dinner, join a distinctive Yao bonfire party featuring authentic Yao rituals, folk songs and dances. Visitors are invited to sing and dance alongside locals to experience the warm, unadorned hospitality of the Yao people. Check into a hotel after the event.

Both lunch and dinner can be enjoyed inside Sanpai Yao Village, featuring signature condiments including Nanning wampee sauce, Xinhui preserved ginger and Taishan shrimp paste.

It is recommended to book hotels in Liannan County, Qingyuan, with a wide range of options for all budgets.

Set off for Lianzhou Underground River in the morning. Located in Dongpo Town, 25 kilometers north of downtown Lianzhou, the cave is divided into three levels for sightseeing. Start with the land tiers: follow winding undulating stone paths to view countless uniquely shaped stalactites. After touring the upper two land levels, descend to the bottom floor, home to an underground river stretching deep into the cave. Visitors board boats for a cruise along the twisting waterway, which alternates between vast open caverns and narrow passages creating spectacular vistas. Hanging stalactites are within arm’s reach, delivering an exciting experience. The boat passes three gorges: Banana Gorge, Lotus Gorge and Dragon Gate Gorge, lined with diverse stalactite formations. The full water route extends 1,500 meters, winding beneath four mountain peaks before looping back to the original cave entrance. The entire sightseeing trip takes roughly 3 to 4 hours.

After lunch, travel to Qingxin Hot Spring Resort. Its signature "River Hot Spring" features crystal-clear mineral hot spring water, perfect for washing away all fatigue of the day.

Simple meals are available at the scenic area for lunch and dinner.

Stay overnight at Qingxin Hot Spring Resort right after soaking in the hot springs to fully unwind.

Discounted tickets for Qingxin Hot Spring Resort can be booked via official travel websites.

Arrive at Niuyu Mouth Scenic Area in the morning. Centered around the "No.1 Stream in Lingnan", the spot focuses on primeval wild flora and unspoiled natural landscapes, paired with adventurous hiking fun. This subtropical wild botanical garden houses nearly a hundred rare ancient wild vines, exotic flowers, bizarre rock outcrops and clear running water. The unique scenery will captivate you and make you reluctant to leave. The full tour takes 4 to 5 hours, after which you head back home.

Grab a casual lunch at the scenic area’s dining outlets.