Four Hidden Gem Cities Just 2 Hours from Guangzhou by High-Speed Rail

Weekend Getaways Within Guangzhou's 2-Hour High-Speed Rail Circle 1. Hezhou (1.5 hours) – Slow Living in Karst Wonderland 🚄 6 daily trains, fastest trip 1h28m 🌟 Highlights - Huangyao Ancient Town: A quieter alternative to Fenghuang with flagstone alleys and century-old banyans. Romantic lantern-lit streets at night. - Hiking through waterfalls at Gupo Mountain, take a mini train through forests (filming location of "Homemade Wine") - Must-try: Oil tea, fermented bean paste noodles, DIY Hakka bamboo tube rice 📅 Suggested Itinerary Day1: Morning train → Huangyao (overnight) Day2: Gupo Mountain → Return afternoon 2. Chenzhou (1h15m) – Photographer's Fairyland in Mist 🚄 20+ daily trains, fastest 1h04m 📸 Must-see - Morning fog fishing nets at Xiaodong River (best May-Oct) - Aerial shots of Gaoyiling's "Dragon Spine" red cliffs - Biking around "Little Erhai" at Bailang, feast on fresh Dongjiang fish 🍜 Foodie Bonus Slaughtered pork noodles + rice dumplings + Linwu duck. Night snacks at Wuling Square BBQ 💡 Tip Recommended to rent car – scenic spots are scattered but roads are good 3. Shaoguan (50min) – Guangdong's Backyard Paradise 🚄 Trains every 30min, fastest 47min 🌿 Unique Experiences - Yunmen Mountain Glass Bridge + Yao ethnic performances (less crowded on weekdays) - Nanhua Temple with Sixth Patriarch's remains – famous for love blessings - Forest hot springs and starry tents at Jinglvlun Town 🍁 Seasonal Specials November: Nanxiong ginkgo leaves | March: Lechang peach blossoms 4. Qingyuan (24min) – Underrated Adventure Capital 🚄 Guang-Qing intercity trains, multiple daily 🎢 Thrills - Gulong Canyon Glass Bridge + rafting (Guangdong's most exciting) - Bijiashan waterfall trekking + jungle zipline - Sunrise over Liannan Yao Village's thousand-year terraces 🐔 Food Guide Head straight to "Underpass Chicken Pot" after arrival. Post-rafting: Try hairy fig root soup 🚗 Comparison Guide | Destination | Best For | Season | Budget | |-------------|----------|--------|--------| | Hezhou | Artsy couples/families | Spring/Fall | ¥600/2D | | Chenzhou | Photographers/outdoorsy | Summer/Fall | ¥800/2D | | Shaoguan | Culture/thermal lovers | Year-round | ¥500/2D | | Qingyuan | Adventurers/team trips | Summer | ¥400/2D | 💬 Local Pro Tips 1. Take direct bus from Hezhou Station to Huangyao (¥30) – avoid scam taxis 2. Arrive at Xiaodongjiang before 6am for morning fog 3. Danxia Mountain needs full day – don't believe "half-day tour" claims 4. Weekdays for Qingyuan rafting – weekend queues exceed 2 hours