Qingyuan, renowned as the "Hometown of Rafting in China" and the "City of Hot Springs," is just a 1-hour drive from Guangzhou.

### **Qingyuan 2-Day & 1-Night Travel Guide: Rafting, Hot Springs, and Scenic Landscapes** Qingyuan, famous as the "Hometown of Rafting in China" and the "City of Hot Springs," is just a 1-hour drive from Guangzhou, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. This guide covers **thrilling rafting, natural hot springs, karst landscapes**, and local delicacies for an unforgettable experience! --- ## **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: Guangzhou South → Qingyuan Station (~30 minutes), then take a taxi or rent a car to scenic spots (self-driving is recommended for convenience). - **Self-Driving**: Guangzhou → Guangqing Expressway → Qingyuan (~1.5 hours), with ample parking at attractions. --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** ✅ **Hot Spring Resorts** (for relaxation): - **Xilegu Hot Spring Resort** (luxury, Instagram-worthy) - **Senbola Hot Spring Hotel** (forest-themed, family-friendly) - **Merlin Lake Hot Spring Hotel** (European-style, ideal for couples) ✅ **Budget Hotels** (convenient for next-day activities): - Downtown Qingyuan hotels (near Beijiang River night cruise) --- ## **📝 Itinerary (2 Days & 1 Night)** ### **Day 1: Rafting + Beijiang Night Cruise** **Morning: Depart → Gulongxia Rafting (or Xuanzhen Rafting)** - **Gulongxia Rafting** (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - One of Guangdong’s most thrilling rafting experiences, lasting ~1 hour with steep drops, perfect for adrenaline seekers. - **Tips**: - Book tickets in advance (crowded on weekends). - Bring a change of clothes, waterproof phone case, and sandals. - Changing rooms and lockers are available onsite. - **Xuanzhen Rafting** (⭐⭐⭐⭐) - Gentler, suitable for families or first-time rafters. **Noon: Qingyuan Chicken Feast** - Recommended restaurants: **Tianqiaodi Restaurant** (charcoal chicken hotpot), **Huahuayi Braised Goose** (local specialty). **Afternoon: Feixia Mountain or Bijia Mountain (optional)** - **Feixia Mountain**: Hike for panoramic views of the Beijiang River. - **Bijia Mountain**: Great for hiking, with waterfalls and suspension bridges. **Evening: Beijiang Night Cruise + Snack Street** - **Beijiang Night Cruise** (⭐⭐⭐): Enjoy riverside lights and breezes on a boat. - **City Square/Ladies' Street**: Night market for snacks like **Zhouxin Roast Pork** and **Lianzhou Beef Offal**. --- ### **Day 2: Hot Springs/Caves → Return** **Morning: Hot Springs or Cave Exploration** - **Option 1: Xilegu/Senbola Hot Springs** (unwind) - **Option 2: Lianzhou Underground River** (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - South China’s largest karst cave, featuring a mesmerizing boat ride through subterranean rivers. **Noon: Farmhouse Meal or Qingyuan River Delicacies** - Recommendations: **Beijiang River seafood (yellow catfish, river shrimp)**, **Jiulong Tofu**. **Afternoon: Yingxi Peak Forest (optional) → Return** - **Yingxi Peak Forest** (⭐⭐⭐⭐): Karst terrain ideal for cycling/hiking, with photogenic views. --- ## **🍲 Must-Try Qingyuan Dishes** 1. **Qingyuan Chicken** (white-cut, soy sauce, or charcoal hotpot) 2. **Zhouxin Roast Pork** (crispy skin, tender meat—a local favorite) 3. **Beijiang River Seafood** (yellow catfish, river shrimp—super fresh!) 4. **Jiulong Tofu** (silky-smooth, a must-try!) 5. **Lianzhou Beef Offal** (spicy broth, deeply flavorful) --- ## **📌 Practical Tips** ✅ **Best Seasons**: - **Rafting**: May–October (summer is peak). - **Hot Springs**: November–March (cozy in cooler months). ✅ **Packing Tips**: - Rafting: Quick-dry clothes + sunscreen + sandals. - Hot Springs: Swimwear + robe. - Hiking: Comfortable shoes + hat. ✅ **Bug spray & sunscreen**! Mountainous areas have mosquitoes, and rafting can cause sunburn. --- ### **🚩 Itinerary Summary** - **Day 1**: Rafting → Qingyuan Chicken → Beijiang Night Cruise - **Day 2**: Hot Springs/Caves → Yingxi Peak Forest (optional) → Return Qingyuan offers thrilling rafting, relaxing hot springs, and stunning karst landscapes—perfect for couples, families, or friends! 🚣‍♂️♨️