Weekend Getaway Around Shenzhen: Guangdong's Little Guilin!! (Self-Driving Version)

It's not that Guilin is unaffordable, but Yingde Jiqingli offers better value! Known as Guangdong's "Little Guilin," it boasts unique karst landscapes. It's stunningly beautiful 😭 and perfect for a weekend or short holiday getaway. Here's a short-trip guide for you! 🚗2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary: (Approx. 3-hr drive from Shenzhen) Day1️⃣9 am Depart from Shenzhen → Local farmhouse lunch → Check in to Jiqingli Xianhu Hotel → Jiqingli Black Tea Valley → Dinner at the hotel → Outdoor hot springs ♨️ Day2️⃣Hotel breakfast → Lovers' Bridge/Tongxin Island walk around the lake → Bauhinia variegata flower viewing → Hongqi Tea Factory → Return to Shenzhen ✅About the Attractions ❶Jiqingli Black Tea Valley Drive directly to the tea plantation. Vast tea fields undulate like green waves. Witness the spring tea harvest firsthand, experience tea picking and making, or head to the hilltop for panoramic photos🍃 ❷Lovers' Bridge/Tongxin Island Tongxin Island, located in the center of Xian Lake, is surrounded by four smaller islands. Lovers' Bridge spans the clear, emerald lake, dotted with uniquely shaped Yingde stones. It's a perfect place for a relaxing stroll around the lake! It's also a paradise for hikers🏃🏻 ❸Outdoor Hot Springs The highlight of our trip was the hotel's natural hot springs. With numerous pools and few people, you can enjoy unlimited soaks during your stay♨️. Relax and gaze at the distant mountains and lake. Spending an afternoon here is pure bliss😎 ❹Hongqi Tea Factory 🎫No reservation or tickets required, free parking! Stepping into the Hongqi Tea Factory, you'll sense its rich history and culture. There are Instagram-worthy walls with "Yingde" and "Hongqi Tea Factory" signs. Try the "Black Tea Ice Cream🍦" at the Hongqi Ice Room and the "Yinghong No. 9 Milk Tea"🧋 at Hongqi Tea Room. They're delicious!! ➎Bauhinia Variegata Flower Viewing We were amazed by the vibrant Bauhinia variegata blossoms at the hotel entrance. They were in full bloom! And there were very few people around. The weather was great, and there were even cartoon-like clouds☁️Truly beautiful! ✅About Accommodation We stayed at the Jiqingli Xianhu Hot Spring Hotel, perfectly located within the resort area! Every room offers breathtaking views of the distant mountains. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and delightful! The hotel provides a buffet breakfast with everything you need for a satisfying meal🍳 ✅About Dining We had our first dinner at the hotel restaurant. If you don't want to venture too far, we recommend eating at the hotel. They offer Qingyuan specialties like free-range chicken and tea-flavored shrimp, each bite bursting with the flavors of the mountains! There are also many farmhouses nearby, so you can choose any place you like when it's time to eat! 📸Travel Tips 1️⃣There's limited shade at the tea plantation and Tongxin Island, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring mosquito repellent. 2️⃣Driving is recommended, as public transport is limited. You can drive into the resort area and park conveniently!