Zhaoqing Lingyang Gorge: A Poetic Journey Through Mountains and Rivers
Lingyang Gorge is located in Zhaoqing City, in the lower reaches of the Xijiang River. It is a gorge formed by the Xijiang River flowing through Zhaoqing. With its beautiful scenery and long history, it is an excellent tourist destination that combines natural scenery and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed travel guide to Lingyang Gorge to help you start an unforgettable journey.
Preparation
1. Documents: Bring your ID card for ticket purchase and other procedures. If you have a student ID, senior citizen card, or other discount cards, bring them with you as some attractions offer ticket discounts.
2. Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. If you travel in summer, protect yourself from the sun and bring light and breathable clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant, and you can wear a long-sleeved jacket and comfortable long pants. In winter, it is relatively cold and humid, so remember to bring a thick coat to keep warm.
3. Other items: Prepare comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for hiking. Bring a backpack with a moderate amount of drinking water and snacks to replenish your energy. Bring a camera or phone to record beautiful moments, and make sure they are fully charged and have a memory card or power bank.
Transportation Guide
1. Self-driving: Depart from downtown Zhaoqing, drive along National Highway 321, and follow the signs to easily reach Lingyang Gorge Scenic Area. The scenic area has a parking lot, so parking is convenient.
2. Bus: You can take a bus to Gaoyao from downtown and get off at a stop near Lingyang Gorge, then walk a short distance to the scenic area. However, the bus schedule may be limited, so check the operating hours before traveling.
Attractions
1. Lingyang Gorge Ancient Plank Road Forest Park: This is a must-see attraction. The ancient plank road was built along the Xijiang River and is about 9 km long. Walking along the road, you will see the clear and green Xijiang River on one side, with boats coming and going on the river, and continuous green mountains on the other side, with dense vegetation on the mountains. The ancient plank road retains many historical relics, such as ancient bridges, ancient pavilions, and cliff carvings, allowing you to feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere. There are viewing platforms along the way, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lingyang Gorge and take great photos.
2. Lingshan River: Lingshan River is a small river connecting the Xijiang River and Lingshan, with beautiful scenery on both sides. You can choose to take a boat tour, and the boat will slowly move on the calm water, allowing you to enjoy the unique scenery of the Lingnan water town along the way. There are ancient houses, dense bamboo forests, and various water birds on the banks. If you visit in spring, you can also see flowers blooming on both sides, as if you are in a painting.
3. Lanke Mountain: As an important part of Lingyang Gorge, Lanke Mountain has beautiful scenery and rich natural resources. There are many hiking routes on the mountain, suitable for hikers of different levels. Climbing along the mountain road, you can breathe fresh air and enjoy the strange peaks, dense forests, and clear streams. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Lingyang Gorge and the magnificent scenery of the Xijiang River, which is refreshing.
Food Exploration
1. Xijiang River Seafood: When you come to Lingyang Gorge, you must try the local Xijiang River seafood. River shrimp, yellow clams, and Heshun fish are all must-try delicacies. These river seafood are tender and have a natural flavor. It is recommended to go to the river seafood restaurants near the gorge entrance, where the chefs are good at using simple cooking methods such as steaming and boiling to retain the freshness of the river seafood to the greatest extent.
2. Wrapped Zongzi: Zhaoqing Wrapped Zongzi is a local specialty food made of glutinous rice, mung beans, pork belly, and other ingredients, wrapped in winter leaves, and steamed for a long time. The zongzi is soft and glutinous, and the delicate mung bean paste and rich pork belly blend together, with a fragrant aroma. There are many small shops selling wrapped zongzi on the street, which you can buy and taste, or take home as a souvenir.
3. Mountain Water Tofu Pudding: During your trip, having a bowl of refreshing mountain water tofu pudding is a great choice. The tofu pudding here is made with mountain spring water, with a tender and smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Paired with a spoonful of syrup or honey, it is sweet but not greasy, and can quench your thirst and relieve fatigue.
Travel Route Planning
One-day tour route: Arrive at Lingyang Gorge Ancient Plank Road Forest Park in the morning, start walking along the plank road from the entrance, enjoy the scenery of the Xijiang River and historical relics, and take photos at the viewing platform along the way. Have lunch at a restaurant near the gorge entrance and taste Xijiang River seafood. In the afternoon, go to Lingshan River for a boat tour and experience the water town scenery. Then, you can choose to go to Lanke Mountain for a simple hike and enjoy the natural scenery according to your physical strength.
Two-day tour route: Visit Lingyang Gorge Ancient Plank Road Forest Park in the morning on the first day, and go to Lanke Mountain in the afternoon, choose a short hiking route to experience, stay at a homestay near the scenic area at night, taste local food, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside at night. Go to Lingshan River for a boat tour in the morning on the second day, then stroll around the surrounding area and buy some special souvenirs, and return after lunch.
Notes
1. Hiking safety: When hiking on the ancient plank road and Lanke Mountain, follow the designated route and do not leave the trail to enter undeveloped areas to avoid danger. Wear appropriate shoes and be careful of slipping.
2. Boat safety: When taking a boat tour on Lingshan River, be sure to follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and do not walk around or play on the boat.
3. Environmental protection: The scenic area has a beautiful environment, so take care of the environment during your trip, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.