Zhaoqing Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 肇庆 (zhào qìng)
Population: 4,151,700
Area: 15,000 square kilometers (5,791 square miles)
Location: in the west-central region of Guangdong Province, southern China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Duanzhou, Dinghu, Gaoyao); 4 counties (Guangning, Huaiji, Fengkai, Deqing); 1 county-level city (Sihui)
Area Code: 0758
Zip Code: 526000
GDP (2018): CNY 220.18 billion (USD 33.27 billion)
 

Zhaoqing is located in the west-central region of Guangdong Province, at the middle and lower reaches of Xijiang River. Adjacent to the Pearl River Delta, the city borders Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the northwest, Foshan to the southeast and Yunfu to the southwest. It lies about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Guangzhou. Known as the capital of inkstone in China, Zhangqing produces first-rate Duan Inkstand, one of China’s Four Famous Inkstones, which boasts for its solid, smooth and delicate quality. The speed of producing ink by using Duan Inkstone is fast and the ink is fine and smooth. And the color of the handwriting is constant for a long time. Zhaoqing also features breathtaking natural scenery and city walls built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

 Xinghu Lake (Star Lake) Scenic Area: This scenic area consists of Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) and Dinghu Mountain scenic spots. It is the most famous tourist zone in Guangdong Province. The Xiannv Lake (Fairy Lake), Butterfly Valley and Qingyun Temple are the highlights of the scenic area. It provides the most beautiful lake, mountain and forest landscape of the city.

 Ancient City Wall: This is a part of the city wall from the Song Dynasty and is well preserved. Today, it is the symbol of Zhaoping City as a famous historical and cultural city.

Other Scenic Spots: Panlong Gorge Touring Region in Deqing County, Longshan in Fengkai County, Yanyan Crag (Swallow Crag) in Huaiji County, Bamboo Forest in Guangning CountyVisitors can get to Foshan and Guangzhou within two hours from the Zhaoqing passenger transport terminus. There are also many buses running to Shenzhen and Zhuhai taking about 3.5 and 4.5 hours. In addition, a water route from the port of this city to Guangzhou, Foshan and Hong Kong provides more options for visitors. It will take four hours to reach Hong Kong from there by train or by ship.

Zhaoqing enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 22.1C (71.8F). The rainfall is concentrated in the period from April to September. In early winter, the weather is sloppy and it may be affected slightly by typhoons in summer and autumn. The northern mountain area experiences frost and snow in winter.

 When to Go: Zhaoqing is an all-year-round tourist destination without summer heat and winter chilliness. The commercial area centered on Tianning Road (North) and 3rd Jianshe Road is the busiest section of the city, with many marketplaces, stores and cinemas. It is an excellent shopping destination.

 Physical Features: The terrain of the city is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Mountains and hills occupy about eighty percent of the city area, mainly in the north, northeast and central part of the city. A valley plain comprises most of the southeast portion of the city. A karst landscape in this area is also outstanding.

 History: In the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), this area belonged partly to the Nanhai Shire. In the Sui Dynasty (581-618), it was called Duanzhou and changed into its present name, Zhaoqing, in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

 Local Highlights:
Folk custom: The local lion dance and the dragon dance are the most popular performances in various ceremonies and festivals.
Festivals: Dragon Boat Race (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month)
Special Local Products: Handicrafts: Duanxi Inkstone, Nine Dragons Treasure Tripod, jade articles
Foods: Zhaoqing Gorgon Fruit, oranges, Ba Ji (Morinda Root)