Zhaoqing
China’s Inkstone Capital and Seven Star Crags.
Why Visit Zhaoqing？
📍 Located in western Guangdong, about one hour from Guangzhou by high-speed rail, Zhaoqing was once known as Duanzhou, the “First Prefecture of Lingnan.” Surrounded by lakes and mountains, this ancient city is famed for its Song Dynasty city wall, the craft of Duan inkstones, and the legendary Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) and Dinghu Mountain, honored as the “First Wonder of Lingnan.”
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Blending Buddhist heritage, Confucian learning, and Lingnan folk traditions, Zhaoqing is a living landscape where history, faith, and nature intertwine.
Top Things to Do
🏛️ Culture & Heritage
Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall – Built in the Song Dynasty and preserved for nearly a millennium, nicknamed the “Little Great Wall of Lingnan.”
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Duan Inkstone Craftsmanship – One of China’s “Four Treasures of the Study,” renowned since the Tang dynasty; visitors can explore workshops in Baishi Village.
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🌿 Nature & Scenery
Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) – Seven karst peaks rising from a lake in the shape of the Big Dipper, mirrored in tranquil waters, with over 500 cliff inscriptions.
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Dinghu Mountain – China’s first national nature reserve, revered as one of Lingnan’s four sacred mountains, a “living natural museum” of forests and waterfalls.
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## 🍽️ Culinary Delights
Deqing Bamboo Rice Noodles
Zhaoqing Zongzi – A national geographic indication product
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Sihui Camellia Oil Chicken
🚦Practical Travel Info
Air:
The nearest major airport is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
High-Speed Rail:
Zhaoqing East Station
Long-Distance Bus
City Transport:
Public bus, taxi