Lianzhou City

Lianzhou City is located in the northwest of Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province, at the southern foot of the Nanling Mountains, serving as a gateway city at the junction of Guangdong, Hunan, and Guangxi provinces. It covers an area of 2,663 square kilometers, with a registered population of about 530,000 and a permanent population of about 380,000. Lianzhou has a long history, having been established as a county at the end of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty. It is a famous historical and cultural city in Guangdong Province with over 2,000 years of history. As an important node where Lingnan culture and Central Plains culture merge, Lianzhou is renowned for its unique Huangchuan culture, rich karst landscape, and profound red revolutionary heritage. It boasts natural wonders such as the national 5A-level scenic spot Lianzhou Underground River and Huangchuan Three Gorges, as well as historical sites like Huiguang Pagoda and Feng Dafei's Former Residence. Lianzhou is also known as the Hometown of Photography in China and the Hometown of Longevity in China, attracting numerous tourists with its unique landscapes and cultural charm.

I. Core Attractions

Lianzhou Underground River: Located in Dongbei Town, Lianzhou City, about 25 km from the city center (30-minute drive). It is a giant limestone cave with three layers, and the tour takes about 2 hours. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18-22°C, suitable for all seasons. Ticket price: 120 yuan/person, opening hours: 8:30-17:00. Visitors can take a boat ride through the underground river to admire stalactites and stalagmites, known as "A Unique Wonder of Lingnan."

Huangchuan Three Gorges: Located about 5 km south of Lianzhou city center, consisting of Yangtiao Gorge, Lengjia Gorge, and Xiannv Gorge, stretching about 20 km. The boat tour takes about 1.5 hours, ticket price: 60 yuan/person, opening hours: 9:00-17:00. With steep cliffs and emerald green river, it features numerous waterfalls in spring and red leaves in autumn, making it a paradise for photographers.

Huiguang Pagoda: Located on Huiguang Road in Lianzhou city center, built in the Liu Song period of the Southern Dynasties (468 AD), it is one of the oldest brick pagodas in Guangdong Province. The pagoda is 49.8 meters high, a hexagonal nine-story brick pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Lianzhou. Free admission, but climbing the pagoda requires a ticket of 10 yuan/person, opening hours: 8:30-17:30.

II. Historical and Cultural Attractions

Feng Dafei's Former Residence: Located in Dongbei Town, Lianzhou City, it is the birthplace of Feng Dafei, a famous general of the Northern Expedition, now a Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit. The residence is in the style of a Hakka enclosed house. Free admission, opening hours: 9:00-17:00.

Lianzhou Photography Museum: Located at the Cultural Square in Lianzhou city center, it is the first professional photography museum in China. It displays works from the Lianzhou International Photography Annual Exhibition. Free admission, opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays).

III. Food Recommendations

Lianzhou Beef Offal: Made with beef tripe, intestines, etc., stewed with a secret sauce, soft and flavorful. Recommended restaurant: Lianzhou Old Street Beef Offal Shop (middle section of Lianzhou Avenue), average cost: 30 yuan/person.

Dongbei Preserved Meat: Specialty of Dongbei Town, including preserved sausages and bacon, air-dried using traditional techniques, savory and fragrant. Available at Dongbei Town Farmers' Market, price about 50 yuan/jin.

Lianzhou Choy Sum: National geographical indication product, most tender in autumn and winter, sweet and refreshing. Recommended to taste at major restaurants in Lianzhou city center, such as Lianzhou Renjia Restaurant (Lianjiang Road).

IV. Transportation

External Transportation: From Guangzhou, take a high-speed train to Qingyuan Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to a bus to Lianzhou (about 2 hours, fare 60 yuan). Or drive via Guangqing Expressway and Qinglian Expressway, about 3 hours in total.

Internal Transportation: Bus routes in Lianzhou city cover major attractions, fare starting from 2 yuan. Taxi starting fare is 6 yuan, ride-hailing services are available. To reach suburban attractions like Dongbei Town, take township buses.