A city in northeastern Guangdong known for the emerald Wanlu Lake (one of the largest artificial lakes in China) and as the source of the Dongjiang River.
Heyuan is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Guangdong Province, situated along the upper reaches of the Dongjiang River. The city's name literally means "source of the river" — a reference to the Dongjiang River that originates in the surrounding mountains and flows southward to supply water to Hong Kong.
Heyuan is world-famous for its extraordinary dinosaur egg fossil discoveries. Since the 1990s, over 10,000 dinosaur eggs have been unearthed in the city area, earning Heyuan a Guinness World Record and the title "Home of Dinosaurs". The city is also home to the magnificent Wanlu Lake, one of China's largest artificial freshwater lakes, known for its strikingly clear emerald-green waters and pristine forest surroundings.
The city is an important cultural center for the Hakka people, who have lived in this mountainous region for centuries. Their traditions, architecture, and cuisine deeply shape Heyuan's character. As the source of the Dongjiang River, Heyuan plays a vital environmental role in supplying clean water to downstream cities including Huizhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Heyuan has a long history dating back to the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) when the region was part of Nanhai Commandery. The area developed slowly due to its mountainous terrain, serving primarily as a agricultural and forestry region for centuries.
The modern transformation of Heyuan began in 1958 with the construction of the Xin Fengjiang Reservoir (Xinfengjiang Dam), one of the largest hydropower and water supply projects in southern China. The dam created Wanlu Lake and turned Heyuan into an important water and electricity supplier for the Pearl River Delta. In 1988, Heyuan was upgraded from a county to a prefecture-level city.
A remarkable chapter in Heyuan's history began in 1996 when a local school discovered dinosaur egg fossils during construction. Subsequent excavations revealed one of the most concentrated dinosaur egg fossil sites on Earth, with over 10,000 eggs from various species, cementing Heyuan's place in paleontological history.
Heyuan's economy is centered on water resources, eco-tourism, and light manufacturing. As the source of the Dongjiang River, the city supplies clean water to major cities including Hong Kong, generating significant ecological compensation revenues.
Tourism is a growing pillar, with Wanlu Lake attracting millions of visitors annually for its pristine natural scenery,boating, and hiking. The Dinosaur Museum and Huo Mountain Danxia landscape are also major draws. Manufacturing, including electronics assembly, building materials, and quarrying, contributes to the local economy. Heyuan also produces agricultural specialties including high-quality rice, citrus fruits, and tea. The city's GDP reached 130 billion yuan in 2025.
Discover the culinary treasures of Heyuan, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Heyuan is served by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) about 180 km away and Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ) about 100 km away.
Heyuan East Railway Station on the Ganzhou-Shenzhen high-speed railway. Direct trains to Shenzhen in about 1 hour and to Ganzhou in about 1.5 hours.
No metro system. Public buses and taxis serve the urban area. Tourist shuttle buses connect the city center to Wanlu Lake.
Mar - May
Mild and pleasant with blooming flowers and moderate rainfall. The lake is at its most beautiful as surrounding hills turn green.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with frequent rain. Good season for Wanlu Lake water activities and escaping the heat of the Pearl River Delta.
Sep - Nov
Comfortable temperatures with clear skies and low rainfall. The best season for outdoor activities, hiking, and lake cruises.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry with cool mornings and evenings. A quiet season to explore the city and dinosaur museum without crowds.
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