The backyard of the Pearl River Delta, famous for the legendary Qingyuan chicken, thrilling river rafting, and soft hot springs.
Qingyuan is a prefecture-level city in northern Guangdong Province, occupying the mountainous region north of the Pearl River Delta. Known as the "backyard garden of Guangzhou", Qingyuan has become the premier weekend getaway destination for residents of the Pearl River Delta seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation.
The city is blessed with exceptional natural resources — crystal-clear rivers, dramatic karst landscapes, dense forests, and abundant hot springs. Huangteng Gorge offers some of the best white-water rafting in southern China, while the Yingxi Peak Forest presents a landscape of breathtaking limestone peaks that rival Guilin. Dozens of hot spring resorts provide year-round relaxation in natural mineral waters.
Qingyuan is also famous throughout China for its legendary Qingyuan chicken, which food connoisseurs consider among the finest poultry in the country. The city's cuisine reflects the agricultural abundance of the region, with fresh ingredients from both mountain and river.
Qingyuan has historically been an agricultural region, known for its poultry farming, tea cultivation, and forestry. For centuries, it served as a rural hinterland for the more developed Pearl River Delta cities.
The transformation of Qingyuan into a tourism destination began in the late 1990s as improved highways made it accessible from Guangzhou within an hour. The development of Huangteng Gorge as a rafting destination in the early 2000s put Qingyuan on the tourism map. Hot spring resorts followed, capitalizing on the region's abundant geothermal resources.
In 1988, Qingyuan was upgraded from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city. In recent years, the city has also attracted manufacturing industries relocating from the Pearl River Delta, particularly in the Qingyuan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, while maintaining its core identity as a nature and wellness destination.
Qingyuan's economy is driven primarily by tourism, agriculture, and increasingly by manufacturing. As the closest mountain escape from Guangzhou (about 1 hour by car), tourism is the most visible sector, with rafting, hot springs, and peak forest attractions drawing over 50 million visitors annually.
Agriculture remains important, with Qingyuan chicken being one of the most famous poultry brands in China. Yingde black tea is another premium agricultural product with national recognition. Manufacturing is growing, particularly in the Qingyuan High-Tech Zone, attracting electronics, automobile parts, and building materials companies. The city's GDP reached 200 billion yuan in 2025.
Discover the culinary treasures of Qingyuan, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Qingyuan is served by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) about 70 km away via the Guangqing Expressway.
Qingyuan Railway Station on the Guangzhou-Qingyuan intercity railway. Direct trains to Guangzhou North Station in about 25 minutes and Guangzhou city center in about 40 minutes.
No metro system. Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services cover the urban area. Tourist shuttle buses connect major attractions.
Mar - May
Warm and pleasant with blooming flowers and fresh green landscapes. Good for hiking and hot springs with comfortable temperatures.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid — the peak season for rafting at Huangteng Gorge. The best time for water activities despite occasional rain.
Sep - Nov
Comfortable temperatures with clear skies and low rainfall. The best season for all outdoor activities including sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the peak forest.
Dec - Feb
Cool and dry — the ideal season for hot spring visits. The mountain scenery has a different charm with misty mornings and crisp air.
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