Qingyuan is a picturesque town set on the banks of the Beijiang River and framed by forested mountains. The town offers easy access to historic attractions, including a 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple complex and a 19th-century monastery.

Things to do

Qingyuan is a great base for scenic cruises along the Beijiang River. Most cruises last around four hours and are a fantastic way to admire the lush subtropical scenery and ancient riverside pagodas. Boats depart from Wuyi Dock and usually include a tasty onboard meal featuring locally-caught fish.

Feilai is a secluded Buddhist temple complex that's been operating for over 1,400 years. Climb up to the mountaintop pavilion for sweeping views over the Beijiang River and the surrounding mountains. If you want to beat the crowds, it’s best to visit at sunrise.

Four kilometres upstream from Feilai, the Feixia Monastery traces its roots back to 1863. Descend into the Cangxia Ancient Cave, an abandoned complex laced with courtyards, alleyways and pavilions. Admission also includes a tour of Taoist relics set further up the hillside. After touring the monastery, enjoy lunch at one of the riverfront restaurants.

Qingyuan offers plenty of activities for nature lovers. You can admire waterfalls at the Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, soak in the Yinzhan Hot Springs and explore the lush terrain of the Huangteng George. Adventure seekers will love climbing the rope ladders in the Niuyuzui Scenic Area.

Getting around

Qingyuan is easy to get around on foot, with the stroll from the train station to the dock taking roughly 15 minutes. The city is also serviced by local buses and taxis. High-speed trains run from Guangzhou South railway station to Qingyuan in 30 minutes. Buses also make the trip in around 1.5 hours.