Qingyuan is a prefecture-level city in northern Guangdong, sitting on the banks of the Bei or North River with a Cantonese-speaking urban core. More than half of its land is mountainous, and elevations rise from southeast to northwest, so the built-up area sits in a basin of sorts while the counties around it climb into the southern Nan Ling.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the city centre is Qingcheng District, and the remaining districts and counties fan out to the north and northeast, each with its own scenery and its own reason to stay. This guide covers where to base yourself, whether you want the urban core or one of the outlying areas, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each level.
Best areas to stay in Qingyuan
1. Qingcheng District
Qingcheng is the centre of the city and the location of the provincial and municipal administration. If you want to be in the urban core, with the city's transport links and services around you, this is the base to choose. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants Qingyuan as a working base rather than a resort stay.
The Beijing–Guangzhou Railway, National Highways 106 and 107, and the Bei or North River all cross through the city, so Qingcheng connects readily to the wider region. Note that Qingyuan railway station, on the Wuhan–Guangzhou high-speed railway, sits some distance east of the city, so plan the transfer into town.
2. Qingxin County
Qingxin sits just north of the city centre and is known for its caves and hot springs, including the Taihe Ancient Cave and Sankeng Hot Spring. It is the closest thing to a scenery-and-springs base without leaving the immediate urban area behind.
This area suits travellers who want hot springs and cave visits within easy reach of the city rather than a long haul north. Because it is directly north of the centre, it works well as a compromise between town convenience and a quieter setting.
3. Yingde City
Yingde lies about 50 km northeast of the city centre and is home to Baojing Palace. It is a distinct base in its own right, useful if Baojing Palace and the surrounding northeast are the focus of your trip.
Staying here suits travellers who would rather not commute from the centre each day. The distance from Qingcheng is real, so treat Yingde as a separate stop rather than a suburb of the core.
4. Fogang County
Fogang is about 40 km northeast of the city centre and is home to Huanghua Lake. It is a lake-and-countryside base, quieter than the urban core and oriented towards scenery.
This suits visitors whose plans centre on the lake and the surrounding area, and who are content to be outside the city for the duration of their stay.
5. Lianzhou City
Lianzhou is about 150 km north of the city centre and is home to the Underground River. It is the farthest-flung of the main bases and functions as a gateway to the north of the prefecture.
Choose Lianzhou if the Underground River and the northern scenery are your priority. Given the distance, it makes sense as an overnight base rather than a day trip from Qingcheng.
6. Yangshan County
Yangshan is about 100 km north of the city centre and is home to Shikengkong Mountain, the area's high peak. It is a mountain-oriented base for travellers heading into the higher ground.
This suits walkers and anyone drawn to the northern elevations. As with the other outlying areas, plan for the distance from the urban core and treat it as its own stop.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simpler resort-style accommodation, of the kind found in the outlying areas rather than the city core.
- Mid-range: the widest choice, including hot spring resorts, holiday hotels, garden hotels and lakeside or forest resort properties, spread across the city and the surrounding counties.
- Splurge: a riverside international-style hotel in the city, for travellers who want the top end of the local market.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Qingcheng District for a first visit. It is the centre of the city, holds the municipal administration, and is where the railway, highways and river converge, so it gives you the easiest starting point for reaching the rest of Qingyuan. From there you can add nights in Qingxin for the caves and hot springs, or head further out to Yingde, Fogang, Lianzhou or Yangshan once you know which sights you want.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I want hot springs and caves?
Qingxin County, just north of the city centre, is known for its caves and hot springs, including the Taihe Ancient Cave and Sankeng Hot Spring.
How far are the outlying areas from the city centre?
Yingde is about 50 km northeast, Fogang about 40 km northeast, Yangshan about 100 km north and Lianzhou about 150 km north of the city centre.
Where does the high-speed railway station sit?
Qingyuan railway station, on the Wuhan–Guangzhou high-speed railway, is located some distance east of the city.
What language is spoken in Qingyuan?
The primary spoken language is Cantonese.
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