Zhaoqing sits on the north bank of the Xi River in western Guangdong, about 110 km west of Guangzhou. The prefectural seat is fairly flat, but thickly forested mountains rise just beyond its limits, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with rice paddies and aquaculture ponds. It is primarily known for tourism and as a provincial college town, and residents of Guangzhou, Shenzhen and the wider Pearl River Delta often come here for weekend excursions.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the historic core and most of the cultural relics are in Duanzhou District, on the north bank of the Xi River, while Gaoyao lies opposite on the south bank. The main scenic draws, the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain, form the Xinghu Sightseeing Area. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, what each suits, and how to think about budget levels, so you can compare live prices with the booking tools on this page.
Best areas to stay in Zhaoqing
1. Duanzhou District
Duanzhou is the historic heart of Zhaoqing and the prefectural seat. Four of the city's National Key Cultural Relic Protection Sites are here: Mei'an Temple, the Zhaoqing Song City Walls, the Seven Star Crags Carvings, and the Yuejiang Tower. If your priority is walking to cultural sights and being in the middle of the city, this is the most convenient base.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the sights close at hand. The city wall was built here during the Song dynasty, and the district remains the administrative and military centre it has been since the Sui and Tang eras. Note that the prefectural seat is fairly flat except around the Seven Star Crags, so most of the district is easy on foot.
2. The Seven Star Crags area
The Seven Star Crags sit within the Xinghu Sightseeing Area, an AAAAA tourist attraction that also includes Dinghu Mountain, the first established nature reserve in China. Basing yourself here puts you next to the lake and the crags, and the surrounding area is where you find resort-style accommodation, including hot-spring resorts.
This suits visitors who want scenery first and are happy to be a short trip from the historic core. The crags are the one part of the prefectural seat that is not flat, so expect some uneven ground. The area is served by the city's sightseeing bus routes, which connect the main attractions.
3. Gaoyao
Gaoyao lies on the south bank of the Xi River, opposite Zhaoqing proper. Historically it was the older settlement on the river, named for the Lingyang Gorge, before administration moved to Duanzhou on the opposite bank. Staying here means river views and a quieter setting, with the city centre a crossing away.
It suits travellers who prefer a calmer base and don't mind crossing the river to reach the cultural sights. Gaoyao is part of the built-up metro area, so you are still within the city rather than out in the countryside. The Xi River flows west to east between the two banks, and the plain lies to the south and west.
4. Dinghu
Dinghu is one of the districts making up the built-up area and is home to Dinghu Mountain, the first established nature reserve in China. This is the choice for travellers whose main interest is the mountain and the natural scenery rather than the urban sights.
It suits visitors who want to be close to hiking and forest, and who are comfortable being outside the historic core. The thickly forested mountains lie just outside the city limits, and Dinghu puts you on that side. It is part of the metro area, so it remains connected to the rest of Zhaoqing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Simple guesthouse-style rooms with doubles and triples at low rates, of the kind found on central streets in the built-up districts. Expect basic furnishings and a location that puts you near bus routes rather than a view.
- Mid-range: Standard city hotels in Duanzhou and the other built-up districts, with straightforward rooms and easy access to the sights by bus or taxi.
- Splurge: Resort accommodation around the Seven Star Crags lake, including hot-spring resorts with artificial hot springs on site. These are aimed at visitors who want the scenery and facilities on the doorstep.
Best area for a first visit
Duanzhou District is the best base for a first visit. It holds four of the city's National Key Cultural Relic Protection Sites, including the Song City Walls and the Yuejiang Tower, so the historic sights are within reach on foot. It is also the prefectural seat and the most connected part of the city, with the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain reachable by the sightseeing routes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around Zhaoqing from my base?
The primary form of public transport within the city is the bus network, which includes two sightseeing routes serving the main attractions. Direct train and bus services also connect Zhaoqing with Guangzhou, Hong Kong and other cities in Guangdong.
Which area is closest to the Seven Star Crags?
The Seven Star Crags sit within the Xinghu Sightseeing Area, and the surrounding lake area is where resort-style accommodation is found. Staying there puts you next to the crags themselves rather than in the historic core.
Is Zhaoqing a good base for a weekend from Guangzhou or Shenzhen?
Yes. Residents from Guangzhou, Shenzhen and the other Pearl River Delta cities often visit for weekend excursions, and direct trains and buses connect Zhaoqing to Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The city is about 110 km west of Guangzhou.
What is the terrain like around the city?
The prefectural seat, apart from the Seven Star Crags, is fairly flat, while thickly forested mountains lie just outside its limits. A plain area lies to the south and west, with mountains to the east and north, so flat walking is the norm in the central districts.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.