Avoid the crowds! These 5 counties in Guangdong will take care of your holiday with beautiful scenery and delicious food

Always thought Guangdong was just about urban hustle and bustle? That’s because you haven’t discovered these hidden counties nestled in the mountains and waters! Five scenic and less crowded spots perfect for family trips, relaxation, and food adventures—save this list and explore at your own pace～ Shixing County: A Hakka secret hidden in the forest In the early morning, go to Chebaling to listen to birdsong; you can step right into the streams in the primeval forest. Kids chase butterflies while adults spread a cloth under the trees for a picnic, with the air filled with the scent of grass and wood. In the afternoon, visit Mantang Hakka Walled Village, let the elders tell stories about the walled houses, and watch children curiously ask about the carved decorations on the walls. Time seems to slow down here. Don’t miss Donghuping Folk Culture Village at dusk, enjoy a Hakka mountain song performance, and try some Huangyuan rice cakes—sticky and delicious. Nanxiong City: A small town with surprises all year round In spring, visit Maozifeng Forest Farm where cherry blossoms cover the hills like a pink fairy tale; in autumn, head to Pingtian Ancient Ginkgo, where golden leaves carpet the ground, crunching underfoot. Be sure to walk the Meiguan Ancient Trail with your kids, see the “First Pass of Lingnan” stone tablet, and tell stories about how ancient merchants crossed the mountains. When tired, stop at a teahouse halfway up the mountain for a cup of Hakka fried green tea to refresh. At night, enjoy street food by the river, order sour bamboo shoot duck paired with local rice wine for a truly authentic experience. Dapu County: A timeless old town favored by time The arcade buildings in Sanheba Ancient Town are full of charm; elders sit at doorways fanning themselves, children run and play in the alleys, and every photo you take feels like a vintage snapshot. The thirty-six alleys of Baihou Ancient Town are like a maze; bring your kids to find the “Imperial Edict Archway,” and watch them jump for joy when they find it. Don’t forget to try bamboo shoot rice cakes and suanpanzi, chewy and bouncy snacks that kids will happily finish. Boluo County: A wellness retreat in the mountains and waters No need to rush when climbing Luofu Mountain; take your time ascending the steps, watch waterfalls cascade over rocks, and feel the cool mist on your face. The Chongxu Ancient Temple halfway up is peaceful and perfect for quietly listening to the Taoist priest talk about health preservation. In the afternoon, go rafting on Ping’an Mountain; the whole family can sit in one boat, have water fights, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Afterwards, enjoy farmhouse dishes and order a kiln-roasted chicken with crispy skin and tender meat. Longmen County: Living life like a vacation You must stay at a guesthouse in Nankun Mountain! Open the window to bamboo groves, wake up to birdsong, take the kids to paddle in Chuanlong Waterfall, while adults relax in hammocks nearby. In the evening, soak in Longmen Hot Springs; kids splash in the children’s pool while parents unwind in the medicinal pools, and you can even see stars overhead. Before leaving, bring some Longmen rice cakes—crispy and sweet—as perfect souvenirs. 💡Tips: These counties are mostly in mountainous areas, so it can be a bit cool in the mornings and evenings—bring a light jacket; self-driving is more convenient, and the scenery along the way is even more stunning than the attractions themselves～ Stop crowding the popular spots! Visit these counties and you’ll discover another kind of beauty in Guangdong, hidden in the mountains and waters, lingering in everyday life✨