Escape the scorching heat of Guangzhou and head to Lianzhou for a summer retreat

**Complete Lianzhou Travel Guide: Attractions + Food + Accommodation** **📍 Qingyuan, Guangdong · Lianzhou**—A Lingnan landscape ancient town, where Yao ethnic culture meets karst wonders --- **🌟 Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Lianzhou Underground River** - **Highlights**: The only 5A-rated karst cave in South China. Boat through a kilometer-long subterranean river adorned with stunning stalactites illuminated like a fairyland. - **Tips**: Constant 18°C temperature—perfect for summer; guided tours recommended. **2. Huangchuan Three Gorges** - **Highlights**: Known as the "sister river" of the Li River. Cruise past cliffs and waterfalls (e.g., "Fairy Washing Gauze"), with misty spring rains creating the most magical scenery. - **Activities**: Night cruises feature light shows; bamboo rafting available in summer. **3. Lianzhou Millennium Yao Village (Nangang Yao Village)** - **Highlights**: Guangdong’s largest Yao ethnic settlement, surrounded by terraced fields, with preserved stone paths and stilt houses. Dress in Yao attire for photos. - **Experience**: The "Panwang Festival" (October 16 lunar calendar) offers drum dances and bonfire parties. **4. Tanling Sky Lake** - **Highlights**: A high-altitude lake. Winter brings rare "Southern Snow Village" frost scenes, while spring/summer offers mirror-like waters ideal for camping. **5. Fushan Scenic Area** - **Highlights**: A Taoist mountain with ancient trees. Hike to the summit for panoramic Lianzhou views. --- **🍜 Must-Try Food** **1. Lianzhou Cai Xin (Heart of Greens)** - **How to eat**: Blanched with dipping sauce or stir-fried with cured meats. Sweetest and crispiest in winter (a National Geographic-recognized product). **2. Dongpi Water Dumplings** - **Highlights**: Lianzhou’s version of dumplings—rice wrappers stuffed with minced meat and water chestnuts, steamed and served with chili soy sauce. **3. Xingzi Beef Glutinous Rice Cakes** - **Highlights**: Crispy fried glutinous rice parcels filled with beef, a specialty of Xingzi Town. **4. Lianzhou Cured Meats** - **Recommendations**: Dongpi sausages and cured duck, perfectly balanced for steaming or stir-frying. **5. Yao Bamboo Tube Rice** - **Highlights**: Mountain rice + Yao-style cured meat, roasted in fresh bamboo for a fragrant twist. **6. Beef Offal Hotpot** - **Top pick**: "Beimen Beef Offal," a local legend with rich broth and spicy dipping sauce. --- **🏨 Accommodation Picks** **1. Luxury Stays** - **Lianzhou Longtan Inn**: Yao-style wooden cabins by Huangchuan Three Gorges, with river views and cruise tickets included. - **Lianzhou Underground River Resort**: Nestled in the cave scenic area, ideal for families. **2. Budget-Friendly** - **Lianzhou Vienna Hotel**: Central location with modern amenities. - **Nangang Yao Village Homestays**: Stay in stilt houses and join bonfire nights (try "Yao King House"). **3. Unique Experiences** - **Tanling Sky Lake Camping**: Stargaze in summer or admire frost in winter (gear rental available). --- **📌 Practical Tips** 1. **Transport**: ~3.5-hour drive from Guangzhou, or take a high-speed train to Qingyuan Station + bus transfer. 2. **Best seasons**: - **Spring/Summer (Apr–Jun)**: Misty gorges and fresh greens. - **Autumn/Winter (Oct–Dec)**: Yao harvest festivals, cured meats, and possible frost at Tanling Lake. 3. **Itinerary**: 2–3 days, combining "Underground River + Yao Village + Huangchuan Gorges." Lianzhou blends natural wonders, ethnic culture, and underrated gourmet delights—perfect for a weekend getaway! 🌿🚣‍♂️