Five unmissable textbook landmarks to explore in Guangdong

May 19 marks the 15th annual China Tourism Day. This year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched the trending campaign "#TravelWithChineseTextbooks". In Guangdong, a province steeped in history and rich in natural beauty, several destinations have been immortalized in classic lessons taught across generations. Let's embark on a literary-inspired journey across the province!

Conghua Hot Springs, Guangzhou (广州从化温泉)

In his well-known essay "Lychee Honey (荔枝蜜)", contemporary writer Yang Shuo recalled his stay at Conghua Hot Springs: "Mountains surround a pool of spring water, wrapped in thick, emerald green, which is like a scroll of classical Chinese landscape painting."

(Photo: Guangzhou Conghua Fabu)

Located in northeastern Guangzhou, Conghua, also known as Liuxi River Hot Springs, is celebrated for its clear, mineral-rich waters and tranquil mountain setting. It is one of the rare radon soda hot springs, popular for both wellness and leisure. Top spots for soaking include Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel, Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort, Lipinway Hotel, and Biquan Air Spring. From late June to early August, don't miss the region's lychees, grown in volcanic soil and nourished by spring water, which are just as sweet as the stories told in textbooks.

(Photo: Guangzhou Conghua Fabu)

Recommended locations:

Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel, Guangzhou (广东温泉宾馆): No. 38 Wenquan West Road, Wenquan Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou (广州市从化区温泉镇温泉西路38号)

Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort, Guangzhou (碧水湾温泉度假村): No. 353 Yuquan Avenue, Conghua District, Guangzhou (广州市从化区御泉大道353号)

Lipinway Hotel, Guangzhou (广州荔品汇酒店): Room 201, No. 3 Lipin Elegant Street, Wenquan Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou (广州市从化区温泉镇荔品雅街3号201房)

Biquan Air Spring, Guangzhou (广州碧泉空中温泉酒店): No. 76 Wenquan East Road, Conghua District, Guangzhou (广州市从化区温泉东路76号)

Bird's Paradise National Wetland Park, Jiangmen (江门小鸟天堂国家湿地公园)

Bird's Paradise National Wetland Park is a natural birdwatching haven, famously described as the "Bird Paradise" by renowned author Ba Jin. It is also the largest heron breeding ground in South China, with thousands of herons hatched here every year.

(Photo: Jiangmen Fabu)

The park's centerpiece is a water banyan tree, which dates back approximately 400 years. Over the years, the tree has expanded into a vast forest covering 13,000 square meters, home to tens of thousands of birds. Every year, during the breeding season in March and April, many visitors take boat tours along the river to witness the spectacular "Bird Paradise" that Ba Jin once described.

(Photo: Jiangmen Fabu)

Address: No. 22, Yinhu Avenue Middle, Xinhui District, Jiangmen (江门市新会区银湖大道中22号)

Dinghu Mountain, Zhaoqing (肇庆鼎湖山)

Qin Mu's essay "Listening to the Spring in Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山听泉)" paints the mountain's flowing waters with poetic precision. Nestled within the Xinghu Scenic Area, Dinghu Mountain is one of four famous peaks in the Lingnan region, boasting misty peaks, ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and birdsong echoing through the valleys.

(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)

From May 17 to 20, to celebrate China Tourism Day, Dinghu Mountain and Xinghu's Seven-Star Crags (including Xinghu National Wetland Park) will offer half-price tickets for adults. It will be the perfect time to let literature lead you into the wild.

(Photo: Zhaoqing Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Address: No.1 Wenming North Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区文明北路1号)

Zhanjiang (湛江市)

In Lin Huanzhang's essay "A Coastal City (海滨小城)", the seaside charm of Zhanjiang comes alive. With over 2,000 kilometers of coastline and more than 140 islands, Zhanjiang boasts the longest coastline and most islands in the province. This city offers long strolls along Jinsha Bay's golden beaches, lush mangrove forests teeming with wildlife, and even volcanic wonders at Huguangyan Scenic Spot.

(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)

Recommended locations:

Jinsha Bay Sea-view Corridor (金沙湾观海长廊): Jinsha Bay Seaside Road, Chikan District, Zhanjiang (湛江市赤坎区金沙湾海滨路)

Huguangyan Scenic Spot (湖光岩风景区): Huguangyan Scenic Area, Huguang Town, Mazhang District, Zhanjiang (湛江市麻章区湖光镇湖光岩风景区)

Naozhou Island Tourist Area (硇洲岛旅游区): Naozhou Town, Mazhang District, Zhanjiang (湛江市麻章区硇洲镇)

Fishing Harbor Park (渔港公园): No. 149 Minzhu Road, Chikan District, Zhanjiang (湛江市赤坎区民主路149号)

Guangji Bridge, Chaozhou (潮州广济桥)

In the essay "Mist and Rain Over Chaozhou (烟雨潮州)", included in Macao's Chinese language curriculum, Guangji Bridge is portrayed as both an engineering marvel and a cultural emblem. Constructed during the Song Dynasty, this ancient pontoon bridge spans the Han River with 24 stone piers and 18 floating sections, and is hailed as the world's earliest known open-close pontoon bridge. Walking across it is like crossing centuries, with riverside pavilions, misty waters, and echoes of old Chaozhou awaiting each step.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

(Photo: Chaozhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

The essay also references other cultural landmarks, such as the Confucius Temple Academy (孔庙学宫) and the Han Wen Gong Memorial Hall (韩文公祠). If you're traveling to Chaozhou, don't miss these immersive glimpses into local culture.