Qingcheng District in Qingyuan, Guangdong, has prepared a relaxing yet lively Mid-Autumn getaway, complete with exclusive deals. This guide covers eight towns and subdistricts, each offering a different way to spend the holiday.
1. Fengcheng Subdistrict
Nanmen Street is a hugely popular retro photo spot on Rednote (Xiaohongshu) and Douyin. Cobblestone paths, Nanyang-style arcades, old-school shops and trendy boutiques sit side by side, making every shot look like a still from a vintage film. When you need a break from walking, dig into freshly baked chicken biscuits, tender radish beef offal, chicken strips, sweet mixed-bean soup, and refreshing lemon tea.
2. Dongcheng Subdistrict
Want some thrills? Huangteng Gorge is a must. One of Qingyuan's top rafting destinations, its six-kilometer Warrior Rafting route features a 230-meter drop and 70 minutes of exhilarating rapids. Prefer to relax instead? Heyang Heshe, an eco-tourism complex combining farming experiences and educational activities, lets you sleep under the stars and wake to the sound of rice paddies.
3. Zhouxin Subdistrict
Nan'an Park is a local favorite moon-watching spot, with an eight-kilometer riverside greenway, orange-golden sunsets and a picture-perfect boardwalk. You can also take a Beijiang cruise from Nan'an Wharf, sipping tea while enjoying views of both banks.
4. Henghe Subdistrict
The Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort has gone viral for its Arabian-style palace architecture, genie sculptures and sky gardens, making you feel as though you've stepped into a Middle Eastern retreat. The resort also features a 27-hole golf course and lakeside afternoon tea.
✨ Mid-Autumn perk: A limited-time three-day, two-night deluxe lake-view room package for just 988 yuan. The two nights can be booked separately or consecutively, with no surcharge on Mid-Autumn weekends. The package includes breakfast for two adults and two children and is valid until November.
5. Yuantan Town
Mid-Autumn is rice harvest season, and Yuantan's thousands of acres of golden paddies make for dreamy pastoral photos. Visit the intangible cultural heritage embroidery studio in Dalian Village to see artisans stitch auspicious patterns, make your own sachet, and catch a traditional lion or dragon dance.
✨ Mid-Autumn perk: Children get 50% off parent-child intangible cultural heritage workshops. The rice field photo spot is free.
6. Longtang Town
Qingyuan Chimelong is the hit of the season. The new Qingyuan Chimelong Wild Expedition takes you on a panoramic off-road truck tour to see giraffes and zebras, a safari experience without going to Africa. You can also enjoy the vintage steam train and forest hot springs.
7. Shijiao Town
Home to China's largest rooftop Ferris wheel, Meilin Lake is a top choice for family vacations. You can embark on a 30-minute Ferris wheel ride with panoramic lake and mountain views, or visit the massive water park and hot spring resort. You can also head to Shijiao Dike for river breezes and meadows, and see why it's nicknamed "Qingyuan's Altay."
✨ Mid-Autumn perk: Nordic-style two-bedroom suites start at 299 yuan. It comes with two tickets to the water park or hot spring (choose one). The offer is valid on Mid-Autumn Day, with no weekday surcharge. Ferris wheel tickets can be combined with the autumn promotion for up to 50 yuan off.
8. Feilaixia Town
Daluo Mountain is Qingcheng's "urban backyard," with a tea plantation 600 meters above sea level, seas of clouds and tea terraces. Hike to the top for panoramic views, then try tea-picking and tea-making while sipping cloud-mist tea. At the foot of the mountain, enjoy farm dishes featuring small river fish, black-boned geese and bamboo shoots. You can also visit Feilai Temple and cruise the Beijiang River past dramatic mountain peaks.
✨ Mid-Autumn perk: Wooden villas at Daluo Mountain Leisure Farm start at 199 yuan per night, with no surcharge on Sundays through Fridays in September. Hiking packages start at 58 yuan.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photos | Qingcheng Fabu
