In November 2025, China's 15th National Games (NG) will take place in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Zhaoqing, one of the host cities, has just finished the U18 women's football and shuttlecock finals and will soon welcome gymnastics and judo competitions from November 12-17 and November 10-13, respectively. But beyond the arenas lies another stage—lakes, mountains, and centuries of Cantonese culture—making Zhaoqing the perfect place to explore, take photos, and create lasting memories.
Seven Star Crags (七星岩)
Hailed as the "First Wonder of Lingnan" and a "Fairyland on Earth," Seven Star Crags is a 5A-rated scenic area where jagged limestone peaks rise above crystal-clear lakes. It features inscriptions on the cliffs and steles from past dynasties, earning it the name "Millennium Poetry Gallery."
(Photo: Zhaoqing Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Colorful Bodhi trees and red leaves create a dreamlike scene in autumn, while at night the lake sparkles under the stars. Evening entry is free—visitors can take a romantic boat ride, enjoy the musical fountain at Paifang Square, and stroll through Zijing West Pier Night Market for snacks and creative souvenirs.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Ticket: 70 yuan (free after 19:00)
Opening hours: 8:00-22:00
Address: Seven Star Crags, No.1 Qixing Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区七星路1号七星岩)
Xinghu National Wetland Park (星湖国家湿地公园)
Covering 935 hectares, including 677 hectares of water surface, Xinghu National Wetland Park comprises six major lakes, including Central Lake and Bohai Lake.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
Here, waterways and vegetation intertwine, nurturing aquatic life that sustains a wide variety of birds. The park is a habitat for red-crowned cranes, a first-class protected species in China. Visitors can also spot flamingos or witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of birds soaring and singing in the forest.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
(Photo: Zhaoqing Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Ticket: 70 yuan
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Address: Xinghu Avenue, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区星湖大道)
Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area (鼎湖山风景区)
As one of the four famous peaks in the Lingnan region, Dinghu Mountain is known as "the Emerald on the Tropic of Cancer" and boasts misty peaks, ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and birdsong echoing through the valleys.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
In Baoding Garden (宝鼎园), a massive tripod weighing 16 tons attracts crowds for the popular wish-ball throwing activity, where visitors pray for success, academic achievement, and good fortune.
(Photo: Dinghu District Media Converged Center)
Ticket: 70 yuan
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Address: Kengkou Town, Shangshan Road, Dinghu District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市鼎湖区上山路坑口镇)
Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall (肇庆古城墙)
The Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall, dating back to the Song Dynasty, is the only city wall in Guangdong that remains largely intact. Built in traditional Han architectural style, it has stood for centuries as a silent witness to the city's history.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
Piyun Tower (披云楼), located at the highest point of the northwestern section, is flanked by artillery platforms and iron cannons. Every brick, tile, and tree within the complex seems to tell stories from the city's thousand-year past.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Fabu)
Ticket: Free
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
Address: 90 meters northeast of the intersection of Kangle Road and Zhengxi Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区康乐路与正西路交叉口东北方向90米)
Songcheng Arcade Street (宋城骑楼街)
Qilou, or arcade houses, are a distinctive Lingnan architectural style blending Chinese and Western elements, with covered walkways offering shade and shelter. First built in the late Qing Dynasty, Songcheng Qilou Street was once Zhaoqing's commercial hub.
(Photo: Zhaoqing Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Today, its ornate facades, retro shop signs, and neon lights evoke vintage charm. The street hosts restaurants, grocery stores, post offices, music spaces, and youth art exhibitions, offering a mix of local food, culture, and heritage.
(Photo: Xijiang Daily)
Ticket: Free
Opening hours: All day
Address: No.130 Zhengdong Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (广东省肇庆市端州区正东路130号)
Author | Ye Ziyi (intern), Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
