As the hockey events of China's 15th National Games (NG) take place in Yunfu, Guangdong from October 30 to November 15, this city is also drawing attention for its serene landscapes and rich cultural charm. Between matches, visitors can explore temples steeped in centuries of Chan Buddhism, wander through lush mountains, or unwind in soothing hot springs.
Sixth Patriarch's Hometown Tourist Resort Area (六祖故里旅游度假区)
This national 4A-level scenic spot focuses on Chan (Zen) Buddhist heritage. The centerpiece, Guoen Temple (国恩寺), dates back to 683 during the Tang Dynasty. It is both the birthplace and the resting place of Dajian Huineng, commonly known as the Sixth Patriarch, an iconic figure in the history of Chinese Chan Buddhism.
(Photo: Xinxing County Radio and Television Station)
The area preserves many ancient relics, including an imperial plaque bestowed by Empress Wu Zetian and a thousand-year-old lychee tree said to have been planted by the patriarch. Surrounding attractions include Longtan Lake Wetland Park (龙潭湖湿地公园), Chanyuan Lake Viewing Area (禅源湖观景区), and over ten hot spring resorts, including the rare sulfur-hydrogen hot springs of Longshan Hot Spring (龙山温泉). The area combines cultural depth with stunning mountain and water scenery, offering an immersive getaway.
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
Address: Liuzu Avenue, Liuzu Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu City (云浮市新兴县六祖镇六祖大道)
Dajin Mountain (大金山)
Known as the "green lung" of Yunfu, Dajin Mountain rises 1,086 meters above sea level on the border between Yuncheng and Yun'an districts, just five kilometers from the city center. The mountain features majestic ridges, deep valleys, waterfalls, and lush forests, forming an excellent ecological environment with high levels of negative oxygen ions. After summer and autumn rains, clouds and mist often blanket the slopes, creating a spectacular sea of clouds. In recent years, Dajin Mountain has become a popular destination for hiking, photography, and self-drive trips.
(Photo: Yunfu Fabu)
Address: Dajinshan Trail, Yuncheng District, Yunfu City (云浮市云城区大金山栈道)
Panlong Cave Scenic Area (蟠龙洞景区)
Panlong Cave is a karst wonder that has formed over more than 170 million years. Inside the cave, crystal clusters sparkle like gemstones, while translucent stone draperies cascade along the walls. Covering three levels with a total visitor route of about 528 meters, the cave features stalactites and stalagmites of countless shapes, illuminated by colorful lights that enhance its mysterious beauty.
(Photo: Local Chronicle Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province)
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
Address: No. 75 Panlong Road, Yuncheng District, Yunfu City (云浮市云城区蟠龙路75号)
Xiangwo Mountain Ecological Park (象窝山生态园)
Xiangwo Mountain Ecological Park sits amid the northern range of Tianlu Mountain, at an altitude of up to 860 meters. Surrounded by lush forests and over 4,000 mu (about 267 hectares) of rolling tea fields, the park blends the charm of mountains, tea, and Zen culture. Visitors can hike scenic trails, explore highlights such as the Zen Tea Museum, the "Sky Mirror", and the waterfall, or rest in a tea-themed resort hotel. The park also offers hands-on tea experiences, from picking and frying to brewing.
(Photo: Xiangwo Mountain Ecological Park)
Address: Taiping Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu City (云浮市新兴县太平镇)
Freely Hover Golden Shuitai Hot Spring Town (翔顺金水台温泉特色小镇)
Surrounded by hills and lakes, this hot spring town features over 50 natural pools fed by water from 280 meters underground, reaching 70°C, and containing rare hydrogen sulfide, metasilicic acid, and radon. The pools, including the lotus-shaped Jinshui hot spring pool (金水泉), offer relaxation amid scenic mountains and fresh forest air.
(Photo: Xinxing County Radio and Television Station)
Address: South side of Shuanghe Highway, Shuitai Town, Xinxing County, Yunfu City (云浮市新兴县水台镇双和公路南侧)
Changgangpo Cultural Leisure Tourism Area (长岗坡文化休闲旅游区)
With the Changgangpo Aqueduct (长岗坡渡槽) as its main attraction, this area blends water conservancy heritage with countryside charm. The aqueduct, a masterpiece of ancient hydraulic engineering, rises above golden rice fields and lush green hills, creating a striking landscape. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined paths, explore folk culture exhibitions, and enjoy the peaceful rhythms of rural life.
(Photo: Yunfu Converged Media Center)
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Address: Shuanglian Village, Luoping Town, Luoding County-level City, Yunfu City (云浮市罗定市罗平镇双莲村)
Yunfu's local delicacies
Beyond its scenic landscape, Yunfu also delights with its authentic local flavors. The city's signature rice rolls are silky smooth and lightly fragrant, while Yaogu Town's roast pork boasts crispy skin and juicy meat. In Luoding County-level City, wrinkled fish tofu is prized for its delicate, translucent texture, and tofu stuffed with minced pork and chives offers a savory burst in every bite. Another favorite, Luoding's chicken with fermented black beans, features golden, crispy skin infused with the bold flavor of fermented soy.
(Photo: Local Chronicle Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province)
Yunan County is also famed for its seedless wampee fruit, known for its sweet-tart balance and used to make jams, wines, and preserves. Don't miss out!
(Photo: Local Chronicle Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
