As the new year begins, Guangdong Province unveiled a fresh wave of national AAA-rated tourist attractions across several cities, offering travelers more options for culture, nature and leisure. From ethnic villages and ancient towns to coastal harbors and forest parks, here's a closer look at these travel gems.
Shuangtian She Ethnic Folk Culture Village, Heyuan (双田畲族民俗文化村旅游区)
Located along the shores of Wanlv Lake, a famed "natural oxygen bar", Shuangtian She Ethnic Village blends lush forests with ethnic traditions, boasting stunning mountains, waters and tranquil rural views. Visitors can explore the ancient village, watch intangible cultural heritage shows, stay in boutique guesthouses, taste authentic She cuisine, and enjoy seasonal activities like fruit picking, tea garden walks and lakeside camping.
(Photo: Heyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Township Road 405, Dongyuan County, Heyuan (河源市东源县405乡道)
Also newly rated in Heyuan: Aoshan Creek Valley Eco-tourism Area (嶅山溪谷生态旅游区)
Songkou Ancient Town, Meizhou (松口古镇旅游区)
With a 1,200-year history, Songkou Ancient Town, one of Guangdong's four renowned ancient towns, was a key departure point for Hakka people emigrating to Nanyang (parts of Southeast Asia) in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Its old streets retain buildings that blend Hakka traditions, ancient architecture, and Nanyang styles. Visitors can wander historic streets, visit old shipping docks, and explore cultural exhibits, while local treats like Qilu biscuits, dace fried rice noodles, and mutton vinegar soup enhance the journey.
(Photo: Communist Youth League of China Guangdong Provincial Committee)
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Xincheng Road, Meixian District, Meizhou (梅州市梅县区新城路)
Also newly rated in Meizhou: Luhu Mountain Scenic Area (麓湖山旅游区); Taohuayuan Leisure Agriculture Tourism Area (桃花源休闲农业旅游区)
Yamen Fishing Harbor Scenic Area, Jiangmen (崖门渔港景区)
Nestled where mountains meet the sea, Yamen Fishing Harbor Scenic Area fuses maritime culture with coastal leisure. Visitors can take a yacht tour to admire the wharf, lake, bridge and ancient fortresses, relax at the white-toned Ya'nan Lighthouse Park, browse creative bazaars, or stay in sea-view homestays.
(Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: No. 24 Chongbian Road, Yamen Town, Xinhui District, Jiangmen (江门市新会区崖门镇冲边路24号)
Also newly rated AAA in Jiangmen: Infinitus Health Culture Base Scenic Area (无限极养生文化基地景区); Tangkou Old Market Scenic Area (塘口旧墟旅游区)
Anpu Qilou Ancient Street, Zhanjiang (安铺骑楼老街)
Dating back to 1444, Anpu Town is another of Guangdong's four renowned ancient towns. Its qilou (arcade buildings) street, built mainly in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period, reflects a blend of Nanyang, French, and Lingnan architectural influences shaped by maritime trade. Now a tourist attraction focused on historic architecture and local food, the ancient street allows visitors to admire the unique scenery and taste specialties like white-cut chicken and Boji steamed rice cakes.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
Address: About 50 meters north of Anpu Central Primary School, Donghuan Road, Lianjiang county-level City, Zhanjiang (湛江市廉江市东环路廉江市安铺中心小学北侧约50米)
Jinxiang Mountain Forest Park, Zhaoqing (金象山森林公园)
Jinxiang Mountain Forest Park offers sweeping views of the Xijiang River and city skyline from its observation decks. Its main scenic axis links 18 spots like skywalk stairways and a scenic "sky mirror" installation. Cafes along the route allow visitors to rest and take in the views, while well-maintained paths accommodate hiking and sightseeing buses.
(Photo: Qingyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Yanjiang Third Road, Gaoyao District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市高要区沿江三路)
Xiajing Xiaohuashan Scenic Area, Qingyuan (下迳小华山景区)
Xiajing Xiaohuashan Scenic Area boasts karst landscapes, clear streams, and fresh mountain air. Rich in natural resources, the area offers a balance of adventure and wellness tourism. Even first-time climbers can experience via ferrata routes under professional supervision, enjoying the thrill of scaling rocky cliffs. Afterward, visitors can relax at hot spring lodges and wellness facilities equipped with fish therapy pools, steam rooms, and outdoor swimming areas.
(Photo: Qingxin Fabu)
Address: No. 53 Xiajing Village, Liujiadong Village, Jintan Town, Qingxin District, Qingyuan (清远市清新区浸潭镇六甲洞下迳53号)
Also newly rated in Qingyuan: Lianzhang Rural Tourism Area (连樟乡村旅游区); Hongqi Tea Factory Scenic Area (红旗茶厂景区); China Ying Stone Garden Scenic Area (中华英石园旅游景区); Xiadong Natural Forest Oxygen Resort (夏东天然森氧度假旅游景区); Yushui Scenic Area (鱼水风景区)
More new national AAA-level tourist attractions in Guangdong:
Andun Tourism Area, Huizhou (安墩旅游区)
Hanxishui Cultural Tourism Area, Dongguan (寒溪水文化旅游景区)
Jieyang Museum (揭阳市博物馆)
Huoju Village Rural Tourism Scenic Area, Jieyang (火炬村乡村旅游景区)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
