The 2026 China Eco-Culture Forum kicked off in Guangzhou on Thursday, unveiling the first batch of "Top 100 Beautiful China Signature Sites" across the country, with 10 selected from Guangdong to mark the province's strides in ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
Launched on April 17, 2026, the selection campaign seeks to highlight exemplary sites featuring a mix of natural scenery, ecological value, and cultural legacy. The 10 sites in Guangdong range from restored mining pits to age-old villages and migratory bird stopovers.
Guangzhou's green urban renewal
Two sites in Guangzhou showcase the city's achievements in transforming abandoned industrial sites into valuable green assets. Located approximately 30 minutes' drive from central Guangzhou, Huadu Lake National Wetland Park has been transformed from a large mining pit into an "urban green hub." It now features open lake views, flower fields, and habitats for rare birds and leopard cats.
Phoenix Lake Park in Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City, also a former quarry, features seven interconnected lakes whose waters mirror the modern city skyline. With cascading waterfalls and wooden boardwalks, it showcases the integration of mountains, urban landscapes and water features.
Shantou's leading ecological practices
Chenghai District of Shantou is the first area in eastern Guangdong to earn two official accolades: the National Ecological Civilization Demonstration Zone and a pilot innovation base for the "Two Mountains" philosophy—"Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets." Along the Hanjiang River, the mangrove wetland park attracts visitors with flocks of flying egrets and clear waterways.
Within Chenghai District, the Eighteen Banyans site in Qianmei Village is home to centuries-old banyan trees with tangled branches and aerial roots, set against well-preserved traditional Chaoshan-style houses.
Industrial heritage and rural revitalization
Fankou National Mine Park in Shaoguan showcases the "green transformation" of a decommissioned mining site. Its well-preserved mining relics sit amid restored meadows and flower fields, creating a unique blend of industrial heritage and ecotourism resources.
Dongyuan County in Heyuan, the first "Two Mountains" pilot innovation base in Guangdong, is a critical part of the northern ecological barrier. Known as a giant emerald nestled amid rolling hills, Wanlü Lake (Xinfengjiang Reservoir) consistently meets China's Class I surface water quality benchmarks.
Ancient villages and trails
Niuguolang Ancient Village in Dongguan is an 800-year-old settlement featuring a well-preserved Lingnan Guangfu-style layout. The surrounding ancient forest, including dozens of banyan and hackberry trees over 500 years old, creates one of the region's most unique pristine ecological landscapes.
Hidden in the Wugui Mountains, Changkeng Trail in Zhongshan is described as a "fresh-air trail." Built with minimal man-made development, the trail winds past crystal-clear creeks and thick woodland, boasting high levels of negative air ions for nature lovers.
Bridges and bird flyways
Spanning the Tanjiang River in Kaiping, Jinshan Bridge in Jiangmen integrates local diaolou (watchtower-style) architecture into its main tower. Bougainvillea blooms year-round along its railings, creating a "crimson ribbon" view for drivers and passengers alike.
Lianzhou in Qingyuan lies along the Nanling ecological corridor and serves as a vital migratory bird stopover along the north-south flyway. Each autumn and winter, tens of thousands of birds gather here, offering spectacular scenes for birdwatchers.
The "Beautiful China Signature Sites" initiative is part of broader efforts to highlight ecological progress and promote sustainable tourism across the country.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
