Hanjiang River

    The Hanjiang River is the mother river of Chaozhou. One of China’s Four Famous Ancient Bridges, Guangji Bridge spans the river in the old town of Chaozhou. Traveling along the Hanjiang River, you can experience a completely different Guangdong style — Chaoshan culture, with its unique traditional food, tea, music and wood-carving.

    In addition to Guangji Bridge (also called Xiangzi Bridge by locals), there are many historic spots in Sanhe Dam, Chaozhou, such as the country’s earliest Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Wanda Tomb and ancient towns of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

    The Nan’ao Island in Shantou City is an isolated wonderland. As a strategic area for military use throughout history, there are many historic sites on the island including batteries and military camps. A national forest park, Huanghua Mountain, is also located on the island. Numerous windmills built along the mountains have become part of the splendid landscape of southern Guangdong.

    Transport

    Driving: Take the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and the Shenzhen-Shantou Expressway to get to Chaozhou and Shantou. Take the ferry from Shantou to the Nan’ao Island.

    Buses: Buses leave Shenzhen to Chaozhou every day at Nantou, Luohu, Futian and Donghu bus stations.

    Delicacies:

    Chaozhou cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood and special cooking methods. Traditional snacks in Chaozhou are also very popular. These include fish balls and Chaozhou-style beef balls.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)

    AUTUMN in Guangdong Province is a delightful season with warm sun and beautiful scenery. Enjoying a drive alongside the rivers is just perfect for a weekend getaway. Below are two recommended rivers in Guangdong.

    Beijiang River

    The Beijiang River runs through Shaoguan in Guangdong Province and flows into the Xijiang River in Sanshui, Foshan City. Along the river lies Guangdong Province’s most famous mountain, Danxia Mountain, and several canyons in Yingde and Qingyuan counties famous for rafting.

    A festival for people with the family name Li will be held Oct. 20 (the lunar Sept. 13) in Wujing County, which was established about 160 years ago. Everyone in the neighborhood with the surname Li will hold a series of traditional activities over six days to worship their ancestors.

    Wujing is one of the few towns in China to have kept this ancient tradition — a surname festival — and there are currently festivals for about 60 surnames held each year in the ancient town. Each has its own unique styles and activities, attracting many visitors to experience the culture of southern China.

    Longquan Gorge, Feilai Gorge and Huangchuan Gorge along the Beijiang River are popular attractions for rafting and sightseeing, with about 72 peaks, 10 waterfalls and numerous stone inscriptions.

    Transport

    Driving: Take the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, onto the Guangzhou Beierhuan Expressway, then the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway and exit at Shaoguan and to get to Shaoguan.

    Take the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and Guangzhou-Qingyuan Expressway to get to Qingyuan.

    Buses: Buses to Qingyuan and Wujing leave Shenzhen every day from Nanshan, Luohu and Futian bus stations.

    Delicacies: Shaoguan’s stewed meat is very famous, with a slightly salty and spicy flavor, while chicken in Qingyuan is a must-try.