NOW that a network of “green tracks” has been constructed in Guangdong Province, taking long bike-rides has become popular, allowing visitors to get exercise whilst enjoying the beautiful Pearl River Delta scenery. You can hike along the tracks or ride a bicycle with your family and friends, while gazing at the mountains, lakes and cityscapes.

    Zengcheng riding tracks

    Along the hiking tracks in Zengcheng, you can view both the modern city and the rural scenery. There are forests, wet lands, orchards and a river along the 100-kilometer green passage from south to north, reminding one of a Chinese landscape painting.

    Cycling from Licheng to Baishuizhai via Paitan, Xiaolou, Zhengguo and Licheng, you can enjoy the scenic spots in Zengcheng: Baishuizhai, Hexiangu, traditional Cantonese village buildings and the Zengcheng art gallery.

    There are waterfalls in Baishuizhai and a painting festival will also be on during the May Day holiday. This will mainly be a celebration of paintings of the local landscape, but visitors can also try their own hand at painting during the festival.

    Xiaolou section is from Licheng to Paitan, where you can find the hometown of He, the famous Fairy Lady, an ancient woman who later became a benevolent fairy. There are several other tourist spots there, such as the temple, the tower, the bell tower and the caves.

    When riding to Licheng section, you will be amazed by the beauty of the Zenghe River. The serenity of the river reflects the simple lives of the villagers, and is a perfect break from modern city life.

    There are several types of bicycle available for rent along the tracks.

    Transport: You can drive from Shenzhen to Zengcheng via Guangshen Expressway, Airport Expressway, Jiebei Expressway, Paicong Road and Zengpai Road and get to Baishuizhai Tourism Attraction.

    Buses to Zengchen are available at Luohu, Longhua, Nanshan, Donghu and Yinhu bus stations.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in those places. Alternatively, you can stay with the hospitable locals.

Yunfu hiking tracks

    All five main hiking tracks in Yunfu start from downtown and all enable you to climb onto the Dajin Mountain or across Dawan, a famously beautiful village on your way.

    There are hiking paths as well as cycling lanes. Two more tracks for automobiles are also being planned. After construction of the tracks is completed, you will also be able to ride from Nanshan Forest Park to the city through communities, schools, department stores and public venues.

    There are five main tracks in the countryside with a total combined length of more than 500 kilometers. They start from Nanshan Forest Park and end at Dajin Mountain, Longshanguo’en Temple, Wen Tower, Tongle Mountain Nature Reserve and Yun’an County.

    The driving tracks are Xijiang driving track and Nanjiang ecological driving track.

    There are various types of precious tree in Dajin Mountain and travelers can also abandon their bikes to enjoy a little walk in the green forest.

    But most special about Tongdao is its unique and well-preserved ancient buildings, important to the cultural heritage of southern China. Dawan ancient buildings and Liantan Guangyi Hall are the two must-go places to experience the old fashioned village lifestyle in Guangdong Province. Dawan is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Guangdong Province for the 46 ancient buildings in the area.

    Luoding is the hometown of many heroes of the Taiping Rebellion (1851-1864). It is also considered the birthplace of the Nanjiang culture of Guangdong Province.

    Transport: Drive to Yunfu from Shenzhen through Guangshen Expressway, Fufo Expressway, Guangsan Expressway, Guangzhao Expressway and Guangyun Expressway.

    Buses to Yunfu are available at Futian, Longhua, Nanshan and Pingshan bus stations.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels. (Wang Yuanyuan)