Panlong Gorge, Zhaoqing

    Panlong Gorge scenic area is located in the northwest of Deqing County, Zhaoqing.

    In spring, peach blossoms thrive at the gorge. Travelers can take pictures or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the flower.

    The gorge, the largest natural oxygen bar in South China, is home to more than 100 waterfalls. The Guangdong provincial tourism administration has acknowledged that the waterfalls are some of the region’s most spectacular.

    The area is also full of ancient trees, including the living fossil plant alsophila podophylla, which has national level-one protection and can be seen everywhere. The gorge also has cultural significance, being associated with dragon legends.

    Other things travelers can enjoy include rafting, hiking, the country’s largest group of waterwheels, and a spa.

    Transport: Drive to Panlong Gorge from Shenzhen to Deqing via Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Sanshui Expressway, Guangzhou-Zhaoqing Expressway and No. 321 national highway.

    Delicacies: Shouwu cake, stuffed black tofu, stuffed sweet potato, fish and Shanshui tofu.

    Xiangshui Gorge,

    Conghua

    Xiangshui Gorge may not be the country’s most famous place for rape flower, but in March the gorge becomes a golden sea of azaleas.

    Located in Conghua, the gorge is only three hours from Shenzhen by car.

    Since ancient times, the gorge has been renowned for its length, waterfalls, and the variety of its flowers.

    The Flower Sea in the scenic area covers an area of 400,000 square meters. There are more than 100 types of flower such as rape flower, cherry blossom, sunflower, daisy and jasmine.

    The gorge also offers opportunities for rafting, hiking, sightseeing, oxygen relaxation, swimming in a large cascading natural pool, and accommodation at a mountaintop hut resort.

    Women can get discounts when visiting the gorge in March and more discounts will be offered to groups with more than 10 travelers.

    Transport: Drive to Xiangshui Gorge from Shenzhen via Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou Airport Expressway, Jiebei Expressway and No.105 national highway.

    Delicacies: Lutian meat, tofu, bamboo shoot, vegetables and fruits of all kinds.(Wang Yuanyuan)