Guangzhou-Shenzhen 1h high-speed train direct|4 lesser-known small cities in Guangdong, unlock four ways to relax on weekends
When summer arrives, Guangzhou and Shenzhen become hot and crowded, with popular islands and shopping districts full of tourists. For short trips, you just want a quiet place. No need for long travel, within a one-hour high-speed train radius, there are four low-key treasure small cities. With Zen hot springs, thousand-year-old Hakka ancient towns, UNESCO heritage overseas Chinese watchtowers, and green plum creek valleys and forests, there are no crowded tour groups, prices are affordable, suitable for a day trip or a two-day slow vacation, easily escaping the city heat.
Quick overview and style distinction of the four cities
♨️ Yunfu Xinxing|40 minutes by high-speed train, Zen hot spring town, the top choice for relaxing and calming down
🏮 Heyuan Longchuan|50 minutes by high-speed train, Qin dynasty Hakka ancient county, combines Danxia landscapes and culture
🌾 Jiangmen Kaiping|1 hour by high-speed train, UNESCO heritage watchtower overseas Chinese town, pastoral retro photo spot
💧 Shanwei Luhe|40–60 minutes by high-speed train, green plum bamboo sea creek valley, a secret summer creek hiking cool spot
1. Yunfu Xinxing|A Zen hot spring town hidden in Lingnan, the ultimate place to heal and unwind
Only 40 minutes from Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed train, the city’s pace is slow, without commercialized noise. It stands out with Zen culture and natural sulfur hot springs. Mountains, ancient temples, and countryside blend together, perfect for letting go of worries and relaxing.
Featured attractions
1. Guoen Temple
The ancestral home of the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, open to the public for free. Inside, a thousand-year-old lychee tree stands quietly, the halls are simple and serene, away from city noise. After visiting, try the temple’s vegetarian noodles, light and refreshing, fully immersing in the tranquil Zen atmosphere.
2. Shuidong Ancient Village
A niche village of Neo-Confucianism, with rows of horse-head walls and ancestral halls, intricate brick and stone carvings, very few tourists. Stroll along the ancient stone alleys to experience the authentic life of a Lingnan ancient village, ideal for quiet wandering and photography.
3. Cangfo Keng Creek Valley + Longshan Hot Springs
The valley is shaded by ancient trees, the creek stays cool year-round. Walk slowly along the trail to cool off and breathe fresh air. In the afternoon, soak in the natural sulfur hot springs surrounded by forest, soothing and relaxing. In the evening, stroll along nearby rural paths with gentle healing breezes.
Local specialties
Xinxing large wrapped steamed rice dumplings, Lezhu field snails, Sixth Patriarch vegetarian cakes, selenium-rich farm river delicacies. Small town shops offer great value, with meals costing around 30–40 per person.
Suitable for: couples relaxing, elders unwinding, Zen-style chilling, escaping summer heat
2. Heyuan Longchuan|Over 2,000 years of Hakka ancient town, a hidden cultural and natural gem
An ancient Lingnan city established as a county in the Qin dynasty, 50 minutes by high-speed train. The old town is breezy and cool, with dense mountain vegetation in the suburbs. Temperatures are lower than Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It preserves authentic Hakka culture with almost no commercialized tourist spots.
Featured attractions
1. Tuocheng Ancient Town
A free-to-visit thousand-year-old town with hundreds of Ming and Qing ancestral halls, ancient docks, and intact old city walls. The streets are filled with local residents’ daily life, no mass tourist shops. At dusk, soft light and ancient buildings with the sunset create perfect photos with an old-world vibe.
2. Huoshan Danxia Scenic Area
One of Guangdong’s seven famous mountains, with gentle slopes and full green coverage along the way. Few exposed sunny spots. The “One-line Sky” and “Boat Head Rock” offer wide views, constant mountain breeze, easy hiking with no pressure. From the top, you can overlook the entire Dongjiang River valley.
3. Dongjiang Riverside Ecological Trail
A wide riverside leisure corridor with open views. Evening river breezes cool down the air. Watch fishing boats slowly pass by at sunset, the river surface glowing orange. Perfect for a relaxing post-dinner walk.
Local specialties
Tuocheng tofu balls, Dongjiang salt-baked chicken, Hakka stuffed three treasures, beef tendon cake, mugwort rice cake. Authentic Hakka flavors with lively local eateries.
Suitable for: history lovers, family short trips, light hiking, ancient village photography enthusiasts
3. Jiangmen Kaiping|UNESCO heritage overseas Chinese town, bamboo forest watchtowers unlock retro Nanyang style
One hour by high-speed train to Kaiping South Station. Unlike the crowded Chikan main street, the countryside is dotted with many niche watchtower clusters. Century-old Western-style buildings blend with rice fields, lotus ponds, and vast bamboo forests, like a movie filter. In summer, the bamboo forest and watchtower interiors are cool and comfortable, perfect to escape the heat.
Featured attractions
1. Majianglong Watchtower Cluster
A UNESCO village surrounded by thousands of acres of green bamboo, known as Guangdong’s most beautiful watchtower village. Stone paths wind through the bamboo sea, leaves block strong sunlight, making the walk cool and peaceful. Seven century-old watchtowers hide among lush greenery, with far fewer visitors than mainstream spots.
2. Zili Village Watchtower Cluster
Filming location for “Let the Bullets Fly,” rice fields and lotus ponds surround various watchtowers. The interiors are airy and cool. Climb the towers to overlook the entire pastoral landscape. Early morning mist covers the village, creating a perfect retro photography setting.
3. Tangkou Arts and Cultural District
Old granary transformed into a pioneer bookstore, rural cafes, 3:3 afternoon tea, and intangible cultural heritage craft shops all available. On hot days, enjoy air conditioning and a quiet artistic atmosphere. In the evening, visit Chikan ancient town nearby, stroll the arcade streets, and watch the sunset over Tan River.
Local specialties
Magang firewood eel rice, ancient well roast goose, Chikan tofu dumplings, salted chicken cage. Fresh ingredients from rural farmhouses, authentic overseas Chinese flavors.
Suitable for: retro film photography, pastoral relaxation, cultural study tours, quiet rural vacations
4. Shanwei Luhe|Eastern Guangdong green plum forest secret spot, a niche summer creek hiking cool place
Fastest 40 minutes from Shenzhen North high-speed train. A famous green plum hometown in Guangdong, with evergreen mountain forests and bamboo seas. Creeks run through the valleys. Average summer temperature is 24°C. It’s a little-known natural water play secret in the Pearl River Delta, avoiding crowded popular islands.
Featured attractions
1. Luodong Secluded Plum Garden
Continuous green plum forests with creeks flowing through. Tall trees form a natural shade canopy. Gentle forest trails are perfect for walking and breathing fresh air. The valley’s shallow water is clear, perfect for barefoot wading and cooling off in summer. Water mist refreshes instantly, driving away heat.
2. Gongguang Hakka Ancient Village
Original ecological Hakka homes arranged along the mountain, with blue-tile old houses, ancient wells, and trees at the village entrance. Quiet streets with no tour groups. Walk along the creek beside the village to feel the simple rural life.
3. Huoshanzhang Viewing Platform
Gentle mountain trail with dense vegetation. From the top, overlook the entire green plum forest and village. Evening mountain breeze is cool, ideal for watching the sunset over the wild hills.
Local specialties
Luhe lei cha tea, Hakka beef offal, salted vegetable rice cake, dried bamboo stewed native pork. Light and refreshing mountain Hakka flavors with a wide variety of snacks.
Suitable for: summer creek hiking and water play, forest oxygen therapy, family trips, travelers tired of crowded islands
Precise guide to choosing among the four small cities
✔️ Hot springs and relaxation, zero hiking Zen vacation, elders traveling → Yunfu Xinxing
✔️ Thousand-year-old Hakka architecture, light Danxia hiking, low-cost cultural day trip → Heyuan Longchuan
✔️ Retro watchtower film photography, pastoral scenery, artistic slow stroll → Jiangmen Kaiping
✔️ Mountain creek hiking and water play, green plum forest sea, cool summer escape → Shanwei Luhe
Practical tips for short high-speed train trips
1. The four small cities have frequent high-speed train services, allowing same-day round trips from Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A 2-day 1-night trip offers a more relaxed pace.
2. Mountain and valley areas have large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a light jacket in summer and extra clothes for creek hiking.
3. All destinations have affordable prices. Homestays and farmhouses cost around 100 yuan, with no hidden fees. Local customs are simple and friendly.
4. Few tourists on weekdays, double the crowd on weekends. For a quiet immersive experience, travel off-peak.
5. Seasonal travel recommendations: prioritize Xinxing and Luhe for summer cooling, and Kaiping watchtowers and Longchuan ancient town for spring and autumn visits.
Summary
No need for long-distance travel. Within a one-hour high-speed train radius from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, you can find four distinct Lingnan landscapes. The gentle tranquility of Xinxing’s Zen hot springs, the rich heritage of Longchuan’s thousand-year-old Hakka town, the retro pastoral charm of Kaiping’s bamboo forest watchtowers, and the cool mountain creek valleys of Luhe’s green plum forests. Use a weekend to briefly escape city heat and crowds, and enjoy a relaxing, healing short trip.