May Day Golden Week: Head to Zengcheng, Guangzhou for a Lung-Cleansing Escape
Because of the pandemic, it's been almost half a year since I last went out. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to having a great time during the May Day holiday. But if you're still worried about traveling too far, I think a local getaway is a good choice. For example, living in Guangzhou, I chose to go to Zengcheng, Guangzhou, because it's far from the city center and the air quality is excellent. Once there, you can take off your mask and breathe freely—it's a perfect opportunity for a 'lung cleanse'.
What to do and eat in Zengcheng? Let's take a look at the attractions and delicacies Yaoyao recommends!
1978 Film Town is a creative redevelopment of the former Zengcheng Sugar and Paper Mill and its surrounding old factories, warehouses, scattered dwellings, and old villages, forming a brand-new cultural and creative zone infused with nostalgic elements. Today, 1978 Film Town has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub of Zengcheng, boasting an eclectic mix of retro charm and modern culture. It houses many photo-worthy spots such as Windsor Castle, the White Church, Reform and Opening-up Avenue, an art museum, a museum, a yacht marina, a cinema, and B4 Theater. It also offers specialty cuisine, cultural arts, grand celebrations, theaters, leisure B&Bs, creative incubators—all in one place. This cultural town carries 'memories of Zengcheng' and is the prime destination for locals to enjoy a diverse cultural experience.
The red-brick factory buildings, the towering chimneys... In 1978 Film Town, traces of the old Zengcheng Sugar and Paper Mill are still faintly visible.
The church is also a famous Instagram-worthy spot in 1978. If you love taking photos, don't miss it.
The 1978 Art Museum houses a collection of precious artworks by renowned artists. If you're an art lover, be sure to appreciate the treasures inside.
Additionally, you can explore the red revolutionary culture and history exhibits.
Inside the 1978 cultural and creative town, there's a barber shop with a strong retro vibe. From the staff's attire to the shop's decoration, everything exudes an 80s feel. I saw a customer getting a haircut, and the barber even styled '1978' into his hair—so cool!
Apart from the photo spots, there's also a trendy café called 'Ruizhi Sanqiu' (瑞知三秋). I heard their baked goods are very famous. The interior design is also distinctive. When you're tired from walking, stopping by for a cup of coffee and some dessert is a great choice.
Zengcheng is a city blessed with beautiful natural scenery, and the 'Zengjiang Gallery' along the Zengjiang River is a sightseeing destination created for this purpose. The Zengjiang Gallery comprises the east and west banks, featuring over ten meticulously designed tourist attractions and nodes, including Chuxi Sports Park, the natural sand beach swimming area, Hezhizhou, the Guangzhou Asian Games dragon boat racing venue, Lijiang Park, Qiaotou Greenway Comprehensive Service Area, Liantang Village Greenway and Farmhouse Entertainment Park, Baihu Water Town, He Xiangu's Ancestral Temple, Xiaolou Renjia, and Huxin Island.
Through riverbank renovation and beautification, coupled with water environment improvements along the route, a large number of flowering trees and plants that bloom year-round have been planted on both banks. With the reflection of the Zengjiang River, a picturesque scene is created: 'The spring river intoxicates visitors, while flowers on both banks gaze upon the lychee homeland.'
On such a bright spring day, it's especially suitable to bring the whole family to Zengjiang Gallery for a spring outing, to enjoy the warmth of the season together.
Legend has it that He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals, was from Xiaolou in Zengcheng, and the ancestral temple was built to worship her. Since you're in Zengcheng, how can you miss visiting He Xiangu's Ancestral Temple? Located in Xiaolou Town of Zengcheng, the temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty, and has undergone repairs through wars and upheavals. It was extensively renovated in the Ming Dynasty and again in 1858 during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng era.
The temple has a brick-and-stone beam-frame structure. The first and third halls have 13 purlins with a front corridor and gable walls with fire seals; the second hall is a four-column, single-bay, five-purlin worship pavilion with a flush gable roof, both the main ridge and descending ridges adorned with upturned decorations. The interior and exterior decorations are dominated by wood, lime, and brick carvings, with eaves boards featuring flower-bird and opera figures, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Pay attention to the temple's front gate: the lintel stone bears the inscription 'He Xiangu's Ancestral Temple' in clerical script, written by Huang Peifang in 1858. The stone couplet on the gate pillars reads in running script: 'A thousand years of footprints left by the immortal's well, a hundred generations of robes bow before the ancient shrine,' composed by the official Wang Yingdou. In the upper couplet, the characters '履' and '舄' both refer to embroidered shoes, referencing the tale of He Xiangu throwing herself into a well a millennium ago, leaving her shoes by the well. The lower couplet reflects the temple's long history and people's reverence for He Xiangu.
Within the temple complex are sites like the Immortal Maiden Hall, the celestial peach on the temple roof, the Immortal Maiden Well, Sanzhong Temple, and the Eight Immortals Hall. Each year, the temple hosts two major festivals: He Xiangu's birthday on the 7th day of the third lunar month, and the day she attained immortality on the 8th day of the eighth lunar month. Devotees spontaneously organize grand commemorative events, drawing huge crowds and creating spectacular scenes.
Zengcheng's Baishui Village has long been famous. Since you're in such a place with fresh air, how can you miss Baishui Village, a treasure trove of negative ions? The scenic area features towering peaks and rolling mountains that embody grandeur, uniqueness, danger, and beauty. With abundant rainfall, high humidity, and a moderate climate, it boasts rich flora and fauna resources and still preserves the pristine beauty of its forests.
The Baishui Fairy Waterfall cascades down from the alpine tarn with majestic force, like the Milky Way pouring onto the earth. The rushing water crashes with thunderous roars that stir the soul. With a drop of 428.5 meters, it's the tallest waterfall in inland China. From a distance, the waterfall resembles a dignified ancient lady holding a white lotus and standing gracefully in the wind. Legend has it that this waterfall is the incarnation of He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals. Its negative ion concentration is the highest, unmatched anywhere in the Lingnan region.
'Muji Yunxi Mountain Retreat' is likened to a paradise on earth because it is hidden among mountains and forests, with hills, streams, birdsong, and flower fragrances, infused with a Zen-like atmosphere. It lives in nature and blends into it, with small bridges over flowing water. It feels secluded from the world, yet uniquely different—imbued with a rustic charm yet full of modern touches.
The beauty of 'Muji Yunxi' cannot be captured in just a few words—I believe you need to come and experience it slowly. Backed against a mountain, separated by a stream, with dense woods and bamboo groves echoing each other, isn't this the living environment we've always dreamed of? Listen quietly to the sound of flowing water, listen to birdsong and intoxicating flower fragrances, crickets chirping at night under the crescent moon... feelings tied to Muji at Yunxi.
When you arrive at Zhengguo Old Street in Zengcheng, you'll surely be captivated by the dazzling array of wonton shops! Why? Because the wontons on Zhengguo Old Street are incredibly famous, and tourists come here just to taste these delicious morsels. The wonton fillings are also very diverse—from traditional pork to fresh shrimp, seaweed, crab roe, sesame, and more. There's bound to be one that suits your palate! Of course, other snacks like rice noodles (lai fun) and fried wontons are also worth trying. Don't miss them when you visit Zhengguo Old Street.
Zengcheng boasts a plethora of delicacies, a place that will satisfy your taste buds. Even the picky eaters from Guangzhou will find their cravings met. What dishes do I recommend? Of course! At the authentic Zengcheng restaurant inside 1978 Film Town, you can taste typhoon shelter-style dishes from 'Xi Ji' (喜记), hailing from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Typhoon shelter roast chicken, typhoon shelter fried tofu, typhoon shelter fried shrimp, and even typhoon shelter stir-fried crab—you can try them all. The flavors are fantastic and go great with rice. Be sure to give them a taste!
Of course, there are also many traditional dishes in Zengcheng. Apart from the well-known Paitan tofu and Zengjiang river fresh seafood, there are plenty of other outstanding dishes worth trying. I personally love the Zengcheng plain-poached free-range chicken, roast chicken, and Hakka braised goose—their flavors differ from elsewhere and are excellently prepared. The roast chicken is especially tender and juicy, with plump meat that kids will adore. Additionally, dishes like stir-fried chicken gizzards with pickled cucumber, egg omelette with mugwort leaves, superior stock with white cauliflower, and black garlic free-range chicken soup are local specialties well worth sampling!
To ensure visitors eat well, have fun, and breathe comfortably during May Day, the people of Zengcheng have thoughtfully prepared nine different travel routes to meet the needs of different groups: 'Wellness and lung-cleansing trip to Zengcheng, with great food, fun, and fresh air.'
Route 1: 'Refreshing and Lung-Cleansing' Green Tour
Itinerary: Dafengmen Scenic Area – Baishui Fairy Waterfall Scenic Area – Shimalong Wetland Park – Baishui Village Rural Ecological Park – Xiangjiang Health Valley
Food Recommendations: Traditional Baishui Village roast chicken, steamed reservoir fish head with black olives, bamboo tube steamed meatballs, steamed river shrimp with pit snails, salted late-season choy sum, steamed kudzu slices
Route 2: Idyllic Small Town Getaway
Itinerary: Shangjiupi Village – Deng Village – Menghuabu Beautiful Countryside – She Ethnic Folk Culture Village
Food Recommendations: Paitan mountain tofu, Paitan kudzu, Paitan white tea, Zhengguo cured meats, Zhengguo Huangtang pickled vegetables, Zhengguo wontons, rice noodles (lai fun)
Route 3: Ethereal Spiritual Tour
Itinerary: He Xiangu Scenic Area (Ancestral Temple, Immortal Maiden Well, Celestial Peach on Temple Roof, Millennium Immortal Vine, Immortal Maiden Pagoda, Bell Tower) – Xiaolou Renjia Scenic Area (Boating and lotus picking on Eight Immortals Lake, Shizu Xianshan Lychee Orchard, Baode Ancestral Hall)
Food Recommendations: Xiaolou winter melon banquet, Zengcheng choy sum banquet
Route 4: Wellness and Hot Spring Tour
Itinerary: Baishui Fairy Waterfall Scenic Area – Dafengmen Scenic Area – Wellness Hot Springs Tour (Zengcheng Golden Leaf Hot Spring, Sanying Hot Spring, Xiangjiang Health Valley, Gaotan Hot Spring, etc.)
Food Recommendations: Paitan roast chicken, Baishui Village sweet potatoes
Route 5: Natural Oxygen Bar Eco Tour
Itinerary: Menghuabu Village – Jiaoshiling Forest Park – Lihu Lake – Zengjiang Gallery – Fengtai Lansheng – Shitan Dragon Boat Scene
Food Recommendations: Licheng lychee banquet, Shitan clam soup, Shitan whole beef feast
Route 6: Lingnan Style Leisure Tour
Itinerary: Erlongshan Scenic Area – Zhongxin Cui Taishi Ancestral Hall – Kengbei Village Ancient Architecture Complex – Cui Yuzhi Memorial Hall
Food Recommendations: Zhucun chicken rice, Zhongxin Hakka braised goose
Route 7: Greenway Cycling Leisurely Tour
Itinerary: Licheng Street Section (South) – Paitan Town Section (North) – Zengjiang Street Section (East)
Food Recommendations: Licheng lychee banquet, Paitan roast chicken, Licheng lychee banquet
Route 8: Charming Zengcheng Cultural Tour
Itinerary: She Ethnic Folk Culture Village – 1978 Film Town – Zengjiang Gallery – Lihu Lake
Food Recommendations: She ethnic loquat wine, lychees, mountain pit snails
Route 9: Rustic Charm Tour
Itinerary: Baishui Fairy Waterfall Scenic Area – Shangjiupi Village in Paitan Town – Deng Village in Paitan Town – Xiaolou Renjia Scenic Area
Food Recommendations: Xiaolou winter melon banquet, Zengcheng choy sum banquet
Beautiful mountains, clear waters, fresh air; delicious food, fun activities, and pure relaxation! Zengcheng on the outskirts of Guangzhou satisfies all the needs of the whole family—enjoying high mountains, waterfalls, forests, fields, farming adventures, hill climbing, and water play, all in one place! Come for a lung-nourishing, lung-strengthening trip this May Day!
Lastly, a few reminders:
1. Three groups should avoid traveling: the elderly, chronic disease patients, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups are advised not to travel.
2. It's recommended to opt for nearby off-peak travel, avoid popular attractions or peak times, and refrain from engaging in activities in enclosed spaces.
3. Take protective measures during the journey: wear a mask at all times, practice good hand hygiene, and keep tickets safe for future reference.
4. Maintain protection during the trip: queue orderly at scenic spots, maintain interpersonal distance, choose accommodations with good hygiene conditions. If symptoms such as fever, dry cough, or fatigue appear, seek medical attention immediately at the nearest facility.
Travelogue Contents: 1. Recommended Attraction One: 1978 Film Town 2. Recommended Attraction Two: Zengjiang Gallery 3. Recommended Attraction Three: He Xiangu's Ancestral Temple 4. Recommended Attraction Four: Baishui Village 5. Recommended Attraction Five: A secluded paradise in the outskirts, staying at Muji Yunju 6. Food Recommendations: Travel Information, Hotel Index, Guide Index, Flight Ticket Index, Website Navigation, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Franchise Cooperation, Distribution Alliance, Friendly Links, Corporate Gift Card Purchasing, Insurance Agents, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Affiliations, Destination and Scenic Spot Cooperation, More Franchise Cooperation, About Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip Hot Topics, Contact Us, Job Opportunities, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Announcement
