Four Hidden Gem Cities Just 2 Hours from Guangzhou by High-Speed Rail

Weekend Getaways Within Guangzhou's 2-Hour High-Speed Rail Circle

1. Hezhou (1.5 hours) – Slow Living in Karst Wonderland
🚄 6 daily trains, fastest trip 1h28m
🌟 Highlights
- Huangyao Ancient Town: A quieter alternative to Fenghuang with flagstone alleys and century-old banyans. Romantic lantern-lit streets at night.
- Hiking through waterfalls at Gupo Mountain, take a mini train through forests (filming location of "Homemade Wine")
- Must-try: Oil tea, fermented bean paste noodles, DIY Hakka bamboo tube rice

📅 Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Morning train → Huangyao (overnight)
Day2: Gupo Mountain → Return afternoon

2. Chenzhou (1h15m) – Photographer's Fairyland in Mist
🚄 20+ daily trains, fastest 1h04m
📸 Must-see
- Morning fog fishing nets at Xiaodong River (best May-Oct)
- Aerial shots of Gaoyiling's "Dragon Spine" red cliffs
- Biking around "Little Erhai" at Bailang, feast on fresh Dongjiang fish

🍜 Foodie Bonus
Slaughtered pork noodles + rice dumplings + Linwu duck. Night snacks at Wuling Square BBQ

💡 Tip
Recommended to rent car – scenic spots are scattered but roads are good

3. Shaoguan (50min) – Guangdong's Backyard Paradise
🚄 Trains every 30min, fastest 47min
🌿 Unique Experiences
- Yunmen Mountain Glass Bridge + Yao ethnic performances (less crowded on weekdays)
- Nanhua Temple with Sixth Patriarch's remains – famous for love blessings
- Forest hot springs and starry tents at Jinglvlun Town

🍁 Seasonal Specials
November: Nanxiong ginkgo leaves | March: Lechang peach blossoms

4. Qingyuan (24min) – Underrated Adventure Capital
🚄 Guang-Qing intercity trains, multiple daily
🎢 Thrills
- Gulong Canyon Glass Bridge + rafting (Guangdong's most exciting)
- Bijiashan waterfall trekking + jungle zipline
- Sunrise over Liannan Yao Village's thousand-year terraces

🐔 Food Guide
Head straight to "Underpass Chicken Pot" after arrival. Post-rafting: Try hairy fig root soup

🚗 Comparison Guide
| Destination | Best For | Season | Budget |
|-------------|----------|--------|--------|
| Hezhou | Artsy couples/families | Spring/Fall | ¥600/2D |
| Chenzhou | Photographers/outdoorsy | Summer/Fall | ¥800/2D |
| Shaoguan | Culture/thermal lovers | Year-round | ¥500/2D |
| Qingyuan | Adventurers/team trips | Summer | ¥400/2D |

💬 Local Pro Tips
1. Take direct bus from Hezhou Station to Huangyao (¥30) – avoid scam taxis
2. Arrive at Xiaodongjiang before 6am for morning fog
3. Danxia Mountain needs full day – don't believe "half-day tour" claims
4. Weekdays for Qingyuan rafting – weekend queues exceed 2 hours