Heyuan

Heyuan is known for its Hakka culture, lakes and mountain scenery, and dinosaur science attractions. Wanlü Lake is often called the “finest lake in South China,” while Heyuan is known as “China’s hometown of dinosaurs.” With a relaxed pace of life and relatively low costs, it is a good choice for a weekend or short holiday.

• Wanlü Lake: South China’s largest artificial lake has excellent water quality and offers boat trips and stand-up paddleboarding. Visit the Jinghuayuan Scenic Area for views across the lake from above.

• Heyuan Dinosaur Museum: The museum holds the world’s largest collection of fossilized dinosaur eggs. A highlight is the skeleton of Heyuannia huangi, making this a good place for children to learn about dinosaurs.

• Chunmuyuan Town: This emerging resort destination features the Poetry Chapel, Dragon Bone Playground and an infinity pool. It is suitable for photography, picnics and relaxed family outings.

• Bavaria Manor: Designed to resemble a German town, this resort brings together colorful castles, an amusement park and Guoyao Hot Springs. It suits a holiday focused on relaxation and recreation.

• Yequ Valley: Known locally as the “Jiuzhaigou of Guangdong,” this area offers stream play, stream trekking, forest climbing activities and rafting through dark caves. It is a good summer escape from the heat.

• Nanyuan Ancient Village: This 400-year-old Hakka village preserves traditional weilongwu, or enclosed “dragon houses.” With few visitors and a quiet setting, it is a pleasant place for walks and photography.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Culture and Night Views): Visit the Heyuan Dinosaur Museum in the morning to learn about Jurassic dinosaurs. In the afternoon, explore Guifeng Pagoda Park and take photos with a historic backdrop. Climbing Guifeng Pagoda is currently not permitted. Head to Taiping Ancient Street in the early evening to experience local street life. At 8 p.m., go to the riverside to see Asia’s tallest musical fountain, with lights and mist creating the nighttime display.

• Day 2 (Nature at Wanlü Lake): Spend a full day exploring Wanlü Lake. In the morning, take a boat to Shuiyue Bay, Longfeng Island and Jinghuayuan, and enjoy views of the green lake from the hilltop. In the afternoon, head to Yangmei Village for a privately operated paddleboarding session on the lake. Alternatively, visit the Nongfu Spring production facility to see its automated production line and receive free drinking water.

• Day 3 (Resort Relaxation or Stream Adventures): For a relaxing day, visit the Poetry Chapel at Chunmuyuan Town and enjoy its playground with non-motorized equipment or hot springs. For outdoor activities, head to Yequ Valley for stream trekking, collecting freshwater snails and cave rafting. Finish the trip in the afternoon and head home.

Recommended Hakka Dishes

Heyuan’s food belongs to the Dongjiang culinary tradition, which favors rich, salty and thoroughly cooked dishes while emphasizing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Hakka Stuffed Tofu: A signature Heyuan dish, made by filling soft tofu with minced meat, then pan-frying and braising it so it absorbs the cooking juices. Tender and flavorful, it suits diners of all ages.

• Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken: Chicken is cooked in coarse salt, producing crisp skin, tender meat and a distinctive aroma. It is also a common main dish at local banquets.

• Wanlü Lake Fish Feast: Fresh fish from Wanlü Lake is steamed or cooked in soup, with firm flesh and a naturally sweet flavor. Try it in Xingang Town or by the river in Xiantang.

• Badao Soup: Pork offal and rice noodles are simmered in broth, then seasoned with local shredded ginger and chopped scallions. It is a popular breakfast in Heyuan.

• Laoshu Rice Noodles: The slender noodles in this local snack resemble mouse tails, giving the dish its name. Smooth in texture, they are commonly stir-fried or served in soup.

• Radish Buns (Luobo Ban): A traditional Hakka snack steamed from shredded radish and rice flour, with a soft, chewy outer layer and a savory filling.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Transport: High-speed trains from cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen reach Heyuan East Station in about 40 minutes. Attractions are spread out, so driving or taking taxis is the most convenient way to get around.
• City Accommodation: The areas around Wanlong City and Jianji Plaza have plenty of shops and services, with convenient access to the fountain, ancient street and museum.
• Resort Accommodation: For a relaxing stay, consider Chunmuyuan Town or the Sheraton hotel at Bavaria Manor, where you can enjoy hot springs and lake views within the resort grounds.

Practical Travel Tips

• Fountain Times: Summer performances (April–October) run from 20:00 to 20:30; winter performances run from 19:30 to 20:00. Check whether the fountain is operating on the day before setting out.
• Guifeng Pagoda: The pagoda is currently closed, and climbing it is not permitted. Photos can only be taken at its base and within the park, so plan accordingly.
• Paddleboarding Safety: Most paddleboarding activities around Wanlü Lake are privately run by lakeside residents and cost about RMB 68–88 per person. Wear a life jacket throughout the activity, and use sun protection.
• Nongfu Spring Factory: Visits are free. Avoid the lunch break from 11:30 to 13:00. Weekends and public holidays are busier, so booking ahead is recommended.
• Taiping Ancient Street: Some visitors find the area heavily commercialized, with little traditional atmosphere. If time is short, you can skip it and try Hakka snacks in the city’s shopping districts instead.