Jieyang

Travel in Jieyang centers on Chaoshan culture, old-town streets and local food, with a relatively low-key commercial atmosphere. A two-day, one-night stay lets you combine the old town with natural scenery or nearby villages and towns.

Old Town and Cultural Sights

• Jinxian Gate: This Ming-dynasty gate tower has nearly 400 years of history and is a landmark of Jieyang's old town. When the lights come on at dusk, its upturned eaves stand out clearly, making this a good spot for night photography.

• Jieyang Confucian Temple: Founded during the Southern Song dynasty, this is the largest Confucian temple in Lingnan. Its red walls and yellow roof tiles evoke a small Forbidden City and photograph well in morning or late-afternoon light. Closed on Mondays.

• City God Temple: This is one of Guangdong's more completely preserved City God temples. Take a close look at the gilded woodcarvings, porcelain mosaics and stone carvings. Incense offerings and folk activities also reflect local religious traditions.

• Zhongshan Road Arcade Street: This roughly 700-meter street of arcaded buildings features Southeast Asian architectural influences. Once the streetlights come on at dusk, stroll along, try some snacks and observe everyday life in the old town.

• Shuangfeng Temple: One of Chaoshan's three great ancient Buddhist temples, it features architecture inspired by the Han and Tang dynasties. Visit at night to see the illuminated twin pagodas. The red walls are another striking feature.

Natural Scenery

• Huangmanzhai Waterfalls: Known as the “finest waterfall in Lingnan,” this cascade flows down four tiers. The surroundings are cool and quiet in midsummer, with opportunities for hiking and playing in the water. Driving is recommended.

• Huanglong Temple: Built along a mountainside, this peaceful temple offers free admission. Its three-tiered dome and golden glazed roof draw on the design of the Temple of Heaven, earning it the nickname “Chaoshan's Little Temple of Heaven.” Visit to admire and photograph the architecture.

• Rongjiang West Lake: This urban green space is a local leisure spot, with the Nine-Bend Bridge and a lakeside-islet pavilion reflected in the water. Take an evening walk around the lake to watch the sunset and its glow on the water.

Nearby Historic Villages and Towns

• Mianhu Ancient Town: With a thousand-year history as a trading town, Mianhu retains the character of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street was a filming location for *Love Letters to Grandma*. The Guo Family Mansion and Yongchang Ancient Temple offer a closer look at local historic architecture.

• Xiqi Village: This village has 800 years of history. Its Xisan Stone Slab Bridge was used for a romantic scene in a film. Streams and old banyan trees line the banks, making sunset a pleasant time for a waterside walk.

A Guide to Local Food in Jieyang

Beef Hot Pot and Meals

• Luji Beef Shop: Fresh beef is the main draw here. With a pleasant enough dining setting and dependable flavors, it is an option for visitors wanting to try local beef.

• Baita Haibin Fresh Beef Hot Pot: A common choice for local family meals, this restaurant receives fresh beef daily. The meat is tender and prices are relatively affordable.

• Axi Noodle Shop: Open for 30 years, this shop retains the everyday atmosphere of a neighborhood noodle eatery. Its signature dry-tossed noodles have a springy bite. Pair them with a bowl of light meat broth for a simple meal.

Local Snacks and Desserts

• Huiwei Pickled Mustard Green Chicken Wings: This long-established snack shop near Jinxian Gate serves chicken wings with crisp skin, tender meat and the aroma of pickled mustard greens. A serving costs 10 yuan.

• Nanmen Oyster Omelet: This traditional oyster omelet is made with oysters, beaten egg and sweet potato starch, then fried until golden, with crisp edges and a soft center. Try it with garlic chili sauce.

• Xianxing Sweet Soups: Stop here after a meal for traditional Chaoshan sweet soups. Options include mung bean sweet soup and yamunian glutinous rice dumplings. The flavors are light and sweet, with an average spend of 5 yuan per person.

• Sugar-Coated Salted Egg Yolks: A crisp sugar coating surrounds a rich, runny salted egg yolk center. Eat them hot to enjoy their crisp texture and aroma, or pick some up as a food souvenir from the old town.

Late-Night Congee and Raw Marinated Seafood

• Jinxian Gate Food Stall: Locals come here for raw marinated seafood with distinctive regional flavors. Prices are reasonable, making it an option for a late-night group meal.

• Chetou Lao'er Food Stall: In business for more than 40 years, this eatery opens from noon until the early hours. Its raw marinated seafood platter is fresh-tasting and well seasoned. You can also order chilled cooked fish and poached goose.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1 (Old-Town Culture and Evening Sightseeing):
  • Morning: Start at a relaxed pace. Visit Jieyang Confucian Temple to admire and photograph its red walls, then walk to the City God Temple for a closer look at the woodcarvings and porcelain mosaics.
  • Lunch: In the old-town lanes, choose dry-tossed noodles at Axi Noodle Shop or rice sheets in broth at Guangde Guozhi, then add a serving of Huiwei Pickled Mustard Green Chicken Wings.
  • Afternoon: Walk along Zhongshan Road Arcade Street and Datong Street, taking in the Southeast Asian architectural influences. Try a glass of Indian gooseberry and Chinese olive juice along the way for a change of taste.
  • Evening: See Jinxian Gate after its lights come on, then visit Shuangfeng Temple for views of the illuminated twin pagodas. For a late-night meal, choose a raw marinated seafood stall or beef hot pot.
• Day 2 (Nature or Nearby Villages and Towns):
  • Option A (Natural Scenery): Drive to Huangmanzhai Waterfalls for hiking and time in the water. In the afternoon, visit Huanglong Temple to admire and photograph its “Little Temple of Heaven” architecture, then head back in the early evening.
  • Option B (Film Locations): Visit the stone slab bridge in Xiqi Village, or choose Mianhu Ancient Town. Walk along Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street, try Nanzhi rice-free dumplings and small rice dumplings, and explore everyday life in the lanes of this thousand-year-old trading town.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay: Stay near Jinxian Gate or the old town to reach the main sights on foot or by shared electric bike. For better-value accommodation, consider chain hotels within 5 kilometers of the old town, such as Ji Hotel or Lavande.

• Getting There: After arriving by high-speed train at Chaoshan Station, take a coach to Jinxian Gate, a journey of about 30–40 minutes. From Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, a taxi to the city center takes about 20 minutes.
• Getting Around: The old-town sights are close together and can be linked on foot or by shared electric bike. For Huangmanzhai Waterfalls and Mianhu Ancient Town, driving or hiring a car with a driver is recommended.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Closures: Jieyang Confucian Temple closes every Monday for maintenance, so plan your visit for another day.
• Parking: The old town has many stone-paved streets and can become congested during holidays. If driving, park on the outskirts and walk or ride an electric bike to the sights.
• Eating Raw Marinated Seafood: If you have a sensitive stomach, limit how much you eat and bring stomach medicine in advance.
• Buying Jade: Yangmei Jade City offers a chance to learn about jade carving. Be cautious about buying expensive jade if you lack professional appraisal experience.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: Jieyang has a warm climate. Use sun protection and bring mosquito repellent when visiting waterfalls and historic villages.