3 Hidden Gem Destinations Just 2 Hours from Guangzhou by High-Speed Rail!

1. Yangjiang – The Azure of Hailing Island & the Bustle of Zhapo Travel Time: Guangzhou South Station → Yangjiang Station, fastest route about 1 hour 40 minutes (frequent trains like G6127). Highlights: Hailing Island (one of China's Top 10 Most Beautiful Islands), Zhapo Fishing Port (seafood paradise), Ten-Mile Silver Beach (Guangdong's longest beach). Recommended Activities: - Hailing Island: Rent an electric bike to tour the island (~¥30/day), catch the sunset at "Horse Tail Beach" (low tide reveals shells), and explore the serene rocky shores of "Dina Bay." The Dajiao Bay swimming area is perfect for families (entrance ~¥48). - Zhapo Fishing Port: Join local fishermen for a morning fishing trip (~¥100-200/person, keep your catch for cooking). Enjoy spicy mantis shrimp and garlic lobster at "Fisherman's Kitchen" (~¥60-80/person). - Hidden Gem: Visit the cliffside infinity pool at "Beiluo Secret Realm" (free for hotel guests; tickets available for others) for breathtaking ocean views. 2. Zhaoqing – Star Lake's Scenery & the Aroma of Zongzi Travel Time: Guangzhou South Station → Zhaoqing East Station, fastest route about 1 hour 10 minutes (trains like G6579). Highlights: Seven Star Crags (Lingnan's #1 Wonder), Dinghu Mountain (Emerald of the Tropic of Cancer), Zongzi (intangible cultural heritage food). Recommended Activities: - Seven Star Crags: Boat tour through "Five Lakes" (e.g., Shishi Rock Lake), witness the "Reclining Buddha Holding the Sun" phenomenon (best around autumn equinox). Walk from "Seven Star Crags Archway" to "Bohai Lake" amid blooming bougainvillea (¥78 includes boat ride). - Dinghu Mountain: Have dim sum at "Qingyun Temple" before 8 AM (~¥20/person), then hike along "Feishui Tan" trail (cool waterfalls for summer escapes). Try steamed Wenhu carp at "Old Three Dishes" restaurant. - Must-Try Food: Freshly wrapped mung bean and salted pork zongzi (~¥15 each) at "Zhaoqing Zongzi" near Huangchao Hotel. 3. Shanwei – Red Bay's Waves & Dim Sum Delights Travel Time: Guangzhou South Station → Shanwei Station, fastest route about 1 hour 30 minutes (trains like G6325). Highlights: Red Bay (Guangdong's mini Kenting), Windmill Island (filming location for *The Mermaid*), Shanwei-style dim sum (blending Cantonese and Teochew flavors). Recommended Activities: - Red Bay: Visit the beach near "South Sea Guanyin Temple" after 4 PM for sunset views. Rent a tent (~¥50) at "Langqin Bay" to fall asleep to ocean waves. - Windmill Island: Navigate to "Shigongliao Peninsula" for photos of white windmills against blue seas (free entry; ¥10 parking). Hunt for crabs on tidal rocks. - Food Highlights: Try "Xiaomi Guo" (soft dough with dried shrimp and radish) and "Vegetable Tea" (fried rice with veggies and meat) at "Erma Road" dim sum street. For lunch, savor seafood claypot porridge (recommend "Xingangcheng Seafood Stall") at "Haibin Road." Tips: - Train Schedules: Check 12306 app for "Guangzhou South → Yangjiang/Zhaoqing East/Shanwei" routes. Some schedules may adjust, but most trips take under 2 hours. - Accommodation: Yangjiang – Zhapo fishing village B&Bs; Zhaoqing – lakeside stays (e.g., "Star Lake Sunshine Hotel"); Shanwei – beachfront B&Bs at Red Bay. From islands to mountains, food to culture, these three destinations offer diverse escapes within a 2-hour high-speed rail ride—perfect for a weekend getaway!