From Hong Kong to Guangdong: Discovering 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations

Most travelers who touch down in Hong Kong stick to the familiar circuit—Macau, Shenzhen, maybe a quick trip to Guangzhou. But just across the border lies one of China’s most fascinating provinces, and some of its best experiences are hiding in plain sight. Guangdong is vast, diverse, and surprisingly distinct from the rest of the country. It has its own language (Cantonese), its own cuisine (dim sum, roast goose, and claypot rice), and its own rhythm of life.

For the international traveler looking to go beyond the guidebook, here are seven niche destinations in Guangdong that are easy to reach from Hong Kong and well worth the detour.

1. Kaiping: The Diaolou Villages

About two and a half hours from Hong Kong by car or bus, Kaiping (开平) is home to the Diaolou—multi-story fortified watchtowers that blend Chinese village design with Western architectural influences. These towers were built in the early 20th century by overseas Chinese who returned home with wealth and cosmopolitan tastes. The result is a surreal landscape of concrete towers with Greco-Roman columns, Gothic arches, and Islamic motifs rising out of rice paddies.

The Zili Village and the nearby Jinjiangli cluster are the most accessible. You can walk between towers, climb narrow staircases, and imagine what life was like for families who once used these buildings as both homes and defensive strongholds. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage listing, yet it remains remarkably quiet compared to other heritage destinations in China.

Travel Tip: Hire a local driver for the day. The villages are spread out, and public transport between them is limited.

2. Chaozhou: The Heart of Teochew Culture

If you want to understand a different side of Guangdong, head to Chaozhou (潮州). This ancient city is the cultural capital of the Teochew people, a subgroup of Han Chinese with their own language, cuisine, and traditions. Unlike the high-speed modernity of Shenzhen or Guangzhou, Chaozhou feels preserved in time.

Walk the narrow lanes of the old city, visit the Kaiyuan Temple (a Buddhist complex dating back to the Tang Dynasty), and make sure to try the local tea ceremony—Chaozhou is famous for its Gongfu tea ritual, a meticulous, unhurried practice that is as much about conversation as it is about the brew.

Food is a major draw here. Chaozhou cuisine is celebrated across the world, but it tastes best at its source. Try the beef balls, oyster omelets, and the local specialty of braised goose. A visit to the morning market in the old town is an experience in itself.

Travel Tip: Chaozhou is about 3.5 hours from Hong Kong by high-speed rail. Consider staying overnight—the city is more atmospheric in the early morning before the tour groups arrive.

3. Zhaoqing: Karst Landscapes and Ancient Lakes

Zhaoqing (肇庆) is a city that many travelers overlook, but it offers a landscape that rivals more famous karst regions like Guilin. The centerpiece is Seven Star Crags (七星岩), a scenic area of limestone peaks rising from a network of lakes. You can explore by boat, cycle along the water, or hike up the crags for panoramic views.

Just outside the city, the Dinghu Mountain Nature Reserve is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with dense forests, waterfalls, and a famous temple complex. It is a refreshing escape from the heat and crowds of the Pearl River Delta.

Zhaoqing also has a quieter, more traditional side. The old streets near the city walls are home to small shops and tea houses where locals gather for mahjong and conversation.

Travel Tip: Zhaoqing is about two hours from Hong Kong via high-speed rail. It makes for an easy day trip, but an overnight stay allows you to enjoy the lakes at sunset and sunrise.

4. Xuwen: The Southernmost Tip of Mainland China

For travelers who want to go all the way, Xuwen (徐闻) is the southernmost point of mainland China. Located at the Leizhou Peninsula’s tip, this quiet county is a world away from the glitz of the Pearl River Delta. It is a place of windswept coasts, fishing villages, and dense pineapple plantations—yes, Xuwen is one of China’s largest pineapple producing regions.

The drive here is part of the appeal, as you wind through rural farmland and small towns where life moves at a slower pace. There is a lighthouse at the very southern point, standing as a quiet marker of the nation’s edge. Nearby, the Dajing Bay offers long stretches of beach that remain uncrowded even in peak season.

Travel Tip: Xuwen is a long journey from Hong Kong—around six to seven hours by car. It is best combined with a broader trip along the western coast of Guangdong.

5. Taishan: Overseas Chinese Heritage and Hot Springs

Taishan (台山) holds a special place in the history of the Chinese diaspora. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many residents of Taishan emigrated to the United States and Canada, and their remittances built the grand, eclectic houses and markets that still stand today. Walking through the town of Dihai is like stepping into a historical film set—ornate buildings with faded frescos line the streets, many of them empty but still beautiful.

The area is also known for its natural hot springs. After a day of exploring, soaking in the mineral-rich waters at one of the local resorts is a restorative end to the day.

Travel Tip: Taishan is about three hours from Hong Kong by car. The architecture is best appreciated with a local guide who can explain the history of the overseas Chinese families.

6. Shunde: A Culinary Pilgrimage

Food lovers should not miss Shunde (顺德), often described as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. The city is a gastronomic playground where humble street stalls and modest restaurants serve some of the most refined dishes in China. The local specialty is "fish maw soup" and "Shunde steamed fish," but the real joy is in exploring the narrow food streets where vendors sell everything from double-skin milk desserts to crispy fried milk.

Shunde is also home to the Qinghui Garden, one of the four great gardens of Guangdong. It is a compact, elegant space with pavilions, ponds, and carved windows that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the region’s wealthy merchant class.

Travel Tip: Shunde is easy to reach from Hong Kong—about two hours by high-speed rail. Bring an appetite and plan to eat multiple small meals throughout the day.

7. Nanjing, Guangdong: A City of History and Green Hills

Most international travelers associate the name "Nanjing" with the well-known city in Jiangsu Province. But there is another Nanjing (南靖) in Guangdong Province, and it offers its own distinct blend of history and natural beauty. This is not the ancient capital of the Ming Dynasty, but rather a peaceful county town with a rich local heritage.

The Nanjing area is known for its traditional villages, where elders still practice age-old customs and the pace of life is slow. The surrounding hills are covered in bamboo forests and tea plantations. The region is also home to some notable Hakka roundhouses—fortified communal dwellings that housed entire clans. Unlike the more famous earthen houses in Fujian, these structures in Nanjing, Guangdong, are quieter and less visited, allowing for a more intimate look at rural life.

For travelers with a passion for history, Nanjing (Guangdong) offers a different perspective on southern China—one that is deeply tied to the land, family lineage, and the resilience of local communities.

Travel Tip: Nanjing, Guangdong, is a bit off the main tourist trail, so it is best to have your own transportation or hire a local driver from a nearby city like Meizhou.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Guangdong from Hong Kong?

China’s visa policies change frequently. Some travelers are eligible for a 144-hour transit visa-free policy when passing through major cities like Guangzhou, but this depends on your nationality and travel plans. Always check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before departure.

Q: Is it easy to get around Guangdong without speaking Chinese?

In major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, English is more widely understood, especially in hotels and tourist areas. In smaller destinations like Chaozhou, Zhaoqing, or Nanjing, English is rarely spoken. Download a translation app and have your hotel write down your destination in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.

Q: Which of these destinations is best for a first-time visitor?

Shunde is the easiest to reach and offers an immediate payoff in the form of incredible food. If you have more time, combine Shunde with Chaozhou for a two-day culinary and cultural weekend.

Q: Are these places crowded?

Compared to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou, these destinations are remarkably quiet. Even on weekends, you will find plenty of space to yourself, especially outside of Chinese public holidays.

Conclusion

Guangdong is so much more than the backdrop to Hong Kong’s skyline. It is a province of deep culinary traditions, architectural marvels, and landscapes that range from karst peaks to pineapple fields. Each of these seven destinations offers a unique window into southern China, and all are accessible for the international traveler willing to step off the well-worn path.

Whether you are soaking in a hot spring in Taishan, sipping Gongfu tea in Chaozhou, or standing at the southernmost tip of mainland China in Xuwen, these journeys from Hong Kong will leave you with stories that go far beyond the typical tourist snapshot.

For a smooth trip, plan your route in advance, keep a translation app handy, and leave room in your schedule for the unexpected—because in Guangdong, the best moments often happen between the destinations.