Xinghu Scenic Area
Star Lake Scenic Area, located in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Spanning 19.527 square kilometers, it encompasses two core zones: the karst wonderland of Seven Star Crags (Qixingyan) and the forested peaks of Dinghu Mountain. Revered as the "First Wonder of Lingnan," the area combines 65-million-year-old geological formations with a rich cultural tapestry dating back to the Jin Dynasty (460 CE).
Historical Overview
First documented in the Jin Dynasty, Star Lake gained prominence during the Tang and Song Dynasties. In the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620), 20 scenic spots were designated, with scholars and poets inscribing over 500 stone carvings. Post-1949 restoration transformed the region into a hydraulic engineering marvel, with the creation of six interconnected lakes. Recognized as a national scenic spot in 1982 and a 5A-level attraction in 2020, it now blends conservation with modern tourism.
Structural Layout
The area is divided into:
- Seven Star Crags Core Zone: Seven limestone peaks (Tianzhu, Yuping, Shishi, etc.) rising from Star Lake, connected by pavilions, bridges, and caves.
- Dinghu Mountain Zone: A subtropical forest reserve with temples, waterfalls, and the "Celestial Lake" ecosystem.
- Wetland Park: Home to flamingos, cranes, and lotus ponds, offering boat tours and ecological education.
Key structures include the Water Moon Palace (Ming Dynasty Buddhist site) and the Thousand-Year Poem Gallery (500+ stone inscriptions).
Major Attractions
- Seven Star Crags: Karst peaks mirrored in Star Lake, accessible via hiking trails and boat tours.
- Longyan Cave: A 300-meter limestone cave with stalactites shaped like mythical creatures.
- Water Moon Palace: A 16th-century temple with Zen Buddhist relics and lotus-filled courtyards.
- Star Lake Night Cruise: Illuminated cliffs and traditional dance performances on the lake.
- Dinghu Mountain: A "Green Gem" of Guangdong with ancient cypress forests and Qing Dynasty temples.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Day Tour (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Seven Star Crags Sky Bridge → Longyan Cave → Water Moon Palace → Star Lake Cruise → Exit
Highlights: Karst landscapes, Ming Dynasty carvings, and lake views. - Cultural & Eco Tour (Full Day):
Add Dinghu Mountain hike, Thousand-Year Poem Gallery, and Wetland Park birdwatching. - Night tour (2–3 hours):
Evening cruise → Light-and-shadow show at Seven Star Crags → Rock-climbing at Tianzhu Peak.
Ticket Purchase
- Adult Tickets: ¥70 (Seven Star Crags/Dinghu Mountain single entry), ¥35 (half-price).
- Combined Passes: ¥120 (2-day access to both zones).
- Purchase: Official website (https://www.zqxinghu.com/) or WeChat mini-program.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Guangzhou: Take a 2-hour coach to Zhaoqing City, then transfer to景区-specific buses.
- By Car: Follow G55 Expressway to Zhaoqing Exit; parking available at main gates (¥10/hour).
- Within the Area: Electric shuttle buses connect zones (¥5/ride).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (April–May) for blooms, autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
- Night Tours: Highly recommended for illuminated cliffs and cultural performances.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for cave trails and steep stairs.
- Bring a light jacket for evening boat rides.
- Photography allowed except in temple interiors.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, loudspeakers, and large bags.
- Cultural Note: Respect ancient carvings—do not touch or climb on historic structures.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
