Major city · China
Zhaoqing肇庆
Give Zhaoqing one full day and one night: Seven Star Crags and the lake in the morning, Dinghu Mountain or the old wall in the afternoon. Two nights if you want both.
Zhaoqing is a small Guangdong city 1.5–2 h from Guangzhou by high-speed rail, built around Star Lake and the Seven Star Crags limestone peaks. It is a two-night stop or a long day trip from Guangzhou, not a destination on its own for a first China trip. Air is cleaner than the Pearl River Delta cities and the pace is slow.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (heat, humidity, typhoon season)
- Airports
- CAN · ZQG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Zhaoqing110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zhaoqing, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyZhaoqing is a low-crime city and safe for tourists on normal precautions.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCAN Guangzhou Baiyun International (Intercity bus to Zhaoqing has run from the airport; check current service before you rely on it.
- Getting aroundCity buses ¥2–4 (≈ under US$1); bus 12 links the rail station and the main bus station, bus 21 runs to Dinghu Mountain.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealBowl of noodles¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught in a restaurant / can at a convenience store¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxicheck¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride¥2–4 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥70–150 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCN¥80 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomCN¥350 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomCN¥700 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥250 (≈ US$35) · Mid CN¥500 (≈ US$70) · High CN¥1,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CAN Guangzhou Baiyun International (Intercity bus to Zhaoqing has run from the airport; check current service before you rely on it. Otherwise rail via Guangzhou.) · ZQG Zhaoqing (no scheduled passenger service) (check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Dec. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Jun (18 rain days), driest Dec (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Zhaoqing: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Mar
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
14 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
City buses ¥2–4; bus 12 links the rail station and the main bus station, bus 21 runs to Dinghu Mountain. Taxis and ride-hailing are cheap for short hops. Seven Star Crags and the old city are walkable from each other; Dinghu Mountain needs a bus or taxi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dinghu Mountain
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Bus 21 from the main bus station, or taxi about 20 km (12 mi) northeastBus 21 from the main bus station, or taxi about 12 mi (20 km) northeast
Walking paths through forest, temples, waterfalls and pools; go early and avoid holidays.
Guangzhou
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
High-speed rail from Zhaoqing East Station
Easy onward leg; book seats ahead on peak days.
Kaiping diaolou towers
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h
Bus from the downtown bus terminal
Better as a separate stop than a return day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Star Lake / Qixingyan waterfront (Duanzhou)
Walk to Seven Star Crags and the evening fountain; most mid-range and resort hotels sit here.
Old city / Piyun House area
City wall, museum and street market on foot; cheaper guesthouses, fewer lake views.
Zhaoqing East Station area
High-speed rail access only; 30 min and about ¥70 by taxi to the centre, so use it for a late arrival or early departure, not a base.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥200–350 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥350–700 (≈ US$50–100) excl. bed
- High
- ¥700 (≈ US$100)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × CN¥350 | CN¥700 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥500 | CN¥2,000 |
| High-speed rail Guangzhou–Zhaoqing East, one way2 × CN¥60 · check | CN¥120 |
| Taxi Zhaoqing East Station to centre1 × CN¥70 · check | CN¥70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥309 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥850 per person per day, bed included | CN¥3,399≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in yuan; long-distance rail and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Cantonese dim sum mealcheck | ¥60–70 (≈ US$9–10) |
| Bowl of noodles | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Beer: draught in a restaurant / can at a convenience store | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| City bus ride | ¥2–4 (≈ under US$1) |
| 5 km taxicheck | ¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥70–150 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Dinghu Mountain and Seven Star Crags get very crowded on Chinese public holidays and weekends — go at opening.
- Zhaoqing East Station is about 30 min from the centre; budget taxi time and cost, or use the bus.
- Summer is hot, wet and typhoon-prone; check forecasts in Jun–Sep.
- Museum exhibits at Yuejianglou are mostly labelled in Chinese only.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Zhaoqing肇庆
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most countries: embassies in Beijing, consulates-general in Guangzhou (check your own country's list).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Guangzhou South → Zhaoqing East, high-speed rail: about ¥60 (≈ US$9), 1.5–2 h (check)
- Zhaoqing East Station → city centre, taxi: about ¥70 (≈ US$10), 30 min (check)
- City bus: ¥2–4 (≈ under US$1)
Say or show
- 不好意思 — Excuse me / Sorry (bù hǎo yì si)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xiè xie)
- 要这个 — This one, please (yào zhè ge)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duō shao qián)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ)
Tipping is not expected. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and an eSIM or VPN before you fly.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zhaoqing. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (heat, humidity, typhoon season) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CAN: last intercity bus and rail connections field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Star Lake and Seven Star Crags, the old city wall and Piyun House, the bus and rail stations.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Seven Star Crags, Dinghu Mountain, Piyun House, Yuejianglou) and eat pages with last orders.
- Holiday and typhoon fixtures so gates A–D can go green.