Huizhou and the Dongjiang: A Quiet Guangdong City

Guangdong's Slow Corner

Huizhou sits on the Dongjiang river an hour from Shenzhen, and it is the least hurried city of its size in Guangdong: a rebuilt old town on the river, a lake in the middle of the city, hot springs in the hills nearby, and Hakka villages in the countryside beyond. It is not a headline destination, which is precisely why it makes a comfortable stop.

The Old Town and the Lake

The old town, around the river and the city walls, has been restored with an unusual amount of restraint: stone lanes, temples, arcades and a riverside promenade, best walked in the evening. West Lake, right in the city, is the other half of a day - causeways, pavilions and gardens around a large expanse of water, with a hill and a pagoda at its centre.

Hot Springs and Hakka Country

Huizhou's hot springs are a genuine draw: resorts and simple pools in the hills to the north, drawing on water that has been used for centuries. Inland, the Hakka villages and the older walled compounds continue what you see in Meizhou, with fewer visitors and easier access from the delta.

Practical Notes

The city is on the high-speed rail line between Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shantou, which makes it an easy stop for a day or two. Autumn through spring is the comfortable season; summer is hot and humid with typhoon risk in the coastal districts.

Frequently Asked Questions