Qingyuan

Qingyuan is the largest prefecture by area in Guangdong, stretching from near Guangzhou into the mountains of the north. The North River carves scenic gorges here, and adventure sites such as Gulong Gorge offer some of southern China's longest rafting and glass-walkway routes. Underground, the Lianzhou karst cave system reveals lit caverns and subterranean rivers. The city gives its name to the prized Qingyuan chicken, a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and to Yingde black tea. With a humid subtropical climate and fast rail access to Guangzhou, it is a favorite weekend escape into nature.