Huizhou travel guide

Consumption level

Huizhou has a relatively low cost of living and travel. Budget hotels average around 200RMB per night. Lunch for one normally costs 10-20RMB at local restaurants. Taxi fare starts at 7RMB.

To maximize your budget in Huizhou, opt for affordable hotels conveniently located near top attractions like Mount Xiqiao and West Lake. Use the efficient public bus system and taxis to get around for just a few RMB per ride. Enjoy delicious local cuisine like braised pigeons, curried fish balls, and wonton noodles.

By choosing budget-friendly accommodations, getting around via public transit and taxis, and sampling inexpensive food stalls, travelers can immerse themselves in Huizhou's natural scenery and culture without overspending. Focus your time and money on a couple highlights each day. With good planning, you can experience Huizhou's essence for around 150-200RMB or less per day.

Dragon and Lion Dance

Lion and Dragon Dances in Huizhou

The southern city of Huizhou has a long tradition of lively lion and dragon dances that wind colorfully through the streets for the Lunar New Year. These folk arts are beloved local customs.

The dragon and lion troupes are formed voluntarily by neighborhoods and villages. Using homemade costumes and props, they rouse the community into festivities. After a lion head is crafted, it undergoes an "eye-dotting" ritual at Yuanmiao Temple before performing symbolic "vegetable fights".

Troupes begin parading on New Year’s Day led by a master holding a box. Dancers manipulate the swaying dragons and lions, accompanied by deafening drums, gongs and glittering weapons. Homes and shops welcome them with firecrackers and red envelopes of money.

The celebratory dances and processions continue for 15 days until the Lantern Festival. Visitors can embrace Huizhou’s heritage and lively seasonal spirit through its time-honored tradition of dragon and lion dances.

Location: Huizhou, Guangdong
Time: Lunar New Year, 1st to 15th day

Dragon boat racing

Dragon Boat Racing in Huizhou

The ancient tradition of dragon boat racing surges back to life every year in Huizhou around the Duanwu Festival. The city's rivers swell with “dragon boat water” providing challenging conditions for the iconic races.

Dragon boat teams first paddle downstream before turning around to strenuously race back upriver to the finish line. The nail-biting finals determine the winners who display prized “flower rivers” - banners hung from the bows - and parade triumphantly along the waterfront.

Thousands of spectators line the banks of the Dongjiang River to cheer on the sleek boats decorated with dragon heads and tails as rowers strain to the rhythmic beats of drums. The lively festival commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan and showcases Huizhou’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can experience the excitement of dragon boat racing accompanied by traditional rice dumpling feasts and entertainment. It is a thrilling highlight of early summer in Huizhou.

Location: Dongjiang River, Huizhou
Time: 1st to 6th day of the 5th lunar month

There are West Lakes everywhere on the east slope

"Everywhere Su Dongpo went, West Lake followed," goes the old saying about Huizhou's scenic West Lake. During the Song dynasty, poet Su Dongpo spent three years in exile here, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Like its famous counterpart in Hangzhou, Huizhou's West Lake has captivated scholars and poets for centuries. Historically ranked among China's top three West Lakes along with Hangzhou and Yingzhou, its beauty earned acclaim from literary greats like Yang Wanli. Stroll beside willow-lined banks and arched stone bridges to see what inspired this admiration. Watch fishermen ply the waters in cormorant boats designed centuries ago. Wander flower-strewn pathways to secluded pavilions and moon gates that frame picturesque vistas. With Song dynasty relics nestled amid tranquil gardens and lotus ponds, Huizhou's West Lake offers elegance to rival Hangzhou's. Following in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, appreciate the muse that has inspired artistic souls for generations.

The Living Fossil of Lingnan Culture

"Everywhere Su Dongpo went, West Lake followed," goes the old saying about Huizhou's scenic West Lake. During the Song dynasty, poet Su Dongpo spent three years in exile here, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Like its famous counterpart in Hangzhou, Huizhou's West Lake has captivated scholars and poets for centuries. Historically ranked among China's top three West Lakes along with Hangzhou and Yingzhou, its beauty earned acclaim from literary greats like Yang Wanli. Stroll beside willow-lined banks and arched stone bridges to see what inspired this admiration. Watch fishermen ply the waters in cormorant boats designed centuries ago. Wander flower-strewn pathways to secluded pavilions and moon gates that frame picturesque vistas. With Song dynasty relics nestled amid tranquil gardens and lotus ponds, Huizhou's West Lake offers elegance to rival Hangzhou's. Following in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, appreciate the muse that has inspired artistic souls for generations.

The Longan Tree in front of the Buddhist Temple

"Everywhere Su Dongpo went, West Lake followed," goes the old saying about Huizhou's scenic West Lake. During the Song dynasty, poet Su Dongpo spent three years in exile here, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Like its famous counterpart in Hangzhou, Huizhou's West Lake has captivated scholars and poets for centuries. Historically ranked among China's top three West Lakes along with Hangzhou and Yingzhou, its beauty earned acclaim from literary greats like Yang Wanli. Stroll beside willow-lined banks and arched stone bridges to see what inspired this admiration. Watch fishermen ply the waters in cormorant boats designed centuries ago. Wander flower-strewn pathways to secluded pavilions and moon gates that frame picturesque vistas. With Song dynasty relics nestled amid tranquil gardens and lotus ponds, Huizhou's West Lake offers elegance to rival Hangzhou's. Following in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, appreciate the muse that has inspired artistic souls for generations.

Literary and Art Style Town

"Everywhere Su Dongpo went, West Lake followed," goes the old saying about Huizhou's scenic West Lake. During the Song dynasty, poet Su Dongpo spent three years in exile here, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Like its famous counterpart in Hangzhou, Huizhou's West Lake has captivated scholars and poets for centuries. Historically ranked among China's top three West Lakes along with Hangzhou and Yingzhou, its beauty earned acclaim from literary greats like Yang Wanli. Stroll beside willow-lined banks and arched stone bridges to see what inspired this admiration. Watch fishermen ply the waters in cormorant boats designed centuries ago. Wander flower-strewn pathways to secluded pavilions and moon gates that frame picturesque vistas. With Song dynasty relics nestled amid tranquil gardens and lotus ponds, Huizhou's West Lake offers elegance to rival Hangzhou's. Following in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, appreciate the muse that has inspired artistic souls for generations.

Luofu Seeking Immortal Land

"Everywhere Su Dongpo went, West Lake followed," goes the old saying about Huizhou's scenic West Lake. During the Song dynasty, poet Su Dongpo spent three years in exile here, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. Like its famous counterpart in Hangzhou, Huizhou's West Lake has captivated scholars and poets for centuries. Historically ranked among China's top three West Lakes along with Hangzhou and Yingzhou, its beauty earned acclaim from literary greats like Yang Wanli. Stroll beside willow-lined banks and arched stone bridges to see what inspired this admiration. Watch fishermen ply the waters in cormorant boats designed centuries ago. Wander flower-strewn pathways to secluded pavilions and moon gates that frame picturesque vistas. With Song dynasty relics nestled amid tranquil gardens and lotus ponds, Huizhou's West Lake offers elegance to rival Hangzhou's. Following in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, appreciate the muse that has inspired artistic souls for generations.

History

Archaeological evidence confirms human activity in Lianyungang's ancient Mount Qushan and present-day Mount Jinping area as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1959 and 1978, the oldest Paleolithic sites in southeast China were discovered at Erjian and Daxian Village with clear stratigraphic layers. Mount Jinping has 19 Neolithic sites, with Erjian being one of China's earliest farming areas.

The 20-meter long, 10-meter wide "General Cliff Painting" discovered in 1979 was appraised by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as "an extremely important cultural relic and rare major discovery, the earliest 'book' in China."

The Donghan era art treasure "Kongwang Mountain Grottoes Statues" are the earliest Buddhist grotto statues in China, 100-200 years earlier than the Dunhuang Grottoes, and protected at the national level.

The area is also steeped in history, with attractions related to Confucius' sea gazing, Emperor Qin's inspections, and famous poets and officials like Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Shen Kuo, Li Qingzhao, Wu Cheng'en, Li Ruzhen, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Zhu Ziqing and more.

Best Travel Time

The average annual temperature in Huizhou is 22 ℃, and the climate is mild. The lowest temperature in winter is 13 ℃. There is more rainfall in Huizhou in July and August, and the weather in September and October is sunny, making it a good time to travel.

Dressing Guidelines

Huizhou has a mild climate. Even in the coldest winter months, a long-sleeved thick coat is enough to keep you warm. July and August are the hottest months, so shorts and t-shirts are recommended.

As an editor for an English travel website, I would rewrite the information above into the following paragraph to provide clothing recommendations for Huizhou, China in American English:

Huizhou enjoys a mild climate year-round. A long-sleeved thick coat should be sufficient for the coldest winter months. For the hottest months of July and August, lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts are recommended to beat the heat and humidity. Packing layers and breathable fabrics like cotton are your best bets for traveling to Huizhou and staying comfortable in its temperate weather.

Medical treatment

Here is some helpful information about medical care in Huizhou, China for an English travel website:Medical Care in HuizhouHuizhou Central People's Hospital is the top-rated Tier 3A hospital in the city center. The address is 41 Eling North Road, Huizhou and the phone number is 0752-2288288.There are also many conveniently located 24-hour pharmacies throughout Huizhou where travelers can easily purchase medications or over-the-counter remedies when needed.In addition to Huizhou Central People's Hospital, there are several other reputable hospitals that can provide medical care if required. Many hospitals also have English-speaking staff available to assist foreign visitors.Be sure to travel with proper health insurance and documentation to facilitate any necessary treatment. With reliable hospitals and accessible pharmacies open 24/7, travelers can feel confident obtaining medical care while visiting Huizhou. Just be prepared with the proper paperwork in case you require any treatment for illness or injury during your stay.

Safety considerations

When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.