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
Is Huizhou worth stopping for?
Yes if you want Guangdong without the crowds: a day for the old town and the lake, another for hot springs or the Hakka villages. It is a good rest day inside a longer delta itinerary.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn through spring. Summer is hot, humid and wet, and the coastal districts see typhoon weather from midsummer into early autumn.
How do I get there?
By high-speed rail from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Shantou - the station is on the main coastal line, with metro and bus connections to the old town.
Recommended China Travel Tours
Pair your planning with a hand-picked itinerary from our real tour collection:
- Guangdong Cultural & Culinary Journey — 6-Day Private Tour — The province-wide route, with Huizhou as a natural stop between the delta and Hakka country.
- Greater Bay Area Urban Explorer — Shenzhen & Guangzhou 5 Days / 4 Nights — The city-led option, with Huizhou an easy add-on from Shenzhen.
About the Author — Luppy · Senior Group Travel Consultant
Luppy plans group trips, corporate missions and family gatherings of ten or more, handling logistics, transfers and day-to-day arrangements across China.
Ready to Plan Your Huizhou and the Dongjiang Trip?
Email Sam for custom itineraries built around your dates.
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