Chaozhou 2-Day Cool Getaway | Rafting + Ancient Town

Looking to escape the summer heat? Chaozhou is the perfect destination! This hidden gem in eastern Guangdong offers the charm of an ancient town and the refreshing coolness of mountain forests. Enjoy rafting at Fengxiang Gorge to beat the heat, explore the terraced fields of the She ethnic village, and relax at the family-friendly and pet-friendly Green Sprout Manor at the foot of the mountain. In just two days, you can savor ancient town delicacies, play in the creek, and enjoy the fragrance of tea gardens. This guide has been personally tested for fun and reliability—just follow it! 🕘【Opening Hours】: - Chaozhou Ancient Town (Guangji Bridge, Paifang Street, etc.): Open all day (Guangji Bridge: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, last entry at 5:00 PM) - Ligongkeng She Ethnic Village: Open all day (best visited during the day; the village is quieter in the evening) - Meianli Creek: Open all day (avoid rainy days and be cautious of water levels) - Fengxiang Gorge Longteng Valley Rafting: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may extend to 6:00 PM in summer; call a day in advance to confirm) - Phoenix Mountain Tea Garden: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (tea-picking experiences require prior booking) - Green Sprout Manor: Open all day (check-in after 2:00 PM, check-out before 12:00 PM) 💴【Ticket Prices】: - Guangji Bridge: ¥20/person (half-price for students) - Fengxiang Gorge Longteng Valley Rafting: ¥168/person (group discounts often available in summer; children under 1.2 meters must be accompanied by an adult) - Ligongkeng She Ethnic Village, Meianli, Phoenix Mountain Tea Garden (public areas): Free (additional charges for tea garden experiences) - Green Sprout Manor: ¥150–300/night (advance booking required) ⛺【Activities】: 1. Ancient Town Stroll: - Walk across Guangji Bridge and experience the "floating bridge opening and closing" (daily performances at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM). Enjoy the refreshing Han River breeze on the bridge. - Explore Paifang Street for traditional shops and grab a pack of fermented bean curd pastries as a souvenir. Relax to the sound of bells at Kaiyuan Temple. 2. Cool Water Fun: - Meianli Creek: Bring water guns and small nets to catch fish and shrimp in the shallow waters. Kids can play here for hours. - Fengxiang Gorge Rafting: A 3.8-kilometer course with splashes at steep drops and calm sections for water fights. Wear quick-dry clothing! 3. Cultural Experiences: - Ligongkeng She Ethnic Village: Watch She grandmothers weave colorful ribbons, hear local legends about the phoenix, and take stunning photos at the terraced fields near the village entrance. - Phoenix Mountain Tea Garden: Join tea farmers in picking Dancong tea, enjoy the aroma while frying tea leaves, and take home a can of freshly made tea. 4. Manor Time: - Green Sprout Manor: Chase butterflies on the lawn, feed koi fish, swing on wooden swings, and stargaze in the evening. Perfect for families with kids. 🚌【Transportation Tips】: - Recommended: Self-driving. Chaozhou's attractions are spread out, and driving is the most convenient option. Green Sprout Manor offers free parking, and you can park near the ancient town at Hanshi Parking Lot (¥10/day). - Public Transport: Taxis in the city start at ¥7. To reach Fengxiang Gorge or Phoenix Mountain, take a minibus from Chao'an Bus Station (¥15–20/person, about 1 hour). - Cycling: Rent an electric bike in the ancient town (¥30/day) for flexible exploration of Paifang Street and Guangji Bridge. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】: - Day 1: Breakfast at Green Sprout Manor → Ancient Town (Guangji Bridge → Paifang Street → Kaiyuan Temple) → Snack on Xima Road → Rest at the manor. - Day 2: Depart from the manor → Ligongkeng She Ethnic Village (1 hour) → Play in Meianli Creek (1.5 hours) → Fengxiang Gorge Rafting (arrive before 2:00 PM) → Visit Phoenix Mountain Tea Garden on the way back → Return home. - Accommodation: Green Sprout Manor is a 16-minute drive from the ancient town. Its mountain-view rooms offer lush scenery, making it ideal for families. Quiet and peaceful at night. 🧡【Preparation Tips】: - Clothing: Short sleeves + quick-dry pants (you'll get wet rafting), a light jacket (cool mornings and evenings in the mountains), and non-slip shoes (essential for creek and rafting activities). - Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat (strong summer UV rays), waterproof bag (for phone and keys), and a change of clothes (for after rafting). - Foodie Gear: Come hungry! Must-try snacks on Xima Road include Hulongquan licorice fruit, Xie Huailiang sesame tea, and old cinema-style rice rolls. Pace yourself to avoid overeating!