Zhongshan making their debut. Here's a look at some of the standout attractions from these newly listed cities.

Nan'ao Island, Shantou (汕头南澳岛)

Nan'ao Island, on which Nan'ao County is located, is decorated with green and luxuriant trees. A 68-kilometer highway around the island stretches along the blue sea and silver beaches. Along the highway, tourists will find various coastal scenic spots, lighthouses, beaches, historical villages, B&Bs, and other tourist attractions, as well as several restaurants offering local specialties.

(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Address: Nan’ao County, Shantou City (汕头市南澳县)

Other listed spots in Shantou: Mayu Island (妈屿岛), Shantou Small Park historical area (汕头小公园), Chaoshan Historical Culture Expo Center (潮汕历史文化博览中心)

Danxia Mountain, Shaoguan (韶关丹霞山)

In Chinese, Danxia means “rosy clouds”. Characterized by its red cliffs and erosional landforms, Danxia Mountain (or Danxiashan) took its name from its unique color. Listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Danxia Mountain boasts red cliffs, deep gorges, and lush green pine forests. Visitors are often captivated by the breathtaking sunrise over a sea of clouds, as well as the dramatic vistas of rock formations in various shapes.

(Photo: Danxia Mountain scenic spot)

(Photo: Shaoguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Address: Nearby No. 106 National Highway, Renhua County, Shaoguan City (韶关市仁化县106国道附近)

Other listed spots in Shaoguan: Nanhua Buddhist Temple (南华禅寺), Yunji Mountain Scenic Spot (云髻山景区)

Zhelang Peninsula at Red Bay, Shanwei (汕尾红海湾遮浪旅游区)

Zhelang Peninsula stretches into the sea between Red Bay and Jieshi Bay, creating a unique landscape with rolling waves on one side and calm waters on the other. Dubbed one of China’s best tide-watching bays, it features golden beaches, clear blue waters, and diverse rock formations. Popular among surfers, the area has hosted many sailing events.

(Photo: GDToday)

At the peninsula’s eastern tip stands a historic “castle,” a cafe transformed from an abandoned wave-power station, offering stunning views. Heading south along the scenic Coastal Road, travelers will be treated to some of the perfect views of sunsets over the sea.

(Photo: The People’s Government of Shanwei Municipality)

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

(Photo: Shanwei Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Address: No. 1, Nan’ao Road, Zhelang Community, Zhelang Sub-district, Honghaiwan Economic Development Zone, Shanwei City (汕尾市红海湾经济开发区遮浪街道遮浪社区南澳路1号)

Other listed spots in Shanwei: Jinting Bay Tourist Resort (保利金町湾旅游度假区), Nanhai Guanyin Scenic Area (南海观世音旅游景区), Xuanwu Mountain (玄武山), Fengche Island (风车岛), Fengshan Ancestral Temple Tourist Area (凤山祖庙旅游区)

Zhan Yuan, Zhongshan (中山詹园)

Zhan Yuan, also known as Zhongshan Grand Mansion Gate, is the largest private garden in Lingnan. Established in 1998, it was designed by the garden’s owner, Huang Yuanxin, who brought together over 100 skilled craftsmen from Suzhou to build the garden over five years. Named after Huang’s mother’s surname, Zhan Yuan combines classical Suzhou and Hangzhou styles with Lingnan’s water town layout, blending natural features like Huzhou Mountain and Beixi River nearby with its architecture.

(Photo: Zhongshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

At the garden, visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences in traditional crafts like papermaking and pottery, along with folk culture performances.

(Photo: Zhongshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Address: Along National Highway 105 Beitai Village, Nanqu Sub-district, Zhongshan City (中山市南区街道北台村105国道旁)

Other listed spots in Zhongshan: Zhongshan Museum (中山市博物馆), Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山故居纪念馆)

Chikan Ancient Street, Zhanjiang (湛江赤坎老街)

Chikan Ancient Street, which used to be Chikan Ancient Commercial Port, boasts a rich history and a unique blend of European and Lingnan-style architecture with a Nanyang flair. Featured in the TV series “The Bad Kids”, it is the largest and most well-preserved architectural complex in Zhanjiang. The street is famous for its Nanyang arcades, ancient docks, and cobbled pathways, perfect for capturing vintage-style photos.

(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)

The area is also home to various intangible cultural heritage museums and folk art galleries. Here, visitors can enjoy authentic Zhanjiang cuisine, relax at tea shops, browse cultural boutiques for souvenirs, and experience traditional crafts in workshops, all while immersing themselves in the area’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural charm.

(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)

Address: No. 149, Minzhu Road, Chikan District, Zhanjiang City (湛江市赤坎区民主路149号)

Other listed spots in Zhanjiang: Jinsha Bay Sea-view Corridor (金沙湾观海长廊), Huguangyan Scenic Spot (湖光岩风景区), Naozhou Island Tourist Area (硇洲岛旅游区), Fishing Harbor Park (渔港公园), Southernmost Village of Chinese Mainland (中国大陆南极村)

Seven Star Crags of Xinghu Scenic Area, Zhaoqing (肇庆星湖旅游景区七星岩)

Xinghu is a national 5A-level scenic area, including two main attractions: the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain. The area of the Seven Star Crags consists of seven limestone peaks resembling the Big Dipper, along with the Xinghu National Wetland Park and the Xinghu Tour-lake Greenway. Boasting karst topography, the area has established its reputation with peak forests, caves, lakes, stone steles, seasonal blossoms, and Taoist temples.

(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)

Additionally, around the Spring Equinox (on March 20 this year) and Autumn Equinox, tourists will encounter the unique “reclining Buddha swallowing golden ball” phenomenon. The setting sun aligns with a natural landform resembling a reclining Buddha, creating a stunning view.

(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)

Address: No.1 Wenming North Road, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区文明北路1号)

Other listed spots in Zhaoqing: Dinghu Mountain Scenic Area (鼎湖山风景区), Ziyun Valley Scenic Area (紫云谷景区)

Jiayang Confucius Academy (揭阳学宫)

The Jieyang Confucius Academy, established in 1140, covers over 20,000 square meters and features 21 individual buildings. With its Ming and Qing architectural styles and distinct Chaoshan characteristics, it stands as the largest and best-preserved Confucian academy in the Lingnan area. Its red walls, sweeping eaves, stone paths, and surrounding trees create a harmonious and picturesque setting.

(Photo: GDToday)

Address: No.7 Hanci Road, Rongcheng District, Jieyang City (揭阳市榕城区韩祠路7号)

Other listed spots in Jieyang: Huangmanzhai Waterfall (黄满寨瀑布), Jieyang Tower (揭阳楼), Jieyang City God Temple (揭阳城隍庙), Jinxian Gate (进贤门), De’anli Old Village (德安里)

Author: Huang Xinying

Poster: Lai Meiya

Editor: Wei Shen, Huang Qini, James, Shen He