Shaoguan is located in the northern part of Guangdong Province, at the southern foot of the Nanling Mountains, bordering Hunan and Jiangxi. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of about 20°C.
Shaoguan has a long history, serving as a key town in Lingnan as early as the Qin and Han dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty, the famous prime minister Zhang Jiuling opened the Meiguan Ancient Road, which became an important passage connecting the north and south. In modern times, Sun Yat-sen launched the Northern Expedition here.
Shaoguan is one of the important birthplaces of Hakka culture, with rich cultural heritage such as Hakka enclosed houses and tea-picking opera. The cuisine is mainly Hakka-style, featuring dishes like salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu, and Mei Cai Kou Rou (pork belly with preserved mustard greens), known for their savory and salty flavors.
Shaoguan serves as the ecological barrier of northern Guangdong, home to famous scenic spots such as Danxia Mountain and Nanling National Forest Park. In recent years, it has vigorously developed tourism and green industries, with a well-developed high-speed rail network, making it the backyard garden of the Greater Bay Area.
The best time to visit 韶关 is Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): The temperature rises, flowers bloom, and the rhododendron sea on Danxia Mountain is spectacular, perfect for outings and flower viewing.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, with Danxia's red layers contrasting with autumn leaves; Nanling National Forest Park is a riot of color, ideal for photography and hiking.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy, but suitable for summer retreats and rafting; winter (December-February) is cold, with snow in some high-altitude areas, great for seeing rime.
After Qin Shi Huang unified Lingnan, he established Nanhai Commandery in the Shaoguan area, marking Shaoguan's inclusion under central authority.
The Tang Dynasty chancellor Zhang Jiuling oversaw the construction of the Meiguan Ancient Road, connecting Lingnan with the Central Plains and boosting economic and cultural exchanges.
Recommended places to visit
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, famous for Danxia landforms with colorful red rocks. Attractions like Elder Peak, Yangyuan Stone, and Yinyuan Stone are breathtaking.
The largest primitive forest in Guangdong, home to the highest peak in Guangdong, Shikengkong (1902m). With waterfalls and rare flora and fauna, it's a natural oxygen bar.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Inscribed as part of the 'China Danxia' series of World Natural Heritage, famous for its unique red sandstone landforms and ecological value.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Guangdong provincial intangible cultural heritage, a folk opera popular in Shaoguan and surrounding areas, featuring tea-picking tunes and lively performances.
Guangdong provincial intangible cultural heritage, a traditional rice wine brewing technique from Shitang Town, Renhua County, with snow-like froth and mellow taste.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Shaoguan Station is a key stop on the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway, about 50 minutes from Guangzhou South Station and 1.5 hours from Shenzhen North Station.
Guangzhou-Shaoguan second class about 105 RMB
Shaoguan Danxia Airport is operational, with routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc. It is about 30 km from the city center.
Varies by route
City buses cover major attractions, with fares starting at 2 RMB. Tourist shuttles are available to Danxia Mountain, Nanling, etc.
From 2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A famous Hakka dish, baked in coarse salt, with crispy skin and tender meat, savory and flavorful.
A traditional Hakka dish, tofu stuffed with minced meat, pan-fried until golden, tender and smooth.
In September 1924, Sun Yat-sen held a rally in Shaoguan to launch the Northern Expedition, making Shaoguan one of the starting points of the campaign.
An ancient post road built in the Tang Dynasty, connecting Guangdong and Jiangxi. Beautiful when plum blossoms bloom; Chen Yi wrote 'Three Chapters on Meiling' here.
The ancestral home of Lingnan immigrants, known as 'First Lane of Guangdong'. Many Cantonese family trees trace their ancestors' migration from here.
Located in Shaoguan National Forest Park, a five-story tower offering panoramic views of the city. Tang poet Zhang Jiuling once composed poems here.
A classic Hakka dish, steamed pork belly with preserved mustard greens, rich but not greasy, melts in the mouth.
A specialty of Nanxiong, pressed duck with firm meat and rich cured flavor, can be steamed or stir-fried.
A specialty of Lechang, made from taro, soft and savory, crispy outside and tender inside when fried.