3 Days in QingYuan, China - May 2026

The first Soho House Run Club getaway was a delightful mix of camaraderie and birthday celebrations, set against the scenic backdrop of Qingyuan, near Guangzhou. This refreshing retreat allowed the group to relax amidst breathtaking views, lush greenery, and rolling hills, offering a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Qingyuan, a Tier 4 city, provides a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the hectic pace of larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai, highlighting its rich natural beauty and traditional culture. The region is renowned for its delicious cuisine, particularly its chicken dishes and distinctive tea leaves, making it an ideal destination for both food enthusiasts and nature lovers, ensuring an unforgettable getaway for everyone.

Often called the backyard of Guangzhou, Qingyuan is a serene retreat for city dwellers. Some compare Qingyuan to a mini Guilin, known for stunning karst formations and tranquil waters, enhancing its appeal as a getaway. With its combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and culinary delights, Qingyuan is ideal for a long weekend, allowing visitors to recharge and enjoy the company of friends, making it a memorable experience for all.

Travel and Tips

Only 1-2 direct trains from HK West Kowloon go directly to Qingyuan. Consider a change to Yingde West for more flexible schedules. You can, of course, use Didi once you get to the area, but since we have 11 people, we opted for a luxury 15-seater for about HK$6000 for 3 days.

During peak travel seasons such as long weekends, passport holders should allow 1.5-2 hrs for immigration and security.

Note you can only bring a bottle of alcohol each into China so plan you alcohol wisely. You may consider some bottles of spirits as they last longer.

Day 1: Arrival to Yingde West, 桃花湖

As some of us missed our trains, we didnt get to our lunch spot till 1:45pm so we decided to head to lunch directly and straight to our accomodation.

8:30am - Departure from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Yingde West

2:00pm - Lunch

北江渔家中餐厅 — 古窑烧鸡 & 生态鱼（英德宝晶宫天鹅湖店）

Situated within a large hotel complex by a lake in Yingde Town, it offers a preset menu for groups for convenient selection. It provides a wonderful view of the lake and some attractions within the complex, and it has a decent Western-style toilet.

4:30pm - Check-In

湖曦·雲棧民宿（清遠桃花湖店）

One of the top choices in the lake area, providing a panoramic view. The food is decent, though not as impressive as the lunch. The pool offers a great view of the lake, and being higher up in the mountains means there are fewer mosquitoes.

Since it was raining and we had a bit of stressful start, we decided to just chill at the hotel and enjoy each other's company.

Day 2: 英德 Sightseeing

10:30am - Departure

Since we are 40mins away from the Cave we decided to leave a earlier but bamboos were in the way.

11:45am - 洞天仙境 (Cave)

Natural Stone Cave, Zip Line, Hikes and Glass Viewing Platform (2hrs)

洞天仙境, or Dongtian Xianjing, is a renowned scenic area located in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province, China. This picturesque destination is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring dramatic karst mountains, lush greenery, and serene waters.

Main Attractions

• Scenic Views: The area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

• Caves: The name "洞天" translates to "cave heaven," reflecting the numerous caves that can be explored, each with unique formations and historical significance.

• Recreational Activities: Visitors can engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and exploring the natural environment.

2:00pm - Lunch

竹味柴火竹筒饭（九龙店）

This specialist restaurant focuses on dishes served in bamboo casings, offering fantastic food and an overall great experience. There is no set menu, but it's easiest to ask them to recommend a menu for larger groups. Note that there is only squatter toilets available.

3:30pm - 英西峰林 (Karst)

What was meant to be a scenic walk ended up being a paid theme park. The landscape was beautiful, but included some questionable man-made attractions. We were quite tired from the cave hike, so we spent just under 2 hours there before leaving.

5:00pm - Check-In

TSIM|潛度假祕境

The highlight of our trip was a beautifully designed 19-room hotel, offering a panoramic view of the valley set against the mountains.

The room package includes afternoon tea and evening cocktails for two. Both the pool and hot spring use mountain spring water. The hot spring by the cave was especially visually striking.

The TSIM Resort in Qingyuan showcases a contemporary design that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with local cultural elements. The facade features sleek lines and large glass panels that invite natural light, while the interior boasts a harmonious palette of warm tones and textured materials, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Unique design details include traditional Chinese motifs subtly integrated into the decor, such as intricate wood carvings and silk textiles, which pay homage to the region's heritage.

8:00pm - Dinner

TSIM / Stream Restaurant

The hotel features a fusion restaurant that blends the finest Yunnan ingredients with Guangdong culinary techniques. Since our group is large, the hotel provided us with a private room that includes a sitting area and a mahjong table. It was undoubtedly one of the best meals we experienced in the area, and we naturally extended the festivities to our room, which has a conversation pit!

Day 3: Journey Home

古龍峽 - Glass bridge, canyon trails & scenic waterfalls

This was an attraction we wanted to see on the way back but the weather was too hot and we decieded to spend more time at the hotel before leavng. Managed to get a late check out at 1:00pm.

3:00pm - Lunch

竹院牛庄（沙田店）

This restaurant appears to be quite popular among locals, known for its regionally famous Sauna Beef and Chicken. Each dish is placed in the steamer for 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to drip into the broth below, which is then used as a hot pot at the end. The chicken and beef brisket ho fan were particularly impressive. Given the extensive menu, the meal tends to be relatively lengthy.

6:00pm - Departure back to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station