A journey to Qingyuan, Guangdong Province, I began my day
with a familiar comfort—a coffee at McDonald's. The bustling city of Guangzhou
lay ahead, with its expansive South Railway Station, known locally as Guangzhou
Nan. This architectural marvel, even in the quiet hours of the night, showcased
its vast departure hall, stretching endlessly and bustling with travelers.
The high-speed train to Qingyuan was a marvel of modern engineering, covering the distance in approximately 30 minutes at speeds reaching 300 km/h. Upon arrival, the station's location necessitated a taxi ride into the city center, a journey of about 20 minutes costing around 50 RMB. Navigating the throng of drivers, I opted for a quieter cabbie, avoiding the more aggressive touts.
Settling into the Grace Garden Hotel, I found myself in a spacious, albeit slightly dated, room. The firm bed was notably short, a common feature in some Chinese hotels, but the expansive balcony overlooking a large swimming pool compensated for this. The hotel's serene location, nestled against the mountains, offered a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.
Qingyuan, often dubbed the "Township of Drifting," is renowned for its numerous rafting spots, thanks to its abundant rainfall and river systems. The city is also home to attractions like the Feilai Temple and the Feixia Scenic Area, which I was eager to explore.
The following morning, I ventured into the city, surrounded
by mountains and the Beijiang River. Armed with a map highlighting various
scenic spots, I set out to discover what Qingyuan had to offer. However, the
weather had other plans. Rain began to fall, and despite my hopes, the drifting
activities were suspended due to safety concerns. The city's skyline was dotted
with rows of similar-looking apartment blocks, a testament to its rapid urban
development.
Seeking shelter from the rain, I found myself in a local
cinema, where I watched "Wonder Woman." The theater was nearly empty,
providing a quiet respite from the day's disappointments. Later, I returned to
the train station, where the air conditioning struggled against the oppressive
heat. An unfortunate misstep in flip-flops had left my ankle sore, a reminder
of the day's challenges.
The trail leading up the mountain was adorned with natural
beauty—canyons, streams, and lush greenery. Along the way, I encountered locals
enjoying the serene pools, a testament to the area's untouched charm. Reaching
the summit, I was rewarded with a majestic temple, its architecture a blend of
historical significance and natural splendor. The descent was less strenuous,
though my legs felt the exertion.
Hunger set in, and I sought out dining options. The hotel's restaurant was closed, and the surrounding area offered limited choices, primarily small family-run noodle shops. Craving something familiar, I ventured into town, guided by my map to a Pizza Hut approximately a mile away. The walk through the park was peaceful, the path illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights.
Reflecting on my journey, Qingyuan presented a blend of
modernity and tradition, natural beauty, and urban development. Despite the
setbacks, the city's charm and the warmth of its people left an indelible mark,
promising adventures yet to be discovered.