Qixingyan Scenic Area
A Visitor's Guide to Seven Star Crags (Qixingyan), Zhaoqing
Nestled within the city of Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province, the Seven Star Crags Scenic Area presents a breathtaking landscape that seamlessly blends natural wonders with cultural heritage. Often described as a "fairyland on earth," its unique charm lies in the harmonious composition of five lakes, six hills, seven crags, and eight caves. This configuration creates a mesmerizing scene where lakes embrace hills, hills conceal caves, and caves house underground rivers. Despite being part of an urban area, the scenery is so immersive that the city beyond seems to vanish, offering visitors a serene escape into a poetic and picturesque world.
Exploring the Natural Landscape
The park's geography invites exploration at every level, from towering peaks to subterranean waterways.
Majestic Crags and Panoramic Vistas
The Seven Crags, resembling the pattern of the Big Dipper, are the park's namesake and core. Among them, Tianzhu Yan (Heavenly Pillar Crag) is a prime spot for hiking enthusiasts. Ascending its paths rewards climbers with sweeping panoramic views of the entire scenic area—a tapestry of shimmering lakes, lush greenery, and distinctive limestone formations.
Tranquil Lakes and Wetland Ecology
The five lakes, including the notably beautiful Xiannü Hu (Fairy Lake), are the park's tranquil heart. A boat cruise here is highly recommended. Gliding across the calm, mirror-like waters offers a unique perspective of the crags' reflections and leads to the Red-crowned Crane Ecological Park. This sanctuary allows for close observation of these elegant, symbolic birds in a naturalistic habitat, adding a delightful ecological dimension to the visit.
Subterranean Wonders: Caves and Rivers
The geological magic continues underground within the eight caves. The most famous, Shishi Dong (Stone Chamber Cave), is a must-see. Visitors can board small boats to navigate its illuminated underground river, marveling at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia. This journey through the cool, dimly lit caverns truly embodies the area's "hills-within-lakes, caves-within-hills" character.
A Journey Through History and Culture
Beyond its natural beauty, Seven Star Crags is an open-air museum of calligraphic art, preserving centuries of human admiration.
The Treasures of Qixingyan Cliff Inscriptions
Designated as a key national cultural heritage site, the Seven Star Crags Cliff Inscriptions form the largest and most concentrated collection of rock carvings in Guangdong Province. Scattered across the crags, these inscriptions span dynasties, featuring poetry, prose, and commemorative texts left by scholars, officials, and travelers. The undisputed masterpiece among them is the Duanzhou Stone Chamber Record, a piece of regular script calligraphy carved during the Tang Dynasty by the renowned master Li Beihai. Its historical and artistic value is immense, making it a focal point for cultural aficionados.
Cultural Performances and Sites
For a taste of local culture, the Shuiyue Gong (Water-Moon Palace), a peaceful temple complex within the park, sometimes hosts traditional Cantonese Opera (Yueju) performances. These are often held in the Houle Ting (Rear Joy Pavilion) on weekends. Catching a performance here, surrounded by ancient architecture and natural scenery, provides a uniquely authentic cultural experience.
Essential Visitor Information
To help plan your visit, here are the key practical details.
Admission Fees
- Standard Ticket: 70 RMB (Adult).
- Concession Ticket (Half-price): Applicable to: 1) Children with a height between 1.2m and 1.5m; 2) Full-time students (undergraduate and below) with a valid student ID; 3) Seniors aged 60-69.
- Free Admission: Applicable to: 1) Seniors aged 70 and above; 2) Children aged 6 and below or under 1.2m in height; 3) Active military personnel and individuals with disabilities (with valid certification).
- Note: Students aged 23 and above are required to purchase an adult ticket. All information is for reference; please verify with the official ticketing on the day of your visit.
Operating Hours
The scenic area is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 18:00. It is advisable to allocate a minimum of 3 hours for a fulfilling visit, though one could easily spend half a day or more exploring thoroughly.
Getting There
A convenient public transportation option is to take Zhaoqing Public Bus No. 19 and alight at the Seven Star Crags West Gate (Qixingyan Ximen) bus stop. From there, it is a short and straightforward walk of approximately 350 meters to the entrance.
Contact
For any inquiries, you can contact the scenic area at +86 758 2302838.