Guangdong's Hidden "Little Erhai"

Stumbling into a Peach Blossom Paradise! This mint-green lake embraced by karst peaks offers ink-painting-like scenery with every snap! 🌊 📍【Location】 Taohua Lake (formerly Longxudai Reservoir) in Jintan Town, Qingxin District, Qingyuan. Named after thousands of peach trees planted around the lake. A 2.5-hour drive from Guangzhou—navigate to "Taohua Lake Eco-Tourism Zone." 🎡【Must-Visit Spots】 1. **Cave Exploration** (Boat ticket: ¥80/person) Cruise through an underground river into a karst cave where stalactites glow like a crystal palace under lights! Flash photography creates cyberpunk-style shots. Bring a light jacket—it's chilly inside. 2. **Longxudai Reservoir Viewing Deck** Best shooting time: 6:30–7:30 AM! Morning mist blankets the lake, with the distant "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" faintly visible. A telephoto lens captures a "Mirror of the Sky" effect. 3. **Lakeside Hike** Try the "Hengban Village–Taohua Island" route (~5km), passing bamboo groves, rice fields, and rustic villages. Spot local grannies washing clothes by the shore—a heartwarming scene. 4. **Swallow Rock (Yanziyan)** A free limestone cave 1km from Taohua Lake. At dusk, golden sunset hues paint the cliffs—perfect for silhouette shots. 🍽️【Food Guide】 ✔️ **Local Pork**: Juicy and firm—try pan-fried pork belly paired with rice wine! ✔️ **Jintan Tofu**: Silky and fragrant—stuffed tofu or mapo tofu are must-orders. ✔️ **Spring-Water Duck**: Tender meat in clear broth, served with plum sauce. ✔️ **Top Picks**: Lakeside Restaurant at Huxi Yunzhan B&B (book ahead); Taoyuan Farmhouse (¥60/person). 🏨【Stay Recommendations】 1. **Taohua No.1 B&B** (~¥800/night) 270° glass rooms (some with stargazing tubs). Rustic exterior meets modern minimalism inside—super photogenic. 2. **Cloudside Lakeview Suite** (~¥1,200/night) Features telescopes and private hot springs. Rent Hanfu outfits for ancient-style photoshoots. 3. **Qingyuan Mountain Guesthouse** (~¥600/night) Automated floor-to-ceiling windows for sunrise views. Cozy fireplace area for rainy-day tea sessions. 🚗【Transport】 ✅ **Drive**: Guangzhou–Qingyuan Expressway → Qinglian Expressway → Jintan exit (~2.5h). ✅ **Public Transit**: 1. High-speed train from Guangzhou North to Qingyuan Station (~30min). 2. Taxi to Taohua Lake (~1h, ¥150). 3. Bus 208 from Qingyuan to Jintan Town, then moto-taxi (~¥20). ⚠️【Tips】 1. Summer bugs? Pack repellent. 2. Weak signal? Download offline maps. 3. Slippery trails post-rain? Wear grippy shoes. 4. Some B&Bs lack elevators—alert staff for heavy luggage. 💡【Sample Itinerary】 **Day1**: Guangzhou → Cave Adventure → Taohua No.1 Afternoon Tea → Lakeside BBQ. **Day2**: Hengban Village Sunrise → Lakeside Hike → Tofu-Making Demo → Cloudside Hot Springs. **Day3**: Swallow Rock Visit → July Peach-Picking → Return. Dubbed "Guangdong’s Little Guilin" by CCTV, this spot rivals Erhai’s views and channels Tao Yuanming’s idyllic poetry. Escape the city for a weekend as a "Taohua Yuan local"! 🌿