Jiqingli Xianhu Tourist Area

Jiqingli Xianhu Tourist Area

Jiqingli Xianhu Tourist Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Yingde Jiqingli Xianhu Tourism and Holiday Resort is situated on the northern edge of the Pearl River Delta in Yingde City. It is invested and developed by Yingde Xianhu Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guangdong Dongyiwanz Group. The resort aims to become a uniquely charming international hot spring town, China’s most attractive hot spring tourism destination, China’s most famous outdoor sports park, and China’s base for Yingde black tea culture.

The Jiqingli Xianhu Tourism and Holiday Resort boasts a beautiful environment, rich in rare thermal mineral springs and natural ecology such as forests and lakes. These are key highlights for modern lifestyle seekers and the project’s core resources. The development adopts eco-friendly conservation practices, and the planning has involved world-renowned designers, hotel management companies, and international environmental consultants. The resort will be built into a comprehensive hot spring tourism destination integrating hot spring holidays, business conferences, leisure entertainment, health care, and eco-cuisine, all set against stunning natural landscapes and infused with a strong cultural ambiance.

“Embrace Natural Ecology, Enjoy Premium Services” is the service philosophy of the Jiqingli Xianhu Tourism and Holiday Resort, dedicated to providing customers with a healthy new way of life. To this end, centered around the Xianhu Resort and incorporating nearby tourism and experience-based resources such as the Xianqiao Underground River Ecotourism Area, Shimentai Nature Reserve, vast tea plantations, organic agriculture experience zones, and outdoor sports parks, the project creates a leisure hub that combines nature education, organic farming, eco-conservation, culture and arts, and fashionable outdoor activities.

Jiqingli Black Tea Valley

Named after the ancient village of “Jiqingli” by Xianhu, which was built over 800 years ago during the Song Dynasty. According to local records, its name originates from a family genealogy — “Blessings accumulate through virtue, and joy shines through harmony.” Remnants such as the old gate tower, stone lions, and tea fields still hint at its former vibrancy. Yingde black tea dates back over 1,300 years, and Yinghong No. 9 has won numerous awards, including the Guangdong Provincial Gold Award for Premium Tea, the Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award, and national approval for using the Geographical Indication product label. Once beloved by the Queen of England, it became a bestseller overseas. Today, Yinghong No. 9 from Jiqingli combines ancient and modern cultivation and processing techniques, exuding unique charm in the fertile soil of Xianhu.

Xianqiao Underground River

Located in Hengshitang Town, Yingde City, 25 kilometers from the city center, it is known as the “Longest Underground River in Asia” and the “Most Beautiful Cave in South China.” It is the only cave scenic area in South China that offers a full boat tour experience. The site consists of four areas: Xianqiao Zone, Fu Cave, Jiuxi Stream, and Xianhe Dragon Palace. Passengers cruise through distinctive “two darks and one light” waterways, moving between light and shadow while admiring exquisite stalactites, the dripping sounds from the cave ceiling, and birdsongs throughout the journey. The “thrill,” “awe,” and “wonder” of the underground river complement the “charm,” “fun,” and “emotion” of the open river sections, creating a delightful experience. The area also offers fishing, camping, dining, and other special services, allowing visitors to not only witness nature’s wonders but also embrace a back-to-basics lifestyle.

[Jiqingli Ancient Ruins]

The ancient village of Jiqingli lies adjacent to the northern part of the Jiqingli Tea Garden and was established over 800 years ago during the Song Dynasty. Local documents state that the phrase “Blessings accumulate through virtue, and joy shines through harmony” is the origin of the name “Jiqing.” This also aligns with the spirit advocated in the *I Ching*: “A family that accumulates goodness will have abundant blessings.” At the entrance of Jiqingli stands an ancient gate tower engraved with historical imprints, bearing the three characters “Jiqingli” in relief. For 800 years, this solemn gate has silently witnessed the past glory of Jiqingli.

[Lover’s Bridge / Heart Island]

The Lover’s Bridge spans over 200 meters across Xianhu Lake, designed around the theme of love. Its long, straight structure symbolizes everlasting happiness and togetherness for couples. Running from south to north, it connects the main road to Heart Island, allowing visitors to step onto the bridge right from their parking spot and enjoy the beautiful views of Xianhu Lake.

Heart Island is located at the very center of Xianhu Lake and consists of four small islands. Each island is heart-shaped in varying sizes, covered with green stones and lush trees. The islands are interconnected by bridges, and each features resting areas for visitors to enjoy the scenery.

[Wilderness Park]

The Wilderness Park is located west of Xianhu Lake, covering nearly a thousand acres, and can be accessed directly from Heart Island via walking trails. With a vegetation coverage rate of over 95%, the park preserves well-preserved primitive forest resources. To help visitors unwind, the park offers various hiking paths of different types, lengths, and difficulty levels to suit all kinds of travelers.

[Hot Spring Town]

The uniquely charming Hot Spring Town boasts rare and exceptional hot springs. The thermal waters here are of premium quality, sourced from geothermal sources 1,580 meters underground, with a daily output of 4,000 m³ and temperatures ranging from 55–58°C. The slightly alkaline deep groundwater is rich in various minerals beneficial to health, offering outstanding wellness benefits. The overall architecture of the town features a modern minimalist design, nestled by the lake and surrounded by mountains, all set within a sea of green hills.

[Jade Maiden Peak]

Jade Maiden Peak lies southwest of the Hot Spring Town, standing over 200 meters tall and stretching more than 400 meters. In appearance and form, it resembles a graceful maiden draped in white clouds, lost in thought, waiting, or resting under the sky. Whether in the frosty morning, moonlit night, rainy day, or sunny afternoon, Jade Maiden Peak always captivates with its enchanting charm.

[Mao’s Mountain]

Mao’s Mountain is located southeast of the main entrance of the Xianhu Hot Spring Resort, standing 300–400 meters high and extending several kilometers. From a distance, the undulating peaks strikingly resemble the profile of the late Chairman Mao Zedong — his broad forehead, serene closed eyes, prominent nose, and upturned chin — vivid and lifelike. Visitors affectionately call it “Mao’s Mountain,” a nickname that has grown increasingly popular over time.

[Guangdong Agricultural Park]

Nestled in serene mountain valleys, you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes surrounded by bamboo groves, tea hills, green fields, and streams. You can also experience the fun of planting, picking, frying, tasting, and appreciating tea — immersing yourself in hands-on labor to experience the simple life of ancient tea farmers, while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnecting with nature. It is an ecotourism destination themed around promoting Yingde black tea culture, integrating tea planting, production, garden tours, tea-picking and processing experiences, tea exhibitions, and leisure tea tasting.

Source: Jiqingli Xianhu Tourism and Holiday Resort