Zhaoqing Ziyun Valley: The "Emerald Secret Realm" Hidden by the West River

No need to travel far for coolness; a pool of "glass water" in Zhaoqing Ziyun Valley holds the most soothing answer to Lingnan's summer. Taking a ferry from the dock across the river, the 5-minute breeze disperses the city's heat, and the greenery on the opposite bank greets you, instantly falling into a natural oxygen bar. Walking along the waterside trail, sunlight filters through the bamboo forest, casting dappled shadows, while the clear creek beneath reveals colorful pebbles and swimming fish. The emerald-colored pool of Tianqing Pond looks like a flowing gem; stepping in barefoot, the 22°C coolness spreads from your toes throughout your body, instantly dissipating the summer heat. Going further up, the Water Curtain Cave’s waterfall sprays like flying pearls and splashing jade, the mist on your face feels cooler than air conditioning, and a deep breath fills you with fresh negative ions. For those who love exploration, the rock walls of Laokeng Cave bear the marks of millennia-old Duan inkstone stories, and the coolness in the dark space makes you forget the scorching heat outside; if you want to relax, find a shallow beach, chill a watermelon in the creek, and enjoy it with freshly bought mountain spring tofu pudding for the most pleasant afternoon. Taking the ferry back at dusk, the sunset dyes the water red, and even the breeze carries a gentle afterglow. Here, there is no excessive commercial noise, only the babbling creek, birdsong, and insect chirping. Bring a change of clothes and a pair of non-slip shoes, and you can rediscover the joy of playing in the water from childhood, letting the mountains and waters heal all your fatigue.