Jieyang, a seriously underrated "treasure" town! A complete guide to exploring and eating its wonders.
When you think of tourism in Guangdong, do Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai immediately come to mind? Today, I must recommend one of my "hidden gems"—Jieyang. It lacks the hustle and bustle of big cities, yet it hides the most authentic Chaoshan culture and mouthwatering cuisine. Trust me, once you've been here, you'll understand what "understated luxury" truly means.
Day 1: Explore the Old Town, Be a Half-Day "Jieyang Local"
My Jieyang journey began with a bowl of "Guozhi" in the morning. Don't be fooled by the name; it's not fruit juice, but a snack made from rice flour shaped like rice noodles, topped with a gravy, and served with braised eggs, braised meat, sausages, and more. A steaming bowl of it is incredibly comforting! Just wander into any small shop in the old town and see a local uncle sipping Kung Fu tea while reading the newspaper—you'll know you've come to the right place.
After a satisfying meal, head straight to Jinxian Gate. This is a landmark building in Jieyang. The gate tower has a unique design, with a pavilion on top and a city gate below. Older generations of Jieyang residents have a charming saying: passing through this gate will "enhance one's virtuous character." Let's take a walk and soak up some of that scholarly atmosphere!
Not far from the Jinxian Gate is the Jieyang Confucian Temple, also known as the Temple of Confucius. It's one of the largest Confucian temples in the Lingnan region. Stepping inside, the red walls, yellow tiles, and ancient trees instantly create a sense of tranquility. The weight of history and the accumulation of culture are particularly calming. Taking photos and soaking in the scholarly atmosphere here is incredibly pleasant.
In the afternoon, completely immerse yourself in the old streets of Zhongshan Road and Xima Road. There are no chain stores here, only old shops full of historical charm. You can see artisans weaving bamboo baskets, hear the aroma of herbs wafting from old pharmacies, and find shops selling various traditional pastries. My favorite is the "arcade" architecture; walking through it feels like stepping back into the last century. Don't forget to buy some "Salty Immortal Cake" or "Mung Bean Cake" to eat on the go; these are snacks that Jieyang locals have enjoyed since childhood.
Day Two: Pay respects to the gods and see the "Number One Waterfall in Lingnan"
In Jieyang, Jieyang Tower is a relatively new landmark. The square is large, and the huge bronze square cauldron is quite imposing—perfect for a "been there, done that" photo.
But what truly amazed me was the Huangmanzhai Waterfall in Jiedong District. Praised as the "Number One Waterfall in Lingnan," it truly lives up to its name. You need to climb a short distance, but when you hear the roar of the water, see the waterfall cascading down, and feel the spray hitting your face, you'll feel that all the hard work was worth it! Especially in summer, it's a natural oxygen bar, incredibly refreshing.
If you're interested in folk beliefs, the City God Temple and Shuangfeng Temple in Rongcheng District are worth a visit. The City God Temple, in particular, is breathtakingly beautiful; the wood carvings, stone carvings, and lacquer paintings on its architecture tell a story in every detail. Watching the locals hold incense and pray devoutly, you can feel the deep-rooted human touch of this small town.
**Most Important:** Jieyang Food – You'll regret it if you don't gain weight!
Speaking of food, I'm really excited! In Jieyang, you don't need a guidebook, because any random little shop might hide an absolute culinary gem.
* **Must-Eat #1:** Oyster Omelet. It's completely different from any other oyster omelet you'll find elsewhere! Jieyang's oyster omelet is made with duck eggs, fried until the edges are crispy and fragrant, while the oysters inside remain fresh and juicy. Dipped in fish sauce, it's simply divine!
* **Must-Eat #2:** Beef Hot Pot. Don't forget, the Chaoshan region is a beef hot pot paradise! In Jieyang, the beef is freshly cut, with incredibly detailed cuts: neck meat, brisket, fat… A few quick dips in the clear beef bone broth, then a touch of satay sauce – the sweet, tender, and incredibly delicious flavor is simply divine! * **Various Kueh (Cakes):** Jieyang locals are experts at making kueh. Bamboo shoot kueh, preserved radish kueh, rice-less kueh… all shapes and fillings, steamed or fried, are delicious—a veritable treasure trove of snacks.
* **Late Night Snacks:** You absolutely must experience Jieyang's late-night congee! It's not just plain congee; stalls are filled with dozens, even hundreds, of side dishes, such as raw marinated shrimp, raw marinated crab (those with sensitive stomachs should only try a small amount), braised dishes, fish rice, various stir-fries… A bowl of warm, smooth congee paired with these savory and delicious side dishes is the most comfortable way for Jieyang locals to enjoy the evening.
* **Tips:**
* **Accommodation:** It's recommended to stay in Rongcheng District, near the old town, for convenient access to food, drinks, and entertainment.
* **Transportation:** Jieyang has Chaoshan International Airport and Chaoshan Railway Station (high-speed rail station). It's actually very close to Shantou and Chaozhou, making it a convenient destination for exploring the "Chaoshan region." • Language: Chaoshan dialect is practically a foreign language. Don't worry if you don't understand it at all; just speak Mandarin. The locals are very friendly.
In short, Jieyang isn't a tourist city you can just look around at and be done with. It's a place you need to slow down, explore on foot, and savor with your taste buds. It may not have stunning scenery, but it has priceless local life and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Find a weekend to steal a few days of peace and quiet in this treasure trove of a city. I guarantee you'll leave with a full stomach and a satisfied soul!