A business traveller’s guide to Zhaoqing
As the largest city by area in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) at around 15,000 square kilometres, and with one of the smallest populations of around 4 million, Zhaoqing has something many of its neighbours lack: ample space. Sprawling across the western edge of the GBA, about halfway down the Xijiang River, the city unites manufacturing power with natural abundance.
The city’s new energy vehicle (NEV) and battery industries are flourishing, driven by companies such as Xpeng Motors and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), with the latter having received zero-carbon certification for some of its facilities. These factors have helped Zhaoqing gradually emerge as a “green” manufacturing hub in the GBA.
Zhaoqing’s business activities are concentrated in Duanzhou District, the city’s political and cultural centre – and home of the famed Qixingyan, or Seven-Star Crags. Adjacent to this scenic lakeside area is Qixingyan Archway Square, where accommodation and dining options are abundant.
Meanwhile, to the north-east of Duanzhou, Dinghu District provides a convenient corridor connecting to the Zhaoqing East Railway Station and its high-speed trains. Dotted with new hotels and industrial parks, it’s a great base for travellers with a packed schedule across Zhaoqing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
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How to get there
The journey by high-speed rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Zhaoqing East station takes either one hour and 48 minutes or two hours and nine minutes, depending on service. To ensure smooth onward travel, allow time for station transfers and customs clearance, particularly during peak business hours (7–9am, 5–7pm weekdays), weekends and public holidays. It’s another 30-minute drive from the station in Dinghu to the Qixingyan area in the city centre. If you arrive by air at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, you can take an intercity train from Guangzhou South Station to Zhaoqing East, which takes only half an hour.
Ride-hailing service DiDi is the most convenient way to get around, while Amap is the best navigation tool. Zhaoqing, like most Chinese Mainland cities, is predominantly cashless, with Alipay and WeChat Pay covering almost all payment needs. Be sure to activate the international version of Alipay or set up a local payment method before you travel.
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Where to take clients
Yue on the second floor of Sheraton Zhaoqing Dinghu is the go-to choice for formal business dinners, serving exquisite dim sum and other Cantonese cuisine. Private rooms are also available for more exclusive gatherings. Those who seek extraordinary views and atmosphere can consider the revolving restaurant on the 29th floor of the Pearl Hotel Starlake, which offers 360-degree vistas of the Seven-Star Crags.
Treat your wellness-conscious clients to a vegetarian banquet at the centuries-old Qingyun Temple on Dinghu Mountain. Dishes are light and intricately prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. For less formal occasions, there are lakeside cafés and craft beer bars at Yanqian Village – and you can take a casual stroll along the lake with clients after dinner.
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Where to stay
Opened in 2021 on the lakeside in Dinghu, Sheraton Zhaoqing Dinghu offers more than 1,700sq m of meeting facilities, as well as sweeping views of the nearby lake and wetlands. Just a 10-minute drive from Zhaoqing East Railway Station, the hotel is ideal for travellers whose business lies along the Eastern Corridor.
On Xinghu Road in Duanzhou District stands the Wyndham Grand Zhaoqing Downtown , an extensive property with 11,000sq m of meeting and event space. Close to Zhaoqing’s government offices, old town and the Seven-Star Crags, it’s great for those who need to conduct their business in the city centre.
The Pearl Hotel Starlake on Duanzhou Road, on the other hand, is a landmark property facing the Archway Square, housing the aforementioned revolving restaurant on its top floor. While the postcode is excellent, the facilities are more dated – best for those who value location or budget.
What to say
The hottest topic in Zhaoqing in recent years has not been business or tech, but the newly discovered Jinlin meteorite crater in Deqing County. According to a 2025 research report, this impact site, measuring some 900 metres in diameter, is the largest known meteorite crater to have been created on Earth in the last 10,000 years.
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What to know
Zhaoqing takes its tea culture seriously. Morning tea is not only a daily ritual but also the premise for social and business interactions. In fact, scheduling meetings during these hours is often preferred. Compared with formal banquets, the relaxed teahouse environment encourages free, easy communication while demonstrating a respect for local customs.
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Downtime done right
Outdoorsy travellers may head to the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve for waterfalls, ancient forests and temples. Nearby, the serene Qingyun Temple is well worth a half-day visit.
In Duanzhou, history lovers will enjoy exploring the city walls; free to access, they’re one of the best surviving examples of Song Dynasty city walls in Guangdong. Climb to the top of the Piyun Tower at the wall’s northern section for a rewarding view of Xijiang River.
Of course, Zhaoqing’s most iconic attraction is the Seven-Star Crags scenic area, taking its name from the seven karst peaks that surround Xinghu, or Star, Lake. The rocks are adorned with calligraphic inscriptions spanning several centuries, representing one of the most concentrated collections of rock carvings in Lingnan.
Come evening, head to Archway Square to admire the Xinghu Musical Fountain, then take a lakeside stroll to Yanqian Village where you can round off the day with a drink in the cool open air.
Take something home
Duan inkstone, deemed the best of the Chinese Mainland's “four great inkstones”, makes for a charming keepsake. It’s a classic fixture of the scholar’s study and symbol of local culture. If you’re looking for edible souvenirs, pick up some vacuum-packed steamed glutinous rice dumplings or dried gourd seeds, ideal for both stewing and cooking. Meanwhile, the refreshing purple-backed daylily is a herbal tea unique to Zhaoqing, perfect for both gifting and filling your own pantry.