GBA city guide
Zhaoqing pairs the limestone outcrops of Seven Star Rock with Duanzhou's old walls and the forest of Dinghushan, the People's Republic of China's first nature reserve. It is also the home of Duan inkstones, whose local stone has served brush calligraphers and painters for more than 1,300 years.
Zhaoqing lies beside the Xijiang River on the western side of the Greater Bay Area. Duanzhou is the old urban centre, Dinghu is the mountain and eastern-railway area, and the municipality extends to Gaoyao, Sihui and four counties. Dawang's high-tech zone is a separate industrial destination.
Living & visiting
Duanzhou brings together the old city walls, Piyun Tower, Liqiao Tower, Chaotian Gate, the city museum and arcaded streets. At Star Lake, Seven Star Rock's limestone outcrops rise from a landscape of water and parks; the Xijiang riverfront adds another public walking space.
Dinghushan is the forest-and-mountain destination east of Duanzhou.
Sihui's jade trade centres on markets including Tianguangxu and the International Jade Market.
Zhaoqing railway station is near Bohai Park and the northwestern side of Star Lake in Duanzhou. Zhaoqing East is beside the separately named Dinghu East intercity station, farther east in the new-area industrial setting. Dawang is another destination within the municipality. The municipal guide explains these station areas, and China Railway provides current trains and tickets.
Zhaoqing First People's Hospital is at 9 Donggang East Road, Duanzhou. Outpatient enquiries: +86 758 2102 104, answered during weekday daytime hours. The hospital publishes its appointment mini programme and service-account QR codes; the enquiry desk can explain first-registration routes for passport holders.
An inkstone is used to prepare ink for brush calligraphy and painting. Duan stone comes from the Duanxi area by Lanke Mountain, southeast of Zhaoqing; its name recalls Duanzhou, the city's older name. The Palace Museum records more than 1,300 years of use and distinctive natural markings, including stone 'eyes'. The material is part of the craft, alongside the carving. The Duan Inkstone Museum near Duanzhou station explores this local craft.
Established in 1956, Dinghushan was the first nature reserve in the People's Republic of China. The Chinese Academy of Sciences describes a continuing role in biodiversity protection, ecological research and environmental education. Its mountain forest is therefore both a landscape to experience and a place where scientists study how ecosystems work.
Business & industry
XPENG's Zhaoqing factory is in Dawang's high-tech zone. The wider automotive supply chain includes electronics, safety products, lightweight components and charging facilities. The factory's own published account describes production workshops, making Dawang a specific place to research electric-vehicle manufacturing.
Jinli in Gaoyao has an established network of hardware manufacturers. Guangdong's financial-services authority records a local manufacturing service centre supporting the town's businesses. This metalworking base sits alongside Zhaoqing's newer vehicle industry.
Sihui's jade markets serve a different trade from Dawang's vehicles and Jinli's metal products. Beyond these towns, rice, cassia, bamboo and fruit remain part of Zhaoqing's agricultural economy.
Dawang, Zhaoqing high-tech zone
Jinli, Gaoyao
Sihui, including Tianguangxu
Population: Approximately 4.12 million
Land area: 14,891 km²
2025 GDP: RMB 297.484 billion (approx. NZ$71.3 billion)
NZD conversion uses the same-year SAFE annual average.
Three administrative districts, four counties and the county-level city of Sihui.
Tell NZGBA whether your visit centres on Duanzhou, Sihui or Dawang, and your dates. We can discuss regional Kiwi community contacts and opportunities to exchange local knowledge during your visit.