The worst thing about traveling during the Mid-Autumn Festival is getting stuck in traffic on the highway while watching a car show or being crammed into crowded tourist attractions. This time, I took a gamble and traveled in the opposite direction from the Pearl River Delta to Luoding, a direct 2.5-hour drive on the highway.

The worst thing about traveling during the Mid-Autumn Festival is getting stuck in traffic on the highway like at a car show or being crammed into crowded scenic spots 🥹. This time, I took a gamble and traveled in the opposite direction from the Pearl River Delta to Luoding. It was a smooth 2.5-hour drive on the highway, and I'm sharing my travel tips with you as soon as I got back! 📍One-Day Itinerary (No Backtracking) Pingtang Karst Peaks → Luoding Pagoda → Cai Tingkai's Former Residence + Jin Yin Lake Departing from the Pearl River Delta in the morning, I arrived home around 8 PM to enjoy the moon – a relaxed pace with no rushing. 📷Must-See Highlights 1. Pingtang Karst Peaks I was immediately awestruck by the karst peaks before me as soon as I parked. The small hills rise abruptly from the ground, paired with golden rice paddies stretching to the horizon – a scene rarely seen in Guangdong. I arrived just in time for the rice harvest season; the wind rippled through the rice paddies, creating stunning photos that looked like desktop wallpapers. A few minutes' walk further in is Julong Cave, filled with stalactites of various shapes, including a "dragon bed" resembling a dragon's head. The cave is cool and refreshing; it's a lifesaver after sunbathing. 2. Luoding Wen Pagoda: The best-preserved Ming Dynasty Wen Pagoda in Guangdong truly lives up to its name. An octagonal, seven-story pavilion-style pagoda, its brickwork is exceptionally fine. The stairs to the top are narrow and steep, but the view of the great bend of the Longjiang River from the top is well worth the price of admission. At sunset, the river shimmers like a golden ribbon. Sixty-four copper bells hang from the eaves, tinkling in the wind, instantly evoking a sense of antiquity. Next to it is a section of the ancient city wall ruins. Strolling along the riverbank in the evening, watching locals fish and stroll, is a truly immersive experience. 3. Cai Tingkai's Former Residence: The grand house where the renowned anti-Japanese general Cai Tingkai was born is ridiculously large, featuring three courtyards with pavilions and corridors. Two watchtowers at the rear are particularly striking, reportedly used for defense against bandits. A large pond in front of the house reflects the forest behind it. After exploring, it's just a few minutes' drive to Jin Yin Lake. When the Mid-Autumn Festival full moon rises over the lake, the surroundings are serene, with only the sounds of water and insects—the atmosphere is simply breathtaking. 💡Travel Tips: The entire journey is via expressway. It's recommended to leave early for a smoother trip. Check the opening hours of each attraction in advance! The entire itinerary is leisurely, requiring no rush, perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation! The worst thing about traveling during the Mid-Autumn Festival is getting stuck in traffic on the highway like at a car show or being surrounded by crowds at tourist attractions 🥹. This time, I took a gamble and traveled in the opposite direction from the Pearl River Delta to Luoding. It was a smooth 2.5-hour expressway ride, and I'm sharing my travel tips with you right after my return! 📍One-Day Itinerary (No Backtracking) Pingtang Karst Peaks → Luoding Pagoda → Cai Tingkai's Former Residence + Jin Yin Lake Departing from the Pearl River Delta in the morning, you can arrive home around 8 PM to enjoy the moon. The pace is relaxed and there's no rush. 📷Must-Visit Highlights 1. Pingtang Karst Peaks I was immediately awestruck by the karst peaks before me as soon as I parked the car. Small hills rise abruptly from the ground, paired with golden rice paddies stretching to the horizon—a scene rarely seen in Guangdong. We arrived just in time for the rice harvest season; the wind rippled through the rice paddies, creating stunning photos that looked like desktop wallpapers. A few minutes' walk further in is Julong Cave. Inside, stalactites of various shapes and sizes, including a "dragon bed" resembling a dragon's head, are incredibly cool—a lifesaver after sunbathing. 2. Luoding Wen Pagoda: The best-preserved Ming Dynasty Wen Pagoda in Guangdong truly lives up to its name. An octagonal, seven-story pavilion-style structure, the brickwork is exceptionally fine. The stairs to the top are narrow and steep, but the view of the great bend of the Longjiang River from the top is well worth the price of admission. At sunset, the river shimmers like a golden ribbon. Sixty-four copper bells hang from the eaves, tinkling in the wind, instantly evoking a sense of antiquity. Nearby, there's a section of ancient city wall ruins. Strolling along the riverbank in the evening, watching locals fish and relax, is a truly immersive experience. 3. Cai Tingkai's Former Residence: The birthplace of the renowned anti-Japanese general Cai Tingkai, the house is ridiculously large, with three courtyards, pavilions, and corridors. Two watchtowers at the rear are particularly striking, said to have been used for defense against bandits. The large pond in front of the house reflects the forest behind it. After exploring, it's just a few minutes' drive to Jin Yin Lake. When the Mid-Autumn Festival full moon rises over the lake, the surroundings are quiet, with only the sounds of water and insects—the atmosphere is simply breathtaking. 💡Travel Tips The entire journey is via highway. It's recommended to leave early for a smoother trip. Check the opening hours of each attraction in advance! The whole trip is leisurely, with no rush, perfect for those who want a relaxing vacation!