Upon first encountering Gaozhou, one experiences the unique charm of traditional culture

I had long heard that Gaozhou is an important birthplace of Gaoliang culture, a land of traditional arts and culinary delights, and I was thrilled to finally set foot on this legendary land. My accommodation was at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Gaozhou, located at the foot of the scenic Bijia Mountain, surrounded by lake views and mountainous beauty. Upon entering the lobby, I was immediately captivated by the three large historical lacquer paintings that greeted me. The original works by master craftsman Wu Zongmin depict the history of Gaozhou, promote the spirit of Gaoliang culture and education, and praise Lady Xian, the first heroine, reflecting the patriotic sentiments of the people of Gaozhou. Looking closely, the surface of the lacquer paintings has a relief-like unevenness, demonstrating the complexity of the baking process. Such a complete large-scale presentation is hard-earned, and as time passes, the paintings will become even more lustrous and bright. This is the charm of lacquer art, shining in the sediment of the years. Looking up, the cluster of lights hanging from the top of the lobby is composed of many small light bulbs, which when lit, resemble crystal-clear lychees, not only characteristic of Gaozhou but also symbolizing a bountiful harvest. The background panel at the reception is 'Lychees Reflecting Gracefully,' a gold lacquer stone carving with all patterns inlaid with gold leaf, understated luxury. The ancient lychee tree in the painting is the very one that Consort Yang once tasted, making it extraordinarily significant. During check-in, the front desk service was enthusiastic, proactively introducing nearby amenities and tourist attractions, very hospitable. 🏨 Scenic Rooms The hotel offers a variety of room types. I stayed in the luxurious mountain-view suite, which is very spacious and features a large bathtub facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for a family vacation while enjoying the view during a bath. The large floor-to-ceiling window occupies the entire wall, offering an unobstructed view of Bijia Mountain, a sight that refreshes the mind and spirit. 🍽️ Rich Dining Options The hotel has various styled restaurants, tea rooms, and a lobby bar, allowing guests to enjoy local specialties without stepping outside. The Chiang Mai restaurant is spacious and elegant. You must not miss the buffet breakfast here, which offers a rich variety of Chinese and Western dishes and has a long-standing reputation as the best in local hotels. The highlight is the Gaozhou specialty snacks, with a wide variety, visually interesting and delightful to eat, especially the Gaozhou Lao Fen, which is thin and slippery, so satisfying that two plates are not enough. The breakfast is satisfying, and the dinner is even more spectacular, with various Asian fusion dishes that are both beautiful and delicious: spicy and appetizing Tom Yum Goong seafood soup, layered Lo Hei Yu Sheng, salty and crispy charcoal-grilled pork neck, tender iron plate deep-sea tiger prawns, richly flavored French foie gras fried rice, and the stunning and surprising flame ice cream... Each dish reflects the chef's dedication, leaving a lasting impression. ⛱️ Leisure and Entertainment The hotel has a gym and an outdoor swimming pool with lifeguards, making it a fun place for both adults and children to play in the water. With the dopamine rush from exercise, enjoy a special poolside afternoon tea, with simple snacks presented in an exquisite birdcage, adding a touch of cuteness, paired with a pot of nourishing tea, sitting down with family and friends for a chat, utterly relaxing. ⛰️ Nearby Attractions If you have ample time, consider exploring around the hotel. In addition to Bijia Mountain Park, there are many more characteristic check-in spots. ⛲️ Lingnan Phoenix Garden Phoenix Garden covers more than 300 acres, nestled against mountains and water, designed and built by the legendary Mr. Yang Xingzhu. The garden is filled with precious Taihu stones, creating interesting formations, cascading waterfalls, and a fairyland-like atmosphere, showcasing the unique Yang-style beauty of Jiangnan gardens. There is also the Xian Tai Temple built in memory of Lady Xian, the tallest ancient pagoda in Guangdong, Baoguang Pagoda, and the distinctive Zhongshan Road Arcade Street, all worth visiting. These historically valuable buildings tell the story of Gaozhou's past and present. 📌 Hotel Address: No. 83, Zhanqian Road, Gaozhou City, Maoming, Guangdong 🚗 Travel Tips: The hotel is about a 40-minute drive from Maoming Station. You can take a high-speed train to Maoming Station and then take a taxi to Gaozhou.