Things To Do
in Bulicun

Bulicun is a quiet town in southern China framed by green hills and terraced fields. It blends traditional Cantonese influences with a growing craft and cafe scene. Narrow lanes wind past red-tiled houses, markets, and small temples that echo daily life.

The town serves as a gateway to nearby nature reserves while retaining a welcoming, low-key pace.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Bulicun Temple, where you can admire the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby markets, immersing yourself in the local culture as you sample traditional breakfast foods like Jianbing and Baozi. Capture the vibrant morning scenes filled with locals engaging in Tai Chi and vendors setting up their stalls.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local dumpling house, head to the Bulicun Museum to delve into the rich history of the area, featuring artifacts from various dynasties. Explore the narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, and perhaps engage with local artisans practicing their crafts. As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow, find a quiet café to sip on local tea and enjoy the view of the bustling streets.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, make your way to the scenic riverside park for a leisurely walk along the water, where you can enjoy the beautifully lit bridges. Dinner at a local restaurant offers a chance to savor regional dishes, including spicy hot pot and fresh river fish. Conclude your day by watching a traditional Chinese opera performance, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bulicun.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to the nearby hills for a guided nature walk. The early morning light illuminates the lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, creating a picturesque setting perfect for photography. Listen to the sounds of nature as you hike along the well-marked trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

afternoon
:

After a picnic lunch atop a scenic viewpoint, spend the afternoon exploring the nearby waterfalls, where you can cool off in the refreshing pools. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape, taking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Consider renting a bicycle to explore the winding paths that lead to hidden gems in the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Bulicun and indulge in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dishes. The evening ambiance is lively, with locals gathering to socialize and share stories over their meals. Finish your day with a stroll through the town, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and perhaps stopping for some street snacks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
🥟Street food snack$1-3
Coffee or tea at cafe$2-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-90
🚆Local transit ticket$0.5-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable town with river views
  • Accessible from major airports; great for slow travel
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • English-speaking staff may be scarce in rural venues; some places rely on Mandarin or local dialects
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱?" - How much?
  • "我想点这个" - I would like to order this
  • "可以刷卡吗?" - Can I pay by card?

Places to Visit in Bulicun

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Gate at Dawn

An ancient gate framed by soft morning light and quiet streets for atmospheric shots.

Golden River Promenade

Riverside walkway with reflections of traditional rooftops and arched bridges.

Tea Terrace Overlook

Terraced hills with tea bushes and light mist in the early hours.

Hilltop Pagoda Sunset

A hilltop pagoda silhouetted against a vivid sunset over rolling hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bulicun

Bulicun's cuisine blends Cantonese flavors with fresh hillside produce and river seafood. Expect light, fragrant dishes, herbal teas, and a vibrant street-food scene that suits all ages.

Bulicun Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

白切鸡 (White-cut Chicken)

Poached chicken served with a delicate soy-dip; widely found in markets and family-run eateries.

Must-Try!

煲仔饭 (Claypot Rice)

Rice cooked in a clay pot with meat and vegetables, caramelized crust added for flavor; best during midday meals.

清蒸海鲜 (Steamed Fresh Seafood)

Seasonal fish or shellfish steamed with ginger and scallions to preserve natural sweetness.

糖水/甜品 (Sweet Soups)

Light desserts like red bean or lotus seed soups served warm or cold as a finish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bulicun Central Market

A bustling early-morning hub for vegetables, noodles, and local snacks.

Ginkgo Lane Night Market

After-dark stalls offering skewers, dumplings, and herbal teas with a lively atmosphere.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bulicun experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The rainy season runs roughly May through September, with occasional typhoons. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor activities, though humidity can linger year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greet Respectfully

A nod or light bow is common; use polite language with elders and hosts.

Shoes Indoors

Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional rooms; avoid pointing feet at people or sacred spaces.

Dining Etiquette

Eat quietly, share dishes, and wait for elders to start; avoid talking loudly in temples or religious spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for travelers. Exercise usual precautions around crowded markets and at night, and be mindful of traffic when crossing roads. Carry water, sun protection in summer, and travel insurance; emergency numbers in China are 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire.

Tipping in Bulicun

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most eateries; leaving a small tip in tourist-focused spots is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used; credit cards are common in larger hotels and some shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and occasional showers; carry a light rain jacket.

Summer

Hot and humid with afternoon downpours; seek shade, hydrate, and plan early-morning outings.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies; ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter

Mild and cool, rarely freezing; carry/light layers and be prepared for damp mornings.

Nightlife Guide

Bulicun at Night

Bulicun offers a mellow nightlife centered on tea houses, intimate live-music cafes, and night markets. Most venues close by late evening, making it ideal for relaxed, social evenings rather than clubbing or large-scale nightlife.

Hiking in Bulicun

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lushan Hills Trail

Moderate loop through tea terraces and forest with river views.

Twin River Gorge Path

Scenic hike along two rivers with stone bridges and valleys.

Tea Terrace Loop

Gentle circuit through nearby tea fields with overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Bulicun by plane.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Major hub for southern China; well connected to Bulicun area by rail and road.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

Another major gateway in the region with broad domestic and international connections.

Meixian Airport (MXZ)

Smaller regional airport offering domestic flights; connected to Bulicun via ground transfer.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable, with most sights within a short stroll. Some streets are steep or uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended. For hillside viewpoints and markets outside the core, a short bike ride or taxi is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority ethnic group, speaking Cantonese and Mandarin.

Cantonese-speaking communities

Local culture and cuisine rooted in Cantonese heritage.

Hakka communities

Traditional villages nearby with distinct dialects and customs.

Migrant workers

A transient workforce contributing to construction and services in the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Table tennis

A popular pastime in community centers and sports clubs.

Badminton

Widely played in schools and parks across the region.

Basketball

Community leagues and street play near markets.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate with a mix of buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. The town center can get congested during market days or festival events. Roads to hillside viewpoints are winding but well maintained; trains connect to larger cities nearby.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bulicun.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetable dishes, tofu options, and vegetarian stews; mention no meat when ordering, and look for steamed dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Bulicun is centered on town clinics and a district hospital in the nearby city. For serious emergencies or specialist care, travelers typically go to larger hospitals in the regional capital. Travel insurance is advised and keep a local emergency contact list handy.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide