With four counties rolled into one administrative district, Jiangmen has some spectacular scenery and plenty of attractions for those wanting to look around a little longer
Spend a bit of time in Jiangmen and you will soon realise that the Western side of Guangdong is exactly how it looks on satellite images: green. Indeed, beyond the hot spring resorts, there is much more to see. Tucked among the tree-covered hillsides, palm forests, and rice paddies of Jiangmen's four counties there are enough waterfalls and Chinese temples, pagodas and pavilions, fruit orchards and white sand beaches to satisfy any nature lover. Jiangmen covers an area of 9,541 square kilometres. Most tours begin with a stroll through the city's historic waterfront neighborhoods and leafy parks (see page 10) followed by bargain hunting at its outdoor markets and dinner at one of its fine restaurants. But once you have done that, and have enough time, you really need to get into the countryside to fully appreciate Jiangmen.
Xinhui
The first stop is usually Xinhui, one of Jiangmen City's three districts. Encircling the city proper on three sides, it is more rural in nature.
With a history of more than 4,000 years, Xinhui also has some of Jiangmen's most interesting attractions. History buffs will want to visit the Liang Qichao Memorial Museum (Tel: (0750) 6390437), which can be reached by Xinhui bus no. 1. Located in Chakeng Village in the Huicheng district, it features the former residence of Liang Qichao (1873-1929) and a two-storey memorial hall paying tribute to the political activist and scholar of traditional Chinese culture.
With 5,000 pieces of art on display, the Xinhui Study Temple (Tel: (0750) 6665906 and reachable by Xinhui bus no. 3) is also worth a visit. Originally dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, the Confucian temple has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. Located at the foot of Ma Mountain in Xinhui's Huicheng section, the current reincarnation - with its striking reddish orange facade and blue tile roof - was built in the 1950s.