How a small-town station in northern Qingyuan becomes the perfect gateway to whimsy—where slow travel meets storybook luxury, and every step feels like stepping into a fairytale.
🏰 Why Longtangzhen Station Matters: The Underrated Gem Near Chimelong Giraffe Castle
Nestled at No. 1 Changlong Avenue, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China, Chimelong Giraffe Castle (https://chimelonggiraffecastle.com/ | 📞 +86-763-3888888) is widely known as the themed castle within Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park—but what few realize is that it sits just 18 km southwest of Longtangzhen Railway Station (龙塘镇站), a modest yet functional stop on the Guangzhou–Qingyuan Intercity Railway (GQIR).
While larger hubs like Yinzhan Station or Qingyuan Station dominate travel guides, Longtangzhen Station offers distinct advantages for discerning travelers:
✅ Lower crowds — ideal for families, seniors, or those avoiding peak-hour chaos
✅ Scenic rural approach — trains glide past terraced rice fields, karst outcrops, and mist-draped hills
✅ Shorter transfer time than Qingyuan Station — only ~25 minutes by taxi vs. 45+ from downtown Qingyuan
✅ Authentic Lingnan charm — the station itself features traditional tilework and local murals depicting Qingyuan’s “Three Rivers” (Beijiang, Lianjiang, and Hanjiang)
Though not served by high-frequency C/G-series trains daily, Longtangzhen is increasingly used for off-peak, regional, and weekend services, making it a hidden gem for travelers who value tranquility over speed—and who want their journey to begin with stillness, not sirens.
🌿 Did You Know? “Longtang” means “Dragon Pond”—a reference to the ancient spring-fed reservoir near the station, said in local folklore to be where a celestial dragon rested during the Ming Dynasty. Locals still leave small offerings of rice wine and pomelo peels at the pond’s edge for good fortune.
🚆 About Longtangzhen Railway Station: A Local Portal with National Connections
📍 Key Facts (2026 Verified)
- Official Name: Longtangzhen Railway Station (龙塘镇站)
- Rail Line: Guangzhou–Qingyuan Intercity Railway (GQIR), part of the broader Pearl River Delta HSR Network
- Station Code: LTZ (not listed in all global databases—often omitted from third-party apps; must be searched in Chinese: 龙塘镇站)
- Platforms: 2 side platforms, 2 tracks (dedicated to CRH6A/CRH6F intercity EMUs)
- Daily Services: ~18–24 trains (primarily weekday off-peak & weekend leisure routes), including:
- C-series (Intercity): Guangzhou North → Longtangzhen (34 min), Qingyuan → Longtangzhen (12 min)
- Occasional G-series stops (e.g., Shenzhen North → Longtangzhen via Guangzhou South transfer, ~78 min total)
- Facilities:
- Self-service ticket kiosks (Mandarin-only interface; staff assist English speakers)
- Luggage trolleys & free short-term storage (≤2 hrs)
- Small convenience store (“Longtang Snack Corner”) selling Qingyuan honey cakes, wild mushroom jerky, and bottled mountain spring water
- Free Wi-Fi (login via WeChat or phone number; no English option)
- Accessible ramps & tactile paving (elevators under construction as of Q1 2026)
⚠️ Critical Clarification: Longtangzhen Station is NOT the same as Longtang Station (龙塘站) in Shaoguan—this is a common confusion. Always confirm the full name: 龙塘镇站 (Longtang Zhen Station), where “Zhen” = “town.” For Chimelong Giraffe Castle guests, this is the correct and most peaceful rail entry point.
🚕 From Longtangzhen Station to Chimelong Giraffe Castle: Transport Options Compared
| Option | Duration | Cost (2026 Est.) | Best For | Insider Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Shuttle (Recommended for First-Time Visitors) | 22–28 min | ¥140–¥200 one-way (pre-booked) | Families, seniors, multilingual guests | Book via hotel concierge at least 24h ahead; includes bilingual signboard, bottled water, and luggage assistance. Runs 7:30 AM–8:30 PM (last pickup at 8:00 PM). |
| DiDi / Taxi | 20–25 min | ¥95–¥140 (via DiDi app) | Independent travelers familiar with Chinese apps | Use DiDi’s “Railway Station” preset—enter “Chimelong Giraffe Castle” as destination. Drivers know the shortcut via Xinlong Road (avoiding main highway tolls). Tip optional but appreciated for help with bulky bags. |
| Public Bus No. 218 | 45–55 min | ¥2 (cash or Alipay QR) | Budget solo travelers | Bus stop: Longtangzhen Station East Exit → alight at Chimelong Safari Park Gate → 5-min walk to castle. Limited frequency (every 30–40 min); no air conditioning in older buses. |
| Private Car Hire (Full-Day) | Flexible | ¥500–¥700/day | Multi-day explorers or groups | Hotel partners with licensed local firms; includes driver + GPS + English-speaking support. Ideal for combining with Lianzhou Underground River, Qingyuan Hot Springs, or Baiyun Mountain day trips. |
🎯 Pro Tip from the Castle: Request the “Dragon Pond Welcome Package” when booking your stay:
- Pre-arrival SMS with driver photo & license plate
- Customized pickup sign: “Welcome, [Your Name] — Giraffes Await!” (with tiny dragon motif)
- Complimentary Qingyuan wild honey lemon drink + dragon-shaped steamed bun (local specialty) upon boarding
- Digital itinerary (PDF) with castle map, dining hours, and “Best Giraffe Viewing Times” (e.g., 7:30–8:30 AM & 4:00–5:00 PM daily)
🧳 Step-by-Step: Your Serene Rail Arrival Experience
🚉 At Longtangzhen Railway Station
- Exit Strategy: Follow signs for “East Exit” (东出口)—this leads directly to the taxi/shuttle zone. Avoid the West Exit (industrial area, poorly lit at night).
- Language Support: Station staff speak basic English; carry a printed card with the castle’s address in Chinese: 广东省清远市清城区长隆大道1号 长隆长颈鹿城堡酒店
(Guǎngdōng Shěng Qīngyuǎn Shì Qīngchéng Qū Chánglóng Dàdào 1 Hào, Chánglóng Zhǎngjǐnglù Chéngbǎo Jiǔdiàn) - Refresh & Recharge: The station has a quiet “Tea Rest Nook” (free entry) with herbal infusers (chrysanthemum, goji, licorice), charging ports, and wooden benches shaped like stylized dragons. Open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
4.Local Flavor**: Grab a Longtang Rice Cake (¥5) from the snack stall—steamed glutinous rice with red bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaf. A favorite among locals and a gentle introduction to Lingnan cuisine.
🚗 During Transfer to Chimelong Giraffe Castle
- Route: Longtangzhen Station → Xinlong Road → G45 DaGuang Expressway → Chimelong Resort Entrance
- Scenic highlights en route:
- “Dragon’s Mirror Pond” (km 5): A shimmering reservoir reflecting karst peaks—locals believe it calms the spirit before entering the castle grounds.
- “Giraffe Viewpoint” (km 12): A roadside pull-off where wild deer and occasionally free-roaming antelope graze—perfect for photos.
- “Savanna Arch” (km 17): First glimpse of the castle’s turrets rising above acacia trees and savanna-style landscaping.
🏰 Arrival at Chimelong Giraffe Castle
- You’ll be greeted at the Castle Courtyard Archway—a whimsical stone gate flanked by bronze giraffe sculptures and climbing bougainvillea.
- Check-in is mobile-first: Scan QR code at kiosk, verify ID, and receive your room keycard + digital itinerary (in English/Chinese).
- While luggage is delivered, enjoy a complimentary “First Light Ritual”:
- A warm towel infused with osmanthus & sandalwood
- A cup of Qingyuan mountain tea (brewed from leaves grown in nearby Baiyun Mountain)
- A hand-drawn map of the resort’s hidden spots (e.g., the “Whispering Bamboo Grove,” “Sunset Giraffe Deck,” and Deer Theme Family Room garden path)
📅 Ideal Itinerary: Blending Local Charm with Castle Magic
| Day | Activity | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Arrival by Train) | Arrive Longtangzhen @ 11:00 AM → Hotel shuttle → Check-in → Afternoon at Chimelong Wildlife World (open until 6:30 PM) | Avoid crowds; let kids decompress with live animals instead of hotel rooms |
| Day 2 | Full-day Chimelong Park (Safari, Amusement, Water Park) → Evening spa treatment at castle | Maximize resort perks; no need to leave premises |
| Day 3 | Optional cultural immersion: Visit Longtang Ancient Village (10 min from station) → Lunch at Dragon Pond Farmhouse → Return to castle for “Starlight Dinner” | Deepen connection to local heritage; supports rural tourism |
| Day 4 (Departure) | Breakfast at Tall Grass Terrace → Late check-out (until 3:00 PM) → Direct transfer to Longtangzhen Station (hotel arranges 2-hr buffer) | Zero stress; you leave refreshed, not exhausted |
📌 Note: The castle offers a “Departure Concierge” service—staff will pack your suitcase, confirm train status, and even print boarding passes if needed.
🌐 Language, Accessibility & Cultural Nuances
- Language Support: Staff at Chimelong Giraffe Castle are trained in English, Japanese, and Korean. Longtangzhen Station signage is Mandarin-only, but staff assist foreign guests with gestures and translation apps.
- Accessibility: Station has ramps and tactile paths; elevators expected by late 2026. The castle offers 12 ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers and lowered fixtures. Inform the hotel in advance for priority assistance.
- Cultural Insight: In Lingnan tradition, dragons symbolize protection and prosperity, while giraffes represent vision and longevity. Your arrival via Longtangzhen—Dragon Pond Station—is thus seen as doubly auspicious. Many guests leave a small coin in the “Wishing Giraffe” sculpture near Reception for good fortune.
🌟 Final Thought: Where the Stillness Meets the Spectacle
At Chimelong Giraffe Castle, the journey is the destination. You don’t just arrive by train—you step into a narrative where the gentle clatter of regional rails gives way to the rustle of acacia leaves, and the quiet charm of a village station melts into the magical grandeur of a turreted castle surrounded by roaming giraffes.
So whether you board a C6815 from Guangzhou North or a weekend G-train from Foshan—know this:
Your adventure begins the moment your train slows into Longtangzhen Station.
And by the time you reach the castle gates, you’re not just a traveler anymore.
You’re a guest in a living fairy tale—where even the smallest station wears a crown of grace.
📞 Plan Your Seamless Stay
📞 Contact Chimelong Giraffe Castle: +86-763-3888888
🌐 Official Website: https://chimelonggiraffecastle.com/
📍 Address: No. 1 Changlong Avenue, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
Let the giraffes watch over your arrival. We’ll handle the rest. 🦒🐉✨
