Xihua Road (Breakfast) → Chen Family Ancestral Hall → Pantang Ancient Village → Liwan Lake → Lunch → Yongqingfang → Beijing Road Pedestrian Street → Dinner → Night Tour along Jiangxi Road → Bar
No matter where you are, you can quickly reach Xihua Road by using Didi (a popular ride-hailing service in China) or the metro.
Xihua Road is a famous food street in Guangzhou, home to numerous traditional and time-honored eateries that showcase authentic Guangzhou flavors. The street is lined with residential buildings, and the shops are closely integrated with the daily lives of the locals, creating a strong sense of community. The shops here are modestly decorated, and most of the pedestrians are local residents. Cantonese is the predominant language, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time to old Guangzhou, where you can experience the most genuine and down-to-earth local life. Here, we have selected the following delicacies for you:
💰Tickets Price: 10 RMB for adults, free for minors ⏰Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays, except public holidays). The last Monday of each month is a maintenance day. 📷Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy, was completed in 1893 during the 19th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty. It was built with funds donated by the Chen clan from 72 counties across Guangdong Province, serving as a "clan ancestral hall." Covering an area of 15,000 square meters with a building area of 8,000 square meters, it once attracted a real estate developer who offered billions for the land, but the offer was unsurprisingly rejected. This site is not just an ancient residence or a museum showcasing the pinnacle of Lingnan architectural and decorative arts; it is also a place of deep spiritual significance for the Chen clan. Indeed, the Chen clan does not lack the billions offered. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is renowned for its exquisite sculptures and Lingnan-style architecture. The "Seven Wonders" of its decorative arts are particularly worth seeing: Three Carvings: Wood carving, brick carving, stone carving Two Sculptures: Plaster sculpture, ceramic sculpture One Casting: Bronze and iron casting One Painting: Color painting These intricate and elaborate decorations are often referred to as "Lingnan Baroque." After the abolition of the imperial examination system in 1905, the hall was used for educational purposes for a long time. In 1959, the Guangdong Folk Art Museum was established on the site of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and it underwent an expansion in 2010, costing 800 million RMB. The museum houses nearly 3,000 national-level precious cultural relics and over 20,000 exquisite and modern craft masterpieces. It covers all the craft categories in Guangdong Province that are listed in the national intangible cultural heritage directory, such as Shiwan pottery, Guangcai (known as Canton porcelain), ivory carving, Cantonese embroidery, and Guangzhou wood carving. It is an excellent place to experience the top-tier craftsmanship of Guangdong Province. The design of the building also takes into account the climate of Guangzhou. The wide eaves act like sunshades, blocking direct sunlight. The interconnected corridors allow the wind to flow through, carrying away the heat, so you can feel cool even in the summer. What is an Ancestral Hall? Chinese people place great importance on their ancestors, believing that deceased ancestors transform into deities who protect their descendants. The continuation of the family bloodline is also of utmost importance. In Chinese culture, "loyalty" and "filial piety" have always been the highest moral standards for an individual. An ancestral hall is an important place in traditional Chinese culture for worshipping ancestors and holding family activities. It is typically a place where a family or clan collectively worships their ancestors and gathers to discuss important family matters such as marriages, funerals, property distribution, and dispute resolution. It is also a place for passing down family culture. Ancestral halls usually enshrine spirit tablets, display family rules and clan regulations, and hold various worship activities to express respect and remembrance for ancestors. Through these activities, people show their respect for their forebears and pass down the family's traditional virtues, values, and behavioral norms from generation to generation, while also strengthening the bonds and sense of identity among family members. In modern society, ancestral halls still play an important role in the transmission of family culture and the protection of local culture as symbols of traditional culture. In the past, each family's ancestral hall was the most sacred place in the hearts of its members, and they would use the best materials and craftsmanship available to build it. Therefore, ancestral halls often represent the highest levels of architecture, aesthetics, and craftsmanship of their time. Tour Route of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall South Gate Entrance → 1. Main Gate → 2. Screen Door→ 3. Front East Hall → 4. Central Courtyard → 5. Front East and West Wings → 6. Platform → 7. Jixiantang → 8. Ancestral Hall → 9. Back Courtyard.
We recommend four ways for you to get to Pantang Ancient Village.
💰Ticket: Free ⏰Opening Hours: All day 📷Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours In ancient times, the western suburbs of Guangzhou were a vast expanse of ponds and marshes. Due to sediment deposition from the Pearl River, land gradually formed after the Tang Dynasty. This area is low-lying, mostly consisting of ponds and depressions, hence called "Bantang" (Half Pond). During the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was elegantly renamed "Pantang," reflecting both its geographical features and the hope that local scholars would "enter the academy" and achieve literary success. During the Tang Dynasty, Zheng Gong Embankment already existed here. In the Southern Han period, it became the Liu family's imperial garden Hualin Garden. In the Qing Dynasty, it became part of Lychee Bay, the number one scenic spot in Lingnan. This is an ancient Lingnan village with nearly a thousand years of history, hidden in the bustling old Xiguan district, nestled between Liwan Lake Park and surrounding high-rise buildings, like a time tunnel from a modern city into a historic neighborhood. It is one of the few well-preserved rural settlements in Guangzhou's historic city center, and the only village that completely retains the Qing Dynasty rural layout and typical simple architectural style, where multiple clan families live together. Strolling through it, you can see bluestone-paved alleys, tanglong doors, grey brick houses, and tile roofs—every detail reveals the craftsmen's exquisite skills and the ancients' wisdom of life. The original Pantang Ancient Village had five "Yue" (sections), each roughly equivalent to a community today. Now, sections 1-4 have disappeared, leaving only Pantang Wuyue (the Fifth Section), a small part of the original Pantang. Pantang Wuyue was once synonymous with "dirty, disorderly, and run-down" like other urban villages. After micro-renovation in 2017, it not only preserved the living atmosphere of old houses but also introduced bookstores, coffee shops, artisanal boutiques, intangible cultural heritage studios, and many interesting graffiti walls. Here, besides experiencing authentic Lingnan village life, you can also feel the colorful traditional Lingnan culture. It is also called "Little Lijiang." Pantang has many historical sites, but the best way to visit is not with a checklist mentality, but to wander freely in this quiet place amidst the bustling city, and inadvertently discover the atmosphere沉淀 in the crevices of time. Here are some places worth visiting—
💰Ticket Price: Free ⏰Opening Hours: 24 hours 📷Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Liwan Lake is a popular park in Guangzhou and serves as a public green space on your way to lunch. The park features restaurants, tea houses, dance halls, and various recreational facilities, making it a comprehensive leisure spot for sightseeing, cultural activities, entertainment, and relaxation. Covering a total area of approximately 27 hectares, with 62% of it being water, the park consists of four lakes: Xiaocui Lake, Yucui Lake, Ruyi Lake, and Wuxiu Lake, all connected by bridges and embankments. The park regularly hosts various cultural festivals and exhibitions, such as calligraphy and painting exhibitions, photography exhibitions, and folk culture exhibitions, allowing visitors to appreciate the profound Lingnan culture while enjoying their visit.
The finest cuisine can only be born out of the most affluent environments. On a land like Guangzhou, which has been prosperous for a thousand years, the culinary culture that has been nurtured is also rare in the world. Let’s head to the most authentic local restaurant nearby to experience the delicious flavors that belong to Guangzhou.
🗺️Address: No. 99, Enning Road ⏰Opening Hours: 24 Hours 📷Recommended Visit Duration: 2-2.5 hours The history of this neighborhood dates back to the first year of the Baoyou era in the Southern Song Dynasty (1253), and it was once one of the commercial centers of Guangzhou. During the Ming Dynasty, it developed into the political, economic, and cultural hub of Guangzhou, attracting officials, merchants, returned overseas Chinese, and famous Cantonese opera performers to build residences here, forming a unique architectural cluster of Xiguan mansions. This area not only features historical buildings like the ancestral home of Bruce Lee but also historical sites closely related to Cantonese opera, such as the Guangdong Association of Chinese Cantonese Opera Artists(Bahe Guild). Yongqingfang boasts the most well-preserved arcade building complex in Guangzhou, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. Western elements like Roman columns and arched windows complement Chinese carvings and colored sculptures, providing both practical functions like sunshade and rain protection and showcasing unique artistic charm. In 2015, the renovation of the Yongqing area officially began, and on August 22, 2020, Yongqingfang was officially designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Please note that if you wish to watch the Cantonese opera at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum at 3:00 PM, please manage your visit time accordingly.
💰Ticket Price: Free Admission, On-site Reservation Available ⏰Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM 9:00 PM 🗺️Address: No. 127, Enning Road This museum is reputed to be the most beautiful museum in Guangzhou. It not only showcases the beauty of Cantonese opera but is also a garden-style museum with a strong Lingnan water town style. The layout adopts the architecture of traditional Chinese gardens, featuring many ancient-style pavilions and towers, with a small lake in the center, creating a picturesque landscape. In 2017, it won the highest honor in the construction industry for engineering quality—the China Construction Engineering Luban Prize. The total land area is 17,200 square meters, with a total building area of about 21,700 square meters. The museum's various garden courtyards, watersides, rockeries, winding corridors, and bridges provide performance spaces for Cantonese opera enthusiasts, creating the largest opera space for the inheritance of Cantonese opera. Understanding Cantonese Opera: Cantonese opera, also known as Guangdong opera, has a thousand-year heritage. It is not only the largest opera genre in the Cantonese-speaking regions of Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region but also an important representative of traditional Han Chinese opera, known as the largest opera genre in China. Cantonese opera is popular not only in the Lingnan region of China but also in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia and the Americas. The aesthetic characteristics of Cantonese opera include the unity of expressive beauty and realistic beauty. Expressiveness is mainly reflected in the virtualization of props and the stylization of performances. For example, a table and two chairs can represent different spaces, and the stylized performances of actors convey the identity and emotions of the characters through fixed actions and postures. To protect this important cultural heritage, Cantonese opera was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006 and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Next, you can visit the museum in the following order: The Putianle Hall→ the Liyuan Hall→ the Luanyu Tower→ the Red Boat House→ the Guangfu Stage→ the Jiqing Hall→ the Qionghua Hall→ the Western Pavillion→ the Bahe Tower
We recommend three ways for you.
💰Ticket Price: Valid ID required, no reservation needed ⏰Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays 📷Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5-2 hours This museum may hold the value of a large museum in such a small size. The phrase "The Thirteen Hongs, Half of Guangzhou's History"(the thirteen Hongs: a gateway to understanding half of Guangzhou’s history) aptly describes the pride of Guangzhou's "glorious trade history" showcased here. In the 22nd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1757), China began its policy of isolation, closing all foreign ports except for the Thirteen Hongs, which became the sole maritime trade port. For the next 85 years, the Thirteen Hongs of Guangzhou (the name "Thirteen Hongs" does not literally mean there were only 13 merchants; it is a conventional term) monopolized China's foreign trade, becoming an institution with absolute monopoly. At its peak, the Thirteen Hongs gathered one-third of the world's silver and hosted merchant ships from various countries. Around 20% of the world's wealth flowed through this port, making even the golden ages of London and Venice pale in comparison. Here, the civilizations of the mainland and the ocean, capitalism and feudalism, Confucian culture and commercial civilization clashed and merged intensely. Historically, this period is one of the most contradictory yet fascinating chapters. Why was trade so captivating? Because it was incredibly profitable! Historical records show that tea from Wuyi Mountain in China was sold to the Thirteen Hongs at half a silver tael per kilogram. The Thirteen Hongs then sold it to the British East India Company at one tael per kilogram, and in the British market, the price reached two taels per kilogram. Similarly, silk imported by the French for £32,000 could be sold for £97,000 in their home country. In 1745, the Swedish ship Götheborg, carrying 700 tons of Chinese goods, sank just one kilometer from the port. Even after salvaging only 5% of the cargo, the auction proceeds, after deducting all costs including the shipwreck, still yielded a 14% profit. The commercial activities here had far-reaching impacts beyond trade. China exported tea, porcelain, and handicrafts annually, while European countries could only export raw materials and animal skins, leading to a massive trade deficit and the inflow of billions of silver dollars into China. This situation persisted until Britain began exporting opium to China, directly leading to the First Opium War and the signing of China's first unequal treaty. The Thirteen Hongs of Guangzhou also created numerous super-rich individuals. For example, 18th-century merchant Wu Bingjian was named the "world's richest man" of the 18th century by Time magazine, with assets peaking at 26 million Mexican silver dollars, six times that of the richest American at the time. The Qing government's annual revenue was only 40 million taels. Wu Bingjian was also the first Chinese businessman to invest in the United States. He took a liking to a young American worker, 17-year-old John Forbes, and adopted him as his godson, giving him an investment of 500,000 taels of silver. Forbes used this money to invest in American railroads and monopolized China-US trade. Today, the Forbes family's assets exceed $10 billion, significantly influencing the global commercial and political landscape. Of course, Wu Bingjian was not the world's richest man at the time; that title belonged to Emperor Qianlong's favorite courtier, Heshen, whose personal wealth equaled the Qing government's revenue for 16 years combined, three times the personal wealth of French Emperor Louis XVI. If you wish to visit his mansion, you can go to Prince Gong's Mansion in Beijing, and we offer related tours. Nevertheless, the Thirteen Hongs were known as the "Golden Mountain and Pearl Sea, the Emperor's Southern Treasury," a place of immense wealth and opulence. Here, you can admire the finest import and export goods of the time, including ceramics, silverware, shells, ivory, and tortoiseshell, experiencing the intricate and luxurious beauty that conquered the world in that era. The museum covers an area of 3,060 square meters, with a total building area of 6,090 square meters. As of 2024, it houses over 5,000 artifacts, all donated by enthusiastic individuals from China and abroad.
From the Thirteen Hongs Museum to Beijing Road, the distance is 3.3 kilometers. It is recommended to take a taxi or use the metro.
⏰Opening Hours: Open all day 📷Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is the commercial heart of Guangzhou and has been the city's central axis for over 2200 years, never shifting or breaking its continuity. 214 BC, The northern section of Beijing Road became the starting point of Guangzhou's urban development. In Eastern Han Dynasty, The northern part of Beijing Road developed into a district of bureaucrats, while the southern part became a residential and commercial area. Since Tang Dynasty, Beijing Road became the main thoroughfare for officials, with the southern side evolving into a commercial axis. Today, Beijing Road is one of Guangzhou's busiest commercial streets, attracting around 400,000 visitors daily, with numbers soaring to 600,000-1,000,000 during holidays. It is a vibrant destination filled with historical sites, renowned brand stores, unique restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for shopping, sightseeing, and dining.
Cantonese cuisine boasts over 5000 different dishes. When you come to Guangzhou, you’ll only regret that your stomach isn’t big enough. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you to the most exquisite flavors. Let’s continue our exploration!
After dinner, let’s take a walk and enjoy the beautiful night scenery of this city. Let’s head to the most beautiful riverside road in Guangzhou - West Yanjiang Road.
📷Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour West Yanjiang Road is known as the “Guangzhou Bund,” where numerous century-old buildings blend Chinese and Western architectural styles, representing the concentrated contribution of overseas Chinese to Guangzhou’s development. It is a microcosm of modern Guangzhou’s commerce and overseas Chinese culture. Haizhu Square was once a “dating paradise,” with the Pearl River night cruise and the arcade walks evoking the nostalgic feelings of the older generation of Guangzhou residents.
If you are still energetic, why not spend the last joyful moments of the day at one of the bars here?
This concludes our day-long tour of Guangzhou. In this bustling city brimming with commercial vitality, whether it's the humble street stalls or the luxurious malls, the cobblestone alleys or the grand ancestral halls, the casual snacks or the exquisite feasts, the well-dressed elites or the casual passersby in vests and slippers—did you feel the shared spirit of commerce and wealth that has been passed down through the ages? Of course, Guangzhou has so much to offer that it cannot be fully experienced in just a day or two. You can take more time to get to know her, to get closer to her, and in the process, find your own unique joy. We hope you have a wonderful time in Guangzhou. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please don't hesitate to leave us a positive review (link). Should you encounter any issues while using our self-guided tour, please feel free to contact us via email. If you have any valuable feedback or suggestions after using our service, we would also love to hear from you via email. We believe that our positive interaction can help us provide you with increasingly better services.
1. Try not to use it on Mondays and Tuesdays, as the important stop Chen Family Ancestral Hall is closed every Tuesday and the last Monday of every month (excluding holidays), the Cantonese Opera Art Museum is closed every Monday, and the Guangdong Shisan Hang Museum is closed every Monday.
2. In Southern restaurants, if the waiter gives you a relatively large basin and a metal teapot, you can unpack the tableware and put it in the basin, using the hot water from the metal teapot to sanitize the bowls, chopsticks, cups, and plates; never use it to wash your hands or drink. Of course, some restaurants' waiters will sanitize the tableware for you, so just enjoy the service.
3. Remember to bring your passport.
4. Try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone has battery.
5. Please wear comfortable shoes, as you will need to walk a lot today.
Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.
Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.
★ 5.0 / 5 · 13 reviews from app travelers
L'artigianato alla Sala Ancestrale del Clan Chen non ha nulla da invidiare a quello che ho visto in Italia — migliaia di storie scolpite nel legno, nella pietra e nella ceramica. Beijing Road per lo shopping, Yongqingfang per l'atmosfera, e il Museo dei Tredici Hong per capire la ricchezza di Guangzhou sulla Via della Seta. Una giornata raffinata per gli amanti dell'arte e del commercio.
ครอบครัวฝั่งจีน-ไทยที่โตมากับเรื่องเล่าเกี่ยวกับรากเหง้าที่กวางตุ้ง เดินเข้าไปในห้องบรรพบุรุษตระกูลเฉิน เหมือนได้สัมผัสประวัติศาสตร์จริงๆ งานแกะสลักในห้องบรรพบุรุษ ตรอกหมู่บ้านโบราณพันถัง พิพิธภัณฑ์งิ้วกวางตุ้ง — ทุกอย่างพูดถึงวัฒนธรรมที่รักษาความผูกพันของครอบครัวข้ามมหาสมุทรได้เข้มแข็ง ขอบอกว่าเป็นวันที่ประทับใจมาก และอาหารก็สมบูรณ์แบบ
Зал клана Чэнь — шедевр кантонского ремесла: по конькам крыш ползут керамические фигуры, резьба по дереву и камню кругом. Древняя деревня Пантанг и озеро Ливань добавляют спокойствия. Переулки Юнцинфан — идеально для фото и закусок, а музей кантонской оперы — приятный сюрприз. Культурный, вкусный день в Гуанчжоу.
Les sculptures sur brique du Chen Clan Ancestral Hall sont d’une richesse qui coupe le souffle — je suis restée dix minutes devant. La plus belle surprise : l’itinéraire des repas. Aucun piège à touristes, que des adresses où les habitants vont tous les jours. Rouleaux de riz, double-peau au lait, un festival bien plus honnête que n’importe quelle liste Michelin. Seul regret : une demi-journée, pas le temps pour les raviolis au poisson. 5 étoiles, je reviens avec mes collègues.
Guangzhou surprised me with how “layered” its culture feels—clan traditions, folk arts, and modern street life all within one day. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was breathtaking; the brick, wood, and clay carvings were so detailed that I kept stopping like I was in front of a museum exhibit that never ends. Strolling through Pantang Ancient Village and around Liwan Lake slowed the pace, and Yongqingfang added a lively, creative energy. As a history lover, I appreciated the museums too—the Cantonese Opera Art Museum made me curious about the stories behind the costumes and stage traditions, and the Thirteen Hongs Museum connected Guangzhou to global trade in a way I could actually “see.” Food was the happiest constant: rice rolls with different fillings (I tried beef and char siu), plus congee that felt soothing after walking.
Las tallas en ladrillo y madera del Salón Ancestral Chen son la cumbre de la artesanía de Lingnan, y a mí, que trabajo en construcción, se me iban los ojos: esas vigas y esos caballetes llevan siglos firmes. La textura del barrio acuático de Pantang también está muy bien conservada. Bajo los soportales de Yongqingfang, no dejaba de pensar en cómo lo construirían.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour