Guangzhou & Ancient Sites, China; Colonial Heritage and Mountains
Guangzhou is a multicultural city with historic, cultural and religious sites. Shamian Island, the settlement of the French and British during the opium war, has an eclectic colonial architecture. Xiguan Old Houses, located in Liwan District of Guangzhou, display a diverse traditional architecture. Guangzhou has exquisite gardens, the garden style native to the Lingnan region. Kaiping Diaolou & Villages, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, are historic residences and watchtowers. Qixing Yan (Seven Star Crags) comprises scenic lakes and limestone mountain peaks. Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park is an exceptional cultural destination with diverse attractions and nature trails.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Guangzhou, China
There are direct flights to/from Guangzhou, China from the main Asian cities. We arrive at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and use private transfer services provided by our hotel. We have dinner at Jiang by Chef Fei Restaurant in our hotel, serving authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Day 2 – Zhaoqing & Xinghu Scenic Area
Today, we visit the Xinghu Scenic Area comprising Qixing Yan (Seven Star Crags) and the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve. We use a private car with a driver and drive two hours from Guangzhou to Qixing Yan. A small boat takes us across the Star Lake, offering view of the limestone mountain peaks. We discover the temples and caves with ancient cliff inscriptions. We take a small boat inside the illuminated caves. We visit the wetland park, habitat of diverse species of birds.
Next, we drive 30 minutes to the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve with dense forest, gorges and waterfalls. It is an ancient Buddhist sacred place and mountain retreat with scenic hiking trails. Afterwards, we drive an hour and a half to Guangzhou and have dinner.
Day 3 – Kaiping Diaolou & Villages
We use a private car with a driver and drive two hours from Guangzhou to Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourist Attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the ancient Zili Village, Majianglong Village and Li Garden. Kaiping Diaolou & Villages are a cluster of residences and watchtowers built in Kaiping by returning overseas Chinese. The fortified houses feature Chinese and Western architectural styles. The rural fields, pretty gardens and scenic ponds surround the traditional historic buildings. After the visit, we drive a few hours to Guangzhou and have dinner in our hotel.
Day 4 – Guangzhou
We use a private car with a driver and visit the cultural sites of Guangzhou. Shamian Island, the settlement for the French and British during the opium war, has an eclectic colonial architecture. We vsit the Qingping Market, displaying agricultural products and Chinese herbal medicine. We drive to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, the symbol of the Buddhist heritage in Guangzhou. The nearby Huaisheng Mosque is a prominent landmark and a prayer place for Muslims.
Situated in the Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen who played a leading role during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. We have lunch at a Cantonese restaurant that serves traditional dim sum. In the afternoon, we visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a Gothic Catholic Cathedral and a cultural relic in China. We drive to the Canton Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Guangzhou. In the evening, we drive to our hotel and have dinner.
Day 5 – Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park
We use a private car with a driver and drive one hour from Guangzhou to Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park. We discover hollows in the mountains, the location of ancient temples, monasteries and religious symbols. Nanhai Kwan-yin Cultural Park is situated at the Daxian Peak in the Xiaqiao Mountain. Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple is the Buddhist shrine, comprising magnificent pavilions and the statue of Nanhai Kwan-yin, 61.9 meters in height statue of seated Buddha. Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park has scenic nature trails. After the visit, we return drive to Guangzhou.
Day 6 – Yueju Opera
We use a private car with a driver and drive to Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, located in the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The museum has a collection of folk art, wood carving, pottery and traditional crafts. Next, we visit the ancient town of Xiguan and its diverse traditional architecture. Xiguan Old Houses, built during Qing Dynasty, have a symmetrical design with courtyards and gardens.
After lunch, we enjoy Yueju Opera or Cantonese Opera, a traditional folk style theater that encompasses music, acting, singing and martial arts. On the outdoor stage, actors perform stories of love and drama. After the performance, we visit Huacheng Square, a perfect place for shopping and dining.
Day 7 – Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area
Today, we spend a day in nature. We visit Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain, situated in the northern suburbs of Guangzhou. The nature trails offer peaceful scenery of mountain peaks and beautiful nature. Moxing Summit, the highest peak accessible by a steep pathway or the cableway, offers panoramic views of Guangzhou. The Yuntai Garden, located at the base of the Baiyun Mountain, is a landscaped European style garden with exotic plants and blooming flowers.
Day 8 – Guangdong, China Departure
We use private transfer services to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and fly home.
Special Places
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is the capital of Guandong Province in southern China. It is a multicultural city and an international trade center. Guangzhou offers a fascinating collection of historic, cultural and religious sites. The Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, established in 1959, is located in the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The museum has a collection of folk art, wood carving, pottery and traditional crafts. Qingping Market is a wholesale market in Guangzhou, featuring agricultural products and Chinese herbal medicine. Guangzhou has exquisite gardens, a garden style native to Lingnan region. The Lingnan garden (or Cantonese garden) incorporates Chinese style and western influences. The garden design features ancient pavilions, sculptures, art and flowers.
Guangzhou’s religious diversity is reflected in its Buddhist, Catholic and Islamic landmarks. The Huaisheng Mosque was built in the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty. Muslim traders arrived to China through the silk route, influencing the development of Chinese Islam. The mosque endured several destructions and was rebuilt several times. The mosque with its 36-meters tall minaret is a prominent landmark and a prayer place for Muslims. Flower City Square or Huacheng Square is the largest city square in Guangzhou. The square is a popular destination with skyscrapers, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. The pedestrian walkways and peaceful tree-lined parks offer serenity in the lively city.
Xiguan Old House
Liwan Lake Park, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾湖公园) is located in Liwan District of Guangzhou. The beautiful park includes several lakes, beautified by blooming lotus flowers. The nearby ancient town of Xiguan showcases the history of the region through its diverse traditional architecture. The Xiguan Old Houses were built by well-to-do businessmen during Qing Dynasty. The grey brick structures have a symmetrical design with courtyards and gardens. Wooden doors, stained-glass windows and hardwood furniture decorate these ancient houses.
Shamian Island
The Shamian Island, a small island situated on the Pearl River, became the settlement for the French and British during the opium war. The settlement was leased by the foreign powers until 1949. The Shamian Island showcases the eclectic colonial architecture. There are majestic mansions, hotels, banks and beautiful parks.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Gothic Catholic Cathedral, located on the bank of the Pearl River in Guangzhou. The cathedral was built in 1800s with granite blocks and incorporated traditional Chinese elements. The west tower is the clock tower and the east tower is the bell tower. The cathedral has large stained-glass windows, giant stone pillars and high arches. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a cultural relic in China, listed as Major Cultural and Historical Site Protected at the National Level.
Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan Memorial Hall)
Yuexiu Park, an expansive park complex in Guangzhou, includes diverse attractions, including the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the leader of the first provisional President of the Republic of China. Sun Yat-sen played a leading role during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty.
The octagon-shaped building was completed in 1931 and showcases Chinese and Western architectural styles. The building has blue rooftops, red windows and pillars, and is surrounded by landscape gardens. The bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen stands in front of the memorial hall, showing carved writings of Sun Yat-sen.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple)
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is located in the Liurong Road in Guangzhou. The Buddhist temple dates back to the 6th century and endured destructions and reconstructions several times over the centuries. The temple complex includes many pavilions and the magnificent Flower Pagoda. The Flower Pagoda (Hua Ta) has an octagonal shape and is 58 meters high. Inside the main hall are 3 large bronze statues of Buddha. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is an important landmark and the symbol of Buddhist heritage in Guangzhou.
Canton Tower
The Canton Tower, known as the Guangzhou TV Astronomical Tower, is 603 meters tall with TV antenna on its summit. The observation floors on the 107th and 108th floors offer panoramic views of Guangzhou. In the evening, the Canton Tower is illuminated with bright multi-colored lights.
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area 白云山
The Baiyun Mountain 白云山 (or White Cloud Mountain), is situated in the northern suburbs of Guangzhou. The nature trails offer peaceful scenery of mountain peaks and beautiful nature. Moxing Summit is the highest peak, accessible by a steep pathway or by the cableway. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Guangzhou. The Yuntai Garden, located at the base of the Baiyun Mountain, is a landscaped European style garden with exotic plants and blooming flowers.
Zhaoqing & Xinghu Scenic Area
Zhaoqing, located along Xi River in the Guangdong Province, is an ancient city with cultural places and over 2,000-year history. The Xinghu Scenic Area includes Qixing Yan (Seven Star Crags) and the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve. Situated two hours’ drive from Guangzhou, the Qixing Yan (Seven Star Crags) are karts limestone mountain peaks. The seven mountain peaks, set on the Star Lake, resemble the Big Dipper constellation.
The Seven Star Crags, a natural wonder of South China, has beautiful scenic spots. A small boat transports visitors across the Star Lake. The lush greenery surrounds walkways and cultural attractions. We explore pavilions, temples and caves with ancient cliff inscriptions. A small boat takes visitors inside illuminated caves, revealing unique rock formations. Small islands are scattered across the Fairy Lake and the wetland park is the habitat of diverse species of birds, such as flamingos and red-crowned cranes.
Situated 30 minutes’ drive from Qixing Yan, the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve comprises dense forest and woodlands that serve as the natural habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The natural biosphere includes serene gorges, numerous waterfalls and pristine streams. It is an ancient Buddhist sacred place with temples established during the Tang Dynasty. The Qingyun Temple is a peaceful retreat in the mountains. The scenic hiking trails lead to cultural places and natural scenic points.
Kaiping Diaolou & Ancient Villages
Three villages: Anheli, He’anli and Yong’anli were founded in the 17th century during the reign of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty. The Zili Village includes these three villages, combined after the founding of the new People’s Republic of China. The Zili Village, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site, has diverse dwellings, such as houses, cottage-style villas and watchtowers. The Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourist Attraction, located in the Kaiping City in Guangdong Province, includes The Zili Village, the Majianglong Village and the Li Garden.
The Kaiping Diaolou & Villages, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a cluster of residences and watchtowers built in Kaiping by returning overseas Chinese. Yinglong Lou is the oldest building, constructed during the Jiajing period in the Ming Dynasty. The fortified houses were built with brick and concrete, and feature Chinese and Western architectural styles. The wealthy Chinese families built fortified residences, residential towers and communal towers as a defense against banditry. The rural fields, picturesque gardens and scenic ponds surround a collection of traditional historic buildings.
The Ancient Villages include Zilicun, Jinjiangli, Majianglong and Sanmenli. The Zilicun (自力村) village is surrounded by rice fields and has an interesting collection Diaolou buildings. The Jinjiangli village (錦江里) hosts the beautiful Diaolou building: the Ruishilou. Majianglong (馬降龍村落群) is a collection of small settlements, hosting diverse Diaolou buildings. Sanmenli (三門里) is a peaceful village located a short driving distance from the city of Kaiping.
Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park
The Xiqiao Mountain is a mountain scenic area and national forest park in Guangdong Province. The Xiqiao Mountain is located in Foshan City, in the southern part of the province. The mountain is an extinct volcano, defined by cliffs, hollows, lakes and waterfalls. This ancient cultural destination has remarkable scenic spots and religious sites. The White Cloud Hollow comprises historic places, dating to Ming and Qing Dynasties. A myriad of hollows in the mountains host ancient temples, monasteries and religious symbols.
The Nanhai Kwan-yin Cultural Park is situated at the Daxian Peak in the Xiaqiao Mountain. The Nanhai Kwan-yin Temple, previously called Baofeng Temple, was built during the Song Dynasty and was later destroyed. The rebuilt Buddhist shrine comprises magnificent pavilions and a bronze statue of Nanhai Kwan-yin, an impressive 61.9 meters in height statue of the Seated Buddha. The Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park is an exceptional cultural destination with many attractions and picturesque nature trails.
Favorite Adventures
Yueju Opera
The Yueju Opera or Cantonese Opera, is a Chinese Opera originating in China’s southern Guangdong Province. The Yueju Opera is on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a traditional folk style theater that encompasses music, acting, singing and martial arts. On the outdoor stage, an ensemble of actors presents stories of love and drama by singing, reciting, gesturing, flag-waving, sword playing and dancing.
Diverse stories capture the audience’s attention with graceful movements, softly spoken emotions and inspiring songs. The actors wear intricate make-up and colorful costumes adorned with detailed embroidery. The entertaining performances are enhanced by visual and lighting effects and traditional Chinese music. The storytelling is enhanced by interesting characters, choreographed performances and a rich palette of colors.
Selected Cuisine
Cantonese Cuisine
The Cantonese cuisine is refined, diverse and flavorful. The Cantonese cuisine focuses on high-quality ingredients, natural flavors and culinary artistry. A wide variety of traditional specialties include soups, roasted duck and goose, tender meats, clay pot rice, seafood dishes and dim sum.
The Cantonese Poached Chicken (Bai Qie Ji) is a unique savory dish. The cold chicken with bones and skin is cut into pieces and served with ginger and scallion mixture. The Cantonese-Style Steamed Fish is seasoned with soy sauce and rice wine, and topped with julienned ginger and scallions. Dim Sums are a collection of small dishes, steamed in bamboo steamers. The dumplings, buns and rolls are stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meats, seafood and vegetables. The Clay Pot Rice is a hearty dish of rice, meats and vegetables cooked in a clay pot. A variety of ingredients are slowly cooked with herbs and spices, resulting in full-flavored dishes. The Cantonese cuisine is a fusion of fresh flavors and stimulating aromas.
Preferred Accommodations
Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou
The Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou is a luxury 5-star hotel, located in the Tianhe District in Guangzhou. The modern hotel features a central courtyard and traditional cultural symbols. A collection of rooms and suites have a stylish décor and offers views of the city skyline. The high-quality spa treatments and outdoor swimming pool provide relaxation and tranquility. The hotel’s elegant restaurants ensure gourmet culinary experiences. The Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou is an excellent location to explore the cultural attractions of Guangzhou and the remarkable places of Guangdong Province.
