Reverse Holiday Travel: Hidden in the Guangzhou-Foshan Metropolitan Area, Libian Village’s Blue Bricks and Black Tiles Hold the Slow Life of Lingnan

Reverse Holiday Travel: Hidden in the Guangzhou-Foshan Metropolitan Area, Libian Village’s Blue Bricks and Black Tiles Hold the Slow Life of Lingnan

Having traveled through the popular Lingnan water towns in Guangzhou and Foshan, if you ask which place feels the most "hidden from the world," Libian Village in Sanshui, Foshan, definitely makes the list—this is my private treasure spot to avoid the crowds. Compared to the bustling commercial ancient villages, this century-old village by the Beijiang River feels like time has been paused. There are no crowded crowds, only blue bricks and black tiles, pot-ear walls, and creaking wooden doors. If you want to escape the urban hustle during the holiday, keep this in-depth Libian Village guide handy~

🚗 Transportation Guide

- Metro + Bus: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 6 to "Hecheng Station," then transfer to Foshan Bus Route 662 directly to Libian Village Station, a 5-minute walk from there.
- Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from Guangzhou, about 2.5 hours from Shenzhen. There is a free parking lot at the village entrance, making parking convenient.

🗺️ Relaxed 2 Days 1 Night Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Guangzhou/Foshan → Libian Village Ancient Village (visit pot-ear houses, Li Clan Ancestral Hall) → Watch the sunset at Beijiang Embankment
Day 2: Lubao Ancestral Temple → Changqi Ancient Village → Libian Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience (lion head making/gray plaster crafting) → Return trip

🌟 Must-Visit Spots in Libian Village: The Lingnan Charm of a Century-Old Village

- 🏯 Core Area of Libian Ancient Village: One of the best-preserved Ming and Qing Lingnan ancient villages in Foshan, with over a hundred pot-ear wall residences clustered together. The "Li Clan Ancestral Hall" features carved beams and painted rafters, and the plaque above the door reads "Loyalty and Faithfulness Through Generations," holding family stories. Walking on the bluestone paths feels like traveling back a hundred years to the Lingnan water town.
- 🌉 Beijiang Embankment Viewing Platform: Only a 10-minute drive from Libian Village. In the evening, enjoy the river breeze while watching the golden sunset. The river sparkles with light, occasional fishing boats pass by, and every snapshot feels like a healing masterpiece, offering a more relaxed vibe than popular check-in spots.
- 🎨 Libian Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop: The village hides niche intangible cultural heritage experiences. You can learn to make Foshan gray plaster (molding a Lingnan-style kapok flower) with artisans or try mini lion head crafting. The finished product can be taken home as a souvenir, which is more meaningful than buying typical souvenirs.

Other Nearby Attractions Not to Miss

- 🏮 Lubao Ancestral Temple: One of Guangdong’s three major ancestral temples, founded in the Southern Song Dynasty. The pottery sculptures and brick carvings inside are masterpieces of Lingnan craftsmanship. Though not crowded with worshippers, it is full of spiritual aura, perfect for those who enjoy quietly exploring historical sites.
- 🛖 Changqi Ancient Village: Located 3 kilometers from Libian Village, also an ancient village but with a different style. It is famous for its "ancient banyan trees, ancient wells, and ancient alleys." Under the thousand-year-old banyan tree at the village entrance, elders often play chess and chat, full of everyday life atmosphere.

💡 Holiday Travel Tips

- Libian Village currently has no entrance fee. Some parts of the ancient village are under renovation, so it’s recommended to check the open areas in advance and avoid construction zones.
- There are few dining options in the village. It’s recommended to eat in nearby Lubao Town, where "Lubao dried fish" and "Sanshui stinky vinegar" are must-try specialties.
- Most ancient village buildings are brick and wood structures; smoking is prohibited. When taking photos, respect villagers’ privacy and do not enter private residences that are not open to the public.
- The best visiting times are before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the light is soft and suitable for photographing ancient buildings, and you can avoid the midday heat.

This ancient village hidden in the "back garden" of Guangzhou-Foshan has no commercial hustle, only the warmth and tranquility of the Lingnan water town. If you don’t want to squeeze into crowded tourist spots during the holiday, come to Libian Village, see the blue bricks and black tiles reflecting the sunset glow, listen to stories deep in the ancient alleys, and feel time slow down~