Encounter Lingnan's Ancient Charm and Dragon Boat Rice Dumpling Fragrance

Dragon Boat Festival Exclusive Atmosphere: When the scent of mugwort wafts into the Shawan Ancient Town's distinctive earthen walls, and the rhythmic beats of dragon boat drums echo through the waterways, this Dragon Boat Festival, head to Panyu. Here, you can meet artisans crafting traditional sachets in the cobblestone alleys and enjoy the aroma of rice dumplings while watching koi fish leap in the ancient lanes—a timeless Dragon Boat Festival gathering awaits you!

🌿 Morning: Exploring Shawan Ancient Town (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

📍 Location: Daxiangyong Road, Shawan Ancient Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
🚇 Transportation Guide: Take Metro Line 3 to Shiqiao Station, Exit B, then transfer to Bus No. 67 to reach directly; a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes to the ancient town's archway.
🎫 Travel Tips: The ancient town is free to explore, but for a deeper experience, visit six major exhibition halls, including Liugeng Hall, with a combo ticket priced at just 40 RMB—a great value.

Step into this 800-year-old Lingnan living fossil, and time seems to slow down amidst the earthen walls. Along the tranquil West Street, the century-old ginger milk pudding shop emits a warm aroma—hot buffalo milk poured into ginger juice creates a silky pudding where the creamy milk flavor is followed by a hint of ginger's spiciness, a perfect treat to ward off the chill during Dragon Boat Festival.

Don't miss the national heritage site Liugeng Hall, where you'll be greeted by an artistic feast of "Three Carvings and One Sculpture": lifelike qilin wood carvings on the beams, intricate brick carvings depicting the story of "Guo Ziyi's Birthday Celebration" on the gate, and even stone carvings of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums on the column bases. Touching the cool stone pillars feels like connecting with the thousand-year literary legacy of the He family in Shawan.

🍲 Midday: Savoring the Ancient Town's Flavors (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)

Find a riverside arcade restaurant and order a bowl of tender red fermented bean curd pork knuckle noodles: the pork knuckle is so soft it falls off the bone, and the sauce coats the chewy alkaline noodles perfectly. Pair it with a bowl of "Doggie Porridge," a creamy porridge base filled with pork liver, fish slices, and crispy peanuts—every spoonful is packed with ingredients. Watch boats glide across the river and listen to neighboring diners chat in Cantonese about dragon boat tales—this is the true essence of Dragon Boat Festival's bustling charm.

This Dragon Boat Festival, don't miss Panyu: warm your stomach with ginger milk pudding in Shawan Ancient Town, nourish your soul with garden scenery, and let the thousand-year Lingnan heritage and festive traditions collide in a single day's journey.

Post by Kenneth2025 | May 31, 2025