Guangzhou Shawan Ancient Town | A Lingnan Water Town Hidden in the City

Guangzhou Shawan Ancient Town | A Lingnan Water Town Hidden in the City

Had a spontaneous weekend getaway to Guangzhou's Shawan Ancient Town! Wandering through its blue-brick alleys felt like stepping back a thousand years, immersed in rich Lingnan culture—utterly therapeutic! Here’s my travel guide for you 👇

Transport Guide

🚇 Metro: Exit at Metro Line 3’s Shiqiao Station (Exit B), then take Bus Fan 67 directly to the South Gate (~40 mins). Super convenient!
🚗 Drive: Navigate to "Shawan Ancient Town." Free parking is available at both South and West Gates, but arrive before 9 AM for better spots.

Ticket Info

🎫 The ancient town is free to enter. A combo ticket for exhibitions costs ¥30 (adults) or ¥20 (students/seniors), covering 7 sites like Liugeng Hall. On Women’s Day, females enjoy free exhibition access!

Must-Visit Spots

1️⃣ Liugeng Hall: The largest ancestral hall in Lingnan, built during the Southern Song Dynasty for the He family. Its "Three Carvings" (brick, wood, stone) are breathtaking. Catch traditional Cantonese opera performances here (best before 10 AM for fewer crowds).
2️⃣ Wenfeng Pagoda: Climb to the top for panoramic views. The wish wall, draped in red ribbons, is said to bless scholars who pray to the Wenchang Star.
3️⃣ Chebei Street Fish Lantern Alley: Over 200 intangible-cultural-heritage fish lanterns create a dreamy vibe at dusk, evoking *Spirited Away* vibes on the cobblestone paths.
4️⃣ Oyster Shell Walls: A 40°-sloped wall made of millennia-old oyster shells shimmers like pearls in sunlight. Touching it feels like catching ocean whispers.
5️⃣ Yuxu Palace: A Ming-dynasty Taoist sanctuary with incense clouds. Get a blessing charm here—the rainbow-glazed tiles under sunlight are magical.

Food Recs

1️⃣ Shawan Ginger Milk Pudding: "Dairy Queen’s" signature—ginger-infused water buffalo milk sets instantly (¥15). Silky smooth!
2️⃣ Dangdang Wontons: A 60-year-old legacy. Sesame-oil wontons in dashi broth hide *The Knockout*’s rustic charm.
3️⃣ Cold Fish Skin: "Auntie Zhen’s" crispy fish skin with zesty lemon sauce (¥10/small portion).
4️⃣ Jun’an Fish Cakes: "Yu Ji’s" crispy-outside, juicy-inside minced dace cakes pair perfectly with clam sauce.
5️⃣ Chizha Egg Rolls: Handmade on ancestral iron griddles, nori-wrapped rolls are tissue-thin—ideal souvenirs!

Photo Tips

👗 Outfits: Vintage or Republic-era styles blend seamlessly with the town.
📍 Backdrops: Oyster walls and old alleys = instant moody shots.
🌅 Golden Hour: Dusk’s soft light is perfect for nightscapes.

Suggested Route

South Gate → He Shiliang Art Museum → Shawan Cantonese Music Hall → Wenfeng Pagoda → Liugeng Hall → Chichang Hall → Shawan Past → Chebei Street → Anning West Street → Sanren Hall (~2–3 hrs). Culture + food = win!