Shuidong Ancient Residence Roaming Guide

🌟 Yunfu · Shuidong Ancient Village: A Living Fossil of Lingnan Ancient Architecture

Standing on the bluestone path of Shuidong Village, it feels as if you've traveled back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. This small village hidden in Yunfu City's Yuncheng District still preserves nearly 200 ancient residences from the Ming and Qing periods, earning it the title of "Museum of Lingnan Ancient Architecture."

🏡 The Past and Present of Shuidong Village
Shuidong Village was established during the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years. Named "Shuidong" because it is located on the east bank of the Xinxing River, it was once an important post station on the ancient Nanjiang courier route. The existing Ming and Qing buildings in the village mostly follow the "three rooms and two corridors" layout, featuring blue bricks, gray tiles, and carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing the delicacy and wisdom of Lingnan architecture. Most notably, these ancient residences are still inhabited, making them truly "living history."

🚗 Transportation Tips
Starting from Yunfu city center, it takes about 30 minutes by car to reach Shuidong Village (navigate to "Yuncheng District Shuidong Village"). The village is open to the public free of charge all day. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day when the sunlight slants on the wok ear-shaped walls, making the texture of the buildings especially charming.

🌿 Must-See Cultural Highlights
1️⃣ Cheng Family Ancestral Hall
This ancestral hall, built in the Ming Dynasty, is the largest ancient building in the village. Its three-courtyard layout reflects the former glory of the Cheng family. The plaque above the door reads "Loyalty and Filial Piety Passed Down the Family," expressing the Lingnan people's emphasis on family values.

2️⃣ Ancient Wharf Ruins
The stone steps wharf on the bank of the Xinxing River was once bustling with merchant ships. Standing here, you can faintly imagine the lively scenes of cargo loading and merchants chatting. The ancient banyan tree by the river has stood watch for over three hundred years and is a favorite spot for villagers to cool off and chat.

3️⃣ Wok Ear-Shaped Walls Cluster
The most striking architectural feature of Shuidong Village, these walls shaped like the ears of a wok are not only beautiful but also serve fireproof and windproof functions. Under the sunlight, the wok ear-shaped walls form a continuous stretch, like a frozen Lingnan folk song.

4️⃣ Ancient Alley Maze
The crisscrossing stone alleys narrow to just enough space for one person to pass. On both sides are towering oyster shell walls (made by mixing oyster shells with mortar). Remember to look up at the gray plaster decorations on the door lintels; auspicious patterns like bats and copper coins hide the ancient people's good wishes.

Strolling through Shuidong, every step meets history. Locals dry dried tangerine peel and grind beans in their courtyards, and the lively atmosphere brings these ancient buildings to life. If you are lucky enough to meet an elder in the village, listen to their stories about their ancestors "going to the South Seas"—those weathered old walls have witnessed countless joys and sorrows.