In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby and be ready to introduce Guangzhou to you.
Firstly, you will visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall（陈家祠), a representation of the traditional Lingnan architecture and culture. The clan concept in the Lingnan region (which covers Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, and parts of Fujian) is very strong, and people attach great importance to the worship and memorial of their ancestors. The ancestral hall is the place where people worship their ancestors and the carrier of the clan culture. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall stands as the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancestral hall-style architecture in China, earning it the title of the "Jewel of Lingnan Architectural Art". This majestic hall was collectively financed and constructed by the Chen clans from all 72 counties of Guangdong province and was fully completed in 1894. Spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters, it showcases the grandeur and prominence of Guangdong's predominant surname, Chen. However, the true marvel that has etched the hall's name in the annals of architectural history is its unparalleled decorative artistry. The hall showcases the "Three Carvings" (San Diao) - stone, brick, and wood carvings; the "Two Moldings" (Liang Su) – ceramic and lime sculptures; and additionally, the intricate cast ironwork and exquisite color paintings, together recognized as the "Seven Wonders" (Qi Jue). Each element, be it a wooden panel, a brick wall, or a stone pathway, is embellished with designs and motifs teeming with symbolism and folklore. Additionally, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, where you can witness traditional Guangdong crafts such as ivory carvings, jade sculptures, Guangdong embroidery, and Guangdong colored ceramics, etc.
Then follow in the footsteps of the local “Old Guang” residents, and take a leisurely walking along scenic Lychee Bay (荔枝湾). Its name was derived from the abundant lychee trees that once lined its banks, bearing sweet fruit each summer. Once the backyard garden of wealthy merchants in Xiguan, the bay is now a serene water town in the heart of the city. As you meander along the bay, you will soak in the surroundings with age-old banyan trees lining its shores and rickety wooden boats gently drifting on its calm waters, bordered by aged buildings and temples. You will also encounter several historical bridges, each with its unique architecture and backstory, and come across the quintessential "Xiguan Big Houses" and other traditional Cantonese architectures, showcasing the opulence of Guangzhou's bygone era.
When in Xiguan, how can one miss the Cantonese dim sum? You can take a break at one of the many traditional teahouses. Sip on a freshly brewed cup of local tea selections like Tieguanyin (铁观音), Pu'er (普洱), Chrysanthemum (菊花茶), Jasmine (茉莉), etc. As you relish the aroma and flavor of the tea, indulge in genuine dim sum (small dishes) such as red rice sausage (红米肠), shrimp dumplings (虾饺), and barbecue pork buns (叉烧包), Egg Tarts (蛋挞), Phoenix Talons (凤爪), etc. Locals often refer to the morning tea (Yum Cha) custom as "一盅两件", which translates to "one cup, two pieces". This phrase originates from the longstanding tradition of retired residents who would spend their mornings at teahouses. They would typically order a pot of tea and two baskets of dim sum, leisurely reading a newspaper to pass the time.
After enjoying Guangdong yum cha, your next destination should be the Lychee Bay Grand Theater (荔枝湾大戏台). This theater serves as a venue for public benefit performances, to promote and preserve traditional Cantonese opera art forms. If your timing is right, you might be fortunate enough to catch a live performance. Nestled alongside Lychee Bay, the theater exudes a unique charm where the melodious chirping of birds harmoniously intertwines with the soulful rhythms of Cantonese opera echoing from the stage. Just a short distance away is the Lychee Bay Museum (荔枝湾博物馆), which showcases the unique cultural landscapes, folk customs, and historical narratives of Lychee Bay. Within its confines are three major exhibition areas. Notably, the Xiguan Folklore Hall is transformed from a quintessential Xiguan grand mansion. Through authentic household furnishings and scene displays, it partially recreates the traditional archetype of a Xiguan house, offering a close glimpse into the lifestyle, cultural ambiance, and daily scenarios of Xiguan residents of yesteryears.
Afterward, make your way to Yongqing Fang. Yongqing Fang（永庆坊） is located on the historically rich Enning Road (恩宁路), which boasts the longest and most intact qilou (骑楼) street in Guangzhou. The qilou, a hallmark of Guangzhou architecture, features a continuous covered walkway on the ground level with residential spaces above. This design, combining shopping and sheltered pedestrian access, epitomizes the city's blend of commerce and community. Post-renovation, Yongqing Fang manages to retain the vintage charm of old Guangzhou's Xiguan flavor, all the while infusing modern commercial artistry into its fabric. Strolling down Yongqing Fang, you're immediately embraced by a confluence of the old and the new. Rows of well-preserved, traditional Xiguan-style houses line the street, their facades exuding old-world charm, while their interiors house a myriad of trendy boutiques, art galleries, craft shops, and coffee joints, bringing a touch of contemporary urban chic to the historic surroundings.
Lastly, your guide will accompany you to the Huacheng Square（花城广场), is a sprawling green urban park and public space surrounded by landmarks like the Guangzhou Opera House, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and the new Guangzhou Library, the Guangdong Provincial Museum. Most importantly, appreciate the slim outline of the iconic Canton Tower (广州塔) on the opposite bank of the Pearl River. The tower boasts a unique, slender, and curvaceous design, inspired by the idea of a twisting female figure. The tower is often referred to as "Xiao Man Yao," which means "young lady with a tight waist" in Chinese.
Lastly, don't miss a stroll along the Pearl River（珠江）, especially during the evening. With the city lights reflecting on the water, and the famous Pearl River Cruise passing by, it's a picturesque scene blending the old and new worlds of Guangzhou. As you conclude your journey along the Old & New Central Axis, you're left with an impression of a city that respects its past, yet eagerly embraces the future.
Evening Optional Activity: Dive into Guangzhou's enchanting night atmosphere with a memorable Pearl River night cruise (about 60 minutes) during 7 to 10 pm. A night cruise provides an unmatched vantage point to admire Guangzhou's skyline. Drift past iconic landmarks such as the Canton Tower, which shines brilliantly against the night sky, and the beautifully illuminated bridges that stretch across the river.
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