Guangzhou Panyu Day Trip | Encounter Ancient Charm and Poetic Beauty

Spend a day in Guangzhou's Panyu district and immerse yourself in the rich history of Shawan Ancient Town while exploring the classical beauty of Nanyue Garden. This trip is guaranteed to be worth your while! 🚪 Morning: Shawan Ancient Town (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) 📍 Address: Daxiangyong Road, Shawan, Panyu District, Guangzhou 🚇 Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Shiqiao Station (Exit B), then transfer to Bus No. 67; a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes. 🎫 Tickets: Free entry to the ancient town; joint tickets for certain exhibition halls cost 40 RMB. Stepping into Shawan Ancient Town feels like walking into a picturesque scroll of Lingnan culture. With over 800 years of history, every stone-paved street and every wok-ear wall here tells a story of the past. Stroll along Anning West Street, where smooth stone paths polished by time meet a clear blue sky overhead. The gentle breeze carries a sense of leisure and tranquility. Be sure to visit Liugeng Hall! This national key cultural relic is a proud symbol of the He family clan in Shawan. Its intricately carved beams, exquisite wood and brick carvings showcase the unique charm of Lingnan architecture. Wandering through its halls, you can almost hear the teachings of ancestors and feel the strength of family heritage. Feeling tired? Pop into a local shop for a bowl of steaming Shawan Ginger Milk Pudding. The hot ginger juice blends instantly with rich milk, creating a silky texture and a delightful mix of creamy sweetness and mild spiciness that will soothe your soul. Other local snacks like Double-Skin Milk, Jun’an Fish Cakes, and Cold Fish Skin are also must-tries, offering a feast for your taste buds! 🍜 Noon: Lunch in the Ancient Town (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) Shawan Ancient Town is brimming with culinary delights. Besides the snacks mentioned earlier, try dishes like Pork Knuckle Noodles and Doggie Porridge. The noodles are chewy, the pork knuckle tender and flavorful, and the porridge is packed with ingredients—every bite is deeply satisfying! Find a small street-side eatery, sit down, and enjoy a hearty meal while watching passersby, soaking in the lively atmosphere. 🏞️ Afternoon: Nanyue Garden (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM) 📍 Address: Dong’an Road, Zini Village, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou 🚗 Transportation: A taxi ride from Shawan Ancient Town takes about 20 minutes; alternatively, take Bus No. 67 from Shiqiao Metro Station (Exit B) to Baomo Garden Terminal, then walk 100 meters to reach Nanyue Garden. It’s located near Baomo Garden, about 300 meters apart. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:50 PM) 🎫 Tickets: Adult tickets start at 42 RMB; free entry for children under 1.2 meters tall, seniors aged 65 and above, active military personnel, and individuals with disabilities (with valid ID). Children between 1.2-1.5 meters tall and seniors aged 60-64 can enjoy half-price tickets. Entering Nanyue Garden feels like stepping into a royal garden lost in time. Spanning over 100 acres, this large-scale landscape garden seamlessly combines mountain and water scenery, Lingnan architecture, and rare treasures. Every step reveals a new view, and every corner is a masterpiece. Walk along the winding "Hundred-Turn Corridor," adorned with intricate paintings depicting characters from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," as well as landscapes, flora, and fauna. Pause at the Nine-Dragon Wall, where nine majestic dragons shimmer under the sunlight, appearing ready to soar. At Yunyan Diecui, waterfalls cascade amidst lush pines and bamboo, creating a paradise-like setting. Don’t miss the Zhao Tailai and Huo Zongjie Treasure Galleries, showcasing an array of rare artifacts that will leave you in awe. Each season offers its own charm here: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery and fragrant lotus in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and warm sunshine in winter. No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed a visual feast. This day in Panyu offers a blend of historical depth, culinary comfort, and poetic garden beauty. Gather your friends and set off on this unforgettable journey!