Ancient Village, Lychees, and Old Watchtowers – A Healing Stroll Through Gualing Village

It's lychee season, so of course, it's time to head to Zengcheng for some lychee feasting! Besides picking lychees, you can also visit Gualing Village, Guangzhou's only Qing Dynasty water village architecture cluster. It's truly a delightful experience! 📍Address: Gualing Village, Xintang Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou 🚇Transportation: 1. **By Car**: Navigate directly to "Gualing Village." There’s a parking lot at the village entrance (¥3/hour), making parking very convenient. 2. **Public Transport**: From downtown Guangzhou, take Metro Line 13 to Xinsha Station (Exit A), then transfer to Zengcheng Bus No. 22 and get off at Gualing Village Intersection. Walk about 10 minutes to enter the village. 📸 Photo Spots: 1. **Ningyuan Tower (Water Watchtower)**: The only water watchtower in Guangdong, surrounded by water on all sides. Its iron drawbridge is particularly unique. With the watchtower and water as your backdrop, you can capture photos full of historical charm. 2. **Century-Old Lychee Grove**: From June to July, when lychees ripen, the contrast of red fruit against green leaves and old brick houses creates a stunning palette. Standing under the lychee trees with freshly picked lychees in hand makes for a vibrant photo. 3. **Ancient Banyan Tree**: Near Tangyin Tower, there’s a 158-year-old banyan tree with a sprawling canopy, perfect for ethereal forest-themed portraits. 4. **Huang Clan Ancestral Hall**: A classic Lingnan-style ancestral hall featuring ornate "wok ear" walls, wood carvings, and brick carvings. Photos taken at the entrance or courtyard exude timeless elegance. 🍉 Tips for Your Visit: 1. Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and ideal lighting for photos. You can also catch the morning market at the bridgehead, where locals sell fresh fruits and vegetables. 2. The village has many lychee stalls offering varieties like Xianjin Feng, Gui Wei, and Fei Zi Xiao at great prices—perfect for snacking while exploring. 3. Light-colored or vintage-style outfits photograph best. Props like small fans or bamboo baskets can add charm to your shots. This lychee season, come to Gualing Village and immerse yourself in the dual charm of Lingnan’s water town and its legendary lychees!