6 DAYS GUANGDONG’S LINGNAN HERITAGE & OPTIONAL WANSHAN ISLAND RETREAT

On arrival, drive 53km to Huangpu Military Academy, the cradle of modern military strategists. Visit Yuexiu Park’s landmark Five Rams Statue, Guangzhou Museum’s historical relics and the five-storied Zhenhai Tower from Ming Dynasty circa the 13^th century. In the evening, set off from Canton Tower Wharf for a Pearl River night cruise.

Discover old Guangzhou’s Lingnan heritage. Hop on a Lychee Bay boat ride across unique Xiguan architectures and taste the famous Sampan Congee. Also known as “Little Qinhuai”, the historical water system dates over 2,000 years ago. Continue to Sacred Heart Cathedral (Stone House), Qing Dynasty-era Chen Clan Ancestral Hall with its large courtyards and symmetrical halls, before a sweet-toothed ending with the famous Double-Skin Milk Custard.

Set off 35km/1h to Foshan. Enjoy Huang Feihong Memorial Hall’s lion dance and cultural relic exhibits, the Yuanfeng-era Foshan Ancestral Temple and Shiwan Town’s Nanfeng Kiln famed as South China’s pottery capital for over 500 years. Learn the pottery production process and visit Shiwan Ceramics Museum before driving 48km/1h to Shunde.

After morning stroll at Qinghui Garden, one of Guangdong’s finest Lingnan gardens, enjoy boat ride at Fengjian Water Town which prospered during Qing Dynasty for its silk industry. Sample famous Daliang delicacies such as Beng Sha (butterfly-shaped cookie), Double Skin Milk, Stir-Fried Milk, as well as Fengcheng Fish Skin. Also visit Ancient Shawan Town with its unique oyster shell walls, murals, as well as Lingnan brick, wood and stone carvings.

Drive 120km/1.5h to Kaiping Diaolou (UNESCO), built circa 1920-1930s as fortified watchtowers which skilfully blends rural Chinese architecture with Western elements. Proceed to Chikan ancient town, built by overseas Chinese who brought back Western architectural influences, creating a unique scene as the hometown of overseas Chinese. Thereafter, drive 155km/2h to Zhuhai.

Depending on your departure time, if time permits we will visit Qing Dynasty-era Meixi Memorial Arch dedicated to former overseas Chinese millionaire Chen Fang with its family history, calligraphy and painting exhibits. Thereafter, we will transfer to airport, ferry port or railway station for your onward arrangement. It is possible to extend your stay in Macau, Hong Kong or retreat into Wanshan Island.