Two historic landmarks in Guangzhou's Liwan District, Yongqing Fang and the Chen Clan Academy, have been selected for Guangdong's first batch of premium inbound tourism routes.
The initiative, launched by provincial cultural authorities in partnership with Trip.com Group, aims to showcase Lingnan (southern Chinese) culture to international travelers through curated itineraries available on global platforms.
Both sites have introduced bilingual signage and accept international payment methods like Visa and Mastercard.
Yongqing Fang: Where Tradition Meets Daily Life
Yongqing Fang, a revitalized historical block in Guangzhou's Xiguan area, exemplifies "the most authentic Guangzhou" through its preserved architecture and living traditions. Once a commercial hub during the Qing Dynasty, the area has been transformed using subtle renovation techniques to maintain its original layout while integrating modern elements.
The district centers around intangible cultural heritage, featuring ten traditional crafts such as Cantonese embroidery, enamelware, and lion dance. Artisans demonstrate and sell their works in storefronts, allowing visitors to observe techniques like wood carving and pottery firsthand. Key attractions include the former residence of Bruce Lee, now restored as a museum documenting his family's history, and the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, which offers interactive exhibits on this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Address: 99 Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区恩宁路99号)
Transport: Metro Lines 1/6, Huangsha Station, Exit B (10-minute walk)
Highlight: Evenings feature live opera performances and illuminated alleys.
Chen Clan Academy: A Masterpiece of Lingnan Craftsmanship
Completed in 1893, the Chen Clan Academy served as both an ancestral temple and an educational institution for the Chen family. Recognized as a national heritage site, the structure is renowned for its synthesis of Lingnan decorative arts, including intricate wood, stone, and brick carvings, plaster sculptures, and cast-iron decorations.
(Photo: Guangdong Folk Art Museum)
Today, it houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, featuring over 20,000 pieces of traditional crafts, such as ivory carvings and painted porcelain. The building itself functions as an exhibit: architectural elements like paired gourd sculptures symbolizing family prosperity, and stone drums at the entrance reflecting historical academic achievements.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Address: 34 Enlongli, Zhongshan 7th Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区中山七路恩龙里34号)
Transport: Metro Lines 1/8, Chen Clan Academy Station, Exit D
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Nanfang Daily
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
