Two Days of Searching for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Guangzhou

Overview

Itinerary

DAY 1 Old Alleys, New Wonders

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Chen Clan Cipher

【Chen Clan Ancestral Hall】

This 130-year-old "stone puzzle palace" holds 15,000 carvings. Find the hidden bats (symbolizing fortune) and learn how artisans used sugar syrup as ancient concrete. This 1894 architectural marvel served as both ancestral temple and imperial exam prep hub. Now a folk art museum housing 15,000+ carvings.

【Must-See Highlights】

uDecorative Arts: Known as the "museum of Lingnan architectural decorations", it boasts superb craftsmanship of "three carvings, two sculptures, one casting and one painting" (wood carving, brick carving, stone carving, plaster sculpture, pottery sculpture, copper-iron casting, colored painting).

uArchitectural Layout: Typical Lingnan ancestral hall courtyard layout with a symmetrical central axis, featuring majestic halls that combine practicality and aesthetics.

uPlaques & Couplets: Preserving numerous Qing-dynasty plaques and couplets with exquisite calligraphy, carrying profound clan cultural connotations.

10:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Nanyue King Odyssey

【Nanyue King Museum】

Walk where kings tread - descend into the actual 2nd-century BC tomb chamber. See the world's oldest silk maps and a jade suit made with 2,291 pieces! Walk through the actual underground palace where kings held eternal court. See maritime Silk Road relics: Persian silver boxes & African ivory traded 2,000+ years ago. Marvel at the "Chinese Tutankhamun" – Zhao Mo's jade armor assembly system (think ancient Lego for emperors!)

【Must-See Item】

uSilk-threaded Jade Suit: The earliest complete jade burial suit found in China, made with 2,291 jade pieces threaded together. The centerpiece of the museum

uSeal of the Emperor Wen: The largest Western Han dynasty gold seal ever discovered in China, serving as concrete proof of the Nanyue King's claim to the title of emperor

uJade Rhinoceros Horn Cup: An exquisite ritual vessel carved from a single piece of green jade, representing the peak of Han dynasty jade craftsmanship

12:00 PM  - 14:00 PM | Lunch

Lunch at the restaurant : (choose 1)

a. Wenji Yixin Ji Restaurant :  known for white cut chicken and other cantonese chicken dishes 

b. Laoxiguan Vermicelli : taste a special cantonese flavour rice noodles 

14:30 AM - 15:30 AM |  Iconic Shot

【Golden Axis & Canton Tower】

Step onto the "Golden Axis" of Huacheng Square – the ultimate vantage point where Canton Tower reveals its full 600-meter glory.Nicknamed the "Slim Waist", the 600-meter-tall Canton Tower was completed in 2010 ahead of the Asian Games. As China’s tallest and the world’s third-tallest tower, its slender midsection (narrowest diameter: 30 meters) and dazzling nighttime light shows have become iconic symbols of modern Guangzhou.

【Must-Shot Photo Spots】

In front of Guangzhou Opera House:

uFuturistic architectural lines.

uPerfect foreground for Canton Tower shots.

Central Huacheng Square:

uClassic panoramic viewpoint.

uCapture reflections in the square's ponds.

Haixin Bridge & Pearl River Nightscape:

uWorld's longest pedestrian bridge.

uIconic night scene with city lights.

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM | Ersha Island Heritage Experience  

【Zens Tea House - Lingnan Wisdom at your fingertips】

Tea-Side Craftsmanship, Heritage at Your fingertips. Within the modern artistic space of ZENS TEA HOUSE on Ersha Island, a unique intangible cultural heritage experience awaits. Under the guidance of inheritors or master artisans, you will personally try your hand at traditional craft techniques. Complemented by delicate dim sum and fine tea amidst the riverside greenery, let ancient skills come alive in your hands during a serene and creative afternoon.

18:00 PM - 19:30 PM | Dinner

【Bing SHeng Pin Wei】

"New Chapter of Cantonese Cuisine, Taste Collection" As a representative of high-end Cantonese cuisine, Bingsheng is famous for its original signature dishes such as black char siu and crispy roast goose, which elevate traditional Cantonese cooking skills to an artistic level. We will have dinner here.

20:00 PM - 21:00 PM | Millennia of Mercantile History in One View

【Pearl River Night Cruise】

"A River Through Time: A Symphony of Past and Present" begins at Haixinsha Wharf, winding along the Pearl River to admire the magnificent night views of Guangzhou Tower and Haixin Bridge. The signature "Pearl River Night Melody" Cantonese opera performance showcases the splendid resonance between modern urban culture and Lingnan heritage.

21:00 PM  -  Overnight : White Swan Hotel

DAY 2 Tea, Art and Timeless Charm

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Pearl River Morning Tea Cruise

【Dim Sum Cruise】

“Sip tea, feast eyes, float through history” Aboard Nanhai Shen ship: crystal shrimp dumplings + European palaces gliding by + live Cantonese opera soundtrack. This is how Guangzhou savors life!

11:30 AM - 14:30 PM | Cultural Hub of the Breater Bay Area

【Bai’E Tan Art Center】

“WHERE ART DANCES WITH RIVERS” The new landmark "Shell of White Swan Bay" holds wonders inside: Guangcai Hundred Butterflies Screen, porcelain from Maritime Silk Route shipwrecks, digital immersive Lingnan gardens... The top-floor viewing deck overlooks the confluence of three rivers – have your wide- angle lens ready!

uGuangdong ICH Hall: See live craft shows, touch giant bone carvings, and try AI tools! Discover Cantonese traditions that UNESCO protects. Fun & easy for all!

uNew Guangdong Museum of Art: Travel 600 years in one hour: From Michelangelo to Chinese masters. Over 1,000 real paintings in 21 rooms. Best art time machine in South China!

15:00 PM - 17:00 PM |  Xiguan Tour - Includes Afternoon Tea

【Shamian/Lychee Bay/Yongqing Fang】

DISCOVER THE FLAVORS OF XIGUAN Xiguan is Guangzhou's most vibrant cultural heartland. Let's spend half a day experiencing life as Cantonese locals do here. Stroll through the historical architecture of Shamian, sense the ambiance of the Lingnan water town along Lychee Bay, experience the blend of traditional verandas (qilou) and heritage workshops in Yongqing Fang, and appreciate traditional opera art at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum.

【Local Afternoon Tea Culture】

The Cantonese saying "saam dim jam caa" (three o'clock tea time) reflects the long-standing essence of afternoon tea culture in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region. Enjoy afternoon tea at a classic Xiguan establishment and experience the most authentic Cantonese lifestyle.

Reference Hotel  | Economy Hotel: Atour X Hotel

Atour X Hotel Guangzhou, in central Haizhu with metro access, is an ideal base for exploring the city. It features renowned bedding for deep sleep, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

*If there is insufficient room in the reference hotel, other hotels of the same star rating/standard will be substituted.

Reference Hotel | High-end hotels: Five-star hotels

*If there is insufficient room in the reference hotel, other hotels of the same star rating/standard will be substituted.

Reference Hotel | White Swan Hotel (or similar)

Majestically overlooking the scenic Pearl River from its location on historic Shamian Island, the White Swan Hotel is an oasis of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city. As a welcoming entrance, the impressive Atrium lobby is an indoor microcosm of the lush landscapes of Southern China with a cascading waterfall over spectacular rockery.

The White Swan Guangzhou is one of the most recognized five-star luxury hotels in China. Over the years, the hotel has received many heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II, and is renowned for extending exceptional service to every guest.

As White Swan Hotel is newly renovated, the hotel in Guangzhou features 520 luxurious rooms and suites, over 2500 square meters of well appointed meeting and conference space, a two-level fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, an exclusive Spa sanctuary, designer shops, and a variety of excellent restaurants, bars and lounges.

INCLUDED

1. 1 night at a highly-rated local hotel(Recommended hotels are of the same level as Atour. If you wish to upgrade to another five-star hotel, please contact customer service to pay the difference after the booking is successful. Upgrading to a five-star hotel costs an additional ¥350 per night per person.)

2. Comfortable vehicle

3. 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, bottled water

4. Excellent driver-guide

5. First-entry tickets for included attractions (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Nanyue King Museum, Ersha Island Heritage Experience, Pearl River Night Cruise, Floating Dim Sum Restaurant, Bai'etan Art Center, Yongqing Fang Cantonese Opera Art Museum)

6. Premium travel insurance

NOT INCLUDED

1. Tickets & experiences not mentioned above

2. Single room upgrade fee

3. Optional activities / personal shopping

4. Tips for guides

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

•Up to 48hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)

•After 48 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.