Shawan Ancient Town is located in the center of Panyu district in southern Guangzhou. Originally built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it has a history of over 800 years. 

Throughout its long history, Shawan Ancient Town has created and preserved Lingnan culture, primarily traditional historical culture and folk culture. It is a quintessential example of Cantonese culture and is abundant in both tangible cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage resources.

Beautiful view of Shawan Ancient Town in Panyu district, Guangzhou. [Photo/Xinhua]

Covering an area of 153 hectares , the town consists of an east village, west village and north village. Row upon row of houses, old streets, and long alleys are the most noticeable characteristics of the ancient town. The most popular attractions are ancestral halls, of which there are 100.

Several intangible cultural heritages, such as Cantonese folk music, the lion dance, and Piaose (a kind of folk art integrating play, magic, acrobatics, music, and dance), are well-preserved. Visitors are not only offered a glimpse into the lives of the local people, but also get the opportunity to experience the special folk culture.　

An aerial view of Shawan Ancient Town. [Photo/Xinhua]

The town is currently being renewed and restored. A number of ancient buildings dating back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties with historical and cultural value have been repaired and protected, and four ancient buildings in the Qingshui Well area have been re-established. 

After careful restoration, the core area of Shawan Ancient Town has been given a new look, which not only retains the original historical flavor of the ancient town, but also offers a new visual experience.

The buildings in Shawan Ancient Town are rich with history. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 10 thematic halls in the town, including Liugeng Hall, the largest ancestral shrine of the He family, the largest family in the town, He Binglin Academic Memorial Hall, and Sanren Hall, the birthplace of typical Cantonese music, showcase the magnificent ancestral culture, clan culture, architectural culture, farming culture, folk literature, and art of Shawan. 　　

How to get there:

First take Metro line 3 to Shiqiao Station. Then take bus K349/ K349 Express/ Pan 7/ Pan 12/ Pan 67 to Shawan Ancient Town South Gate or Shawan Nancun.