Zhujiang New Town

This day trip was very packed, covering all the major sights in Guangzhou. The itinerary included: Chen Clan Academy - Yongqingfang - Shamian Island - Lunch at your own expense - Huacheng Square - Exterior view of Guangzhou Tower - Baiyun Mountain - Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall - Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Sculpture) - Beijing Road Pedestrian Street - Pearl River Night Cruise. We arrived at Chen Clan Academy in Liwan District. This century-old ancestral hall, hailed as the "Pearl of Lingnan Architectural Art," had everyone taking photos non-stop after our guide, Zhou, gave a detailed explanation. Standing in the central hall, Zhou pointed to the wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings on the roof, detailing the meanings and symbolism of each piece, explaining them clearly and simply, captivating everyone in the group. In the afternoon, we went to Shamian Island, an "open-air architectural museum" on the banks of the Pearl River. We saw the mint-green Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the dark green former site of the Banque de l'Indochine. Guide Zhou led us away from the midday tour groups, into quiet alleys. He pointed to the century-old European-style buildings, recounting the history of the concessions after the Opium War, and also reminded us to pay attention to the Manchurian windows along the roadside—behind those stained glass windows lay the aesthetic codes of the wealthy families of Xiguan. The next stop, Yongqingfang, showcased Guangzhou's "old trees with new branches." The arcade buildings, ancient alleys, and gray-tiled roofs spoke volumes of history. Our guide, Zhou, led us to sample local delicacies and visit Bruce Lee's ancestral home, ensuring everyone had a wonderful time. This blend of old and new is precisely what makes Guangzhou so captivating. As night fell, we boarded a sightseeing boat for a Pearl River night cruise, bringing the trip to a perfect close. A professional guide is the soul of any journey, and Zhou, with his professionalism and enthusiasm, wove the day's itinerary into a three-dimensional "Encyclopedia of Guangzhou." Having such an excellent guide made the trip truly unforgettable. We'll definitely come again!