Skip to main content

Posts

Traveling Through Tradition: Experiencing the Dragon Boat Festival in Guangdong

 When you think of traditional festivals in China, chances are the Dragon Boat Festival pops up with images of colorful boats racing across the water. But if you’ve never experienced this vibrant celebration in Guangdong, you’re in for something truly unforgettable. It’s more than a holiday—it’s a window into local life, community pride, and centuries-old traditions. And trust me, being there in person is way more exciting than just reading about it. As someone who loves diving into culture while traveling, I found Guangdong’s Dragon Boat Festival to be the perfect mix of history, celebration, and local flavor (yes, zongzi included!). So, let’s explore what makes this time of year so special, and how you can plan a trip to make the most of it. What Makes Guangdong's Dragon Boat Festival Unique? You’ll find Dragon Boat races across China, but in Guangdong, they hit differently. Here, the festival isn’t just a show—it’s a deeply rooted tradition that brings entire villages and nei...
Recent posts

Step into Time: Exploring Pingyao Ancient City and the Legacy of Shanxi's Merchants

When we travel, we're often searching for stories—old streets that whisper secrets, temples that echo with past prayers, and houses that once belonged to people who changed history. Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi is one of those rare places where all of that still lives. Walking through its timeworn alleys feels like stepping into a living museum, but one that’s very much alive. This place isn’t just about brick walls and pretty rooftops. Pingyao was once the financial heart of China, and the spirit of the old Shanxi merchants—known as Jinshang —still lingers in the air. If you're looking for a travel experience that blends culture, history, and a bit of mystery, Pingyao is a must-see. What Makes Pingyao So Special? I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to be so enchanted by Pingyao. But once you step inside the preserved city walls, everything slows down. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with architecture that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The st...

A Taste of Guangzhou After Dark: Exploring Xihua Road

When we think of travel, it’s often the big landmarks that come to mind—famous museums, historical buildings, or iconic towers. But if you ask me, some of the best experiences come when the sun sets and the city lights flicker on. That’s exactly how I feel about Xihua Road , one of Guangzhou’s best-kept food secrets, especially at night. Tucked in the old part of the city, Xihua Road isn’t flashy or touristy. But that’s what makes it special. It’s where locals go to eat, hang out, and relax after a long day. If you’re visiting Guangzhou and want to taste authentic Cantonese street food in a lively neighborhood, this spot should definitely be on your list. Where Culture Meets Cuisine Guangzhou is known for its rich culinary history, and nowhere is that more obvious than on Xihua Road. Here, food isn’t just food—it’s tradition, family, and comfort, all wrapped into one. Think crispy-skinned roast goose served with steaming rice. Or fresh-off-the-wok fried rice noodles with beef,...

Discovering the Healing Heart of Guangzhou: A Visit to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

When we think of travel in Guangzhou, food, temples, and the Pearl River usually come to mind. But if you’re curious about Chinese culture in a deeper way, I really recommend checking out the Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum . It’s a hidden gem that blends history, science, and art—all focused on the fascinating world of Chinese medicine. One of the coolest things you’ll find inside is what locals call the “Crystal Palace.” It's a stunning display of over 600 traditional Lingnan herbs , each sealed in a glass bottle. The room sparkles with light and color, and it's not just for show—each herb has its own story, and you’ll come away with a real appreciation for how much thought and history goes into Chinese healing traditions. What You’ll Learn: The Deep Roots of Chinese Medicine This museum isn’t just a place to look at jars of herbs. It walks you through thousands of years of knowledge that have shaped health and wellness in China. From ancient medical texts to mo...

Exploring Guangzhou’s Cultural Side: From the “Mini Forbidden City” to a World-Class Museum

When most people think of Guangzhou, they picture delicious food, Canton Tower selfies, or maybe shopping in big malls. But if you're someone who travels to learn, discover, and soak in a bit of culture and history, there’s another side of Guangzhou that’s just waiting for you. In this post, I want to take you with me on a journey to two of my favorite cultural spots: the Guangzhou Cultural Center in Haizhu (often called the “Lingnan Mini Forbidden City”) and the Guangdong Museum in Tianhe. These places aren’t just about old buildings or ancient artifacts—they offer stories, inspiration, and a deeper look into what makes this city so unique. Let’s dive in! Guangzhou’s Cultural Gems: Why They Matter Both the Guangzhou Cultural Center and Guangdong Museum are more than just places with pretty architecture—they’re living spaces where past and present meet. The Guangzhou Cultural Center is like stepping into a southern Chinese palace. Locals sometimes call it the "Little Fo...

Slow Travel in Guangzhou: Exploring Liwan District & Yongqing Fang

When people think of Guangzhou, they often picture modern skylines, crowded shopping malls, or endless dim sum feasts. But if you really want to relax and travel deeper into the heart of this vibrant city, there's one neighborhood I always recommend: Liwan District —home to some of the most charming old streets and cultural treasures you’ll find anywhere in Guangzhou. One place, in particular, stands out: Yongqing Fang . This isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s a beautifully preserved piece of living history, with old Cantonese architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy tea houses tucked into every corner. If you’re curious about Guangzhou’s roots and love wandering through places that tell stories, this is where you should go. Why Liwan District Matters I like to think of Liwan as the “soul” of old Guangzhou. While other parts of the city have become high-rise jungles, Liwan has kept its historic charm. The narrow alleyways, the Lingnan-style buildings with curved roofs and patterne...

Discovering Hidden Corners of Guangzhou

When we think of traveling to Guangzhou, many of us picture the buzzing food markets, gleaming skyscrapers, or iconic spots like the Canton Tower. But tucked away in quieter corners of the city are three lesser-known gems that give you a different taste of what Guangzhou is really about. If you’re looking to relax, learn, and connect with the city's rich past, then Yuyan Academy , Pinghe Dayout (Pawnshop) , and Chunyang Taoist Temple are must-visits. These places may not be as flashy as the big-name attractions, but that’s exactly why they’re special. They take you back to the roots of the city, giving you a glimpse into Guangzhou’s cultural, commercial, and spiritual history. Visiting them feels almost like stepping into a quiet storybook hidden behind the city's modern pages. Guangzhou's Deep History in Three Stops One thing I really appreciate about these three sites is how each tells a different story of the city: Yuyan Academy (Yuyan Shuyuan) is all about education a...