This year has seen more and more foreigners coming to visit Guangzhou since China implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from dozens of countries.

Many are eager to know how to explore Guangzhou within a few days? To help you narrow down your options, SilkRoadPost offers a list of the best places featuring Lingnan culture in the city.

1. Lianhua Mountain 蓮花山

As autumn is approaching, climbing Lianhua Mountain is a good choice to enjoy picturesque autumn scenery. Visitors can pray for good luck, or admire lotus flowers and explore a large ancient quarry.

Address: No. 123 Ximen Lu, Shilou town, Panyu district 番禺區(qū)石樓鎮(zhèn)西門(mén)路123號(hào)

2. Baomo Garden 寶墨園

Baomo Garden, featuring typical Lingnan architectural characteristics and ancient structures of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is now a popular spot for Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) lovers since the garden offers a package of service that includes ancient costume renting, makeup and photo-taking.

And it is now the season for tourists to admire crepe myrtles as the purple flowers can be seen everywhere in the garden.

The garden is also home to a large collection of exquisite art works like brick sculptures, porcelain sculptures and wood carvings.

Address: Dong‘a(chǎn)n Lu, Zini village, Shawan Town, Panyu district (番禺區(qū)沙灣鎮(zhèn)紫泥村東安路)

3. Shawan Ancient Town 沙灣古鎮(zhèn)

As Guangzhou’s only national historical and cultural town, Shawan Ancient Town is where the Guangdong music originates and is also the hometown of Chinese folk art.

When you stroll along the alleys in Shawan, you can see a great number of well-preserved ancient buildings with brick carvings and bump into oyster-shell walls from time to time. It is definitely the best option for you to explore the Lingnan culture.

Address: No. 2 Fubei Lu, Panyu district 番禺區(qū)福北路2號(hào)

4. Yuyin Garden 余蔭山房

Yuyin Garden is honored as one of the four most renowned gardens in Guangdong province, along with the Foshan Liangyuan Garden (佛山梁園), Dongguan Keyuan Garden (東莞可園) and Shunde Qinghui Garden (順德清暉園).

With a photogenic collection of pavilions, towers, bridges, corridors, hills and pools, the garden incorporates the landscaping styles of Suzhou and Hangzhou as well as the features of Lingnan architecture, creating a popular location for shooting traditional Chinese costume photos and videos.

Address: Nancunbei street, Panyu district (番禺區(qū)南村北大街)

Recently, the four tourist attractions mentioned above have released arrays of original delicate cultural souvenirs, which cover over 120 categories and 200 varieties. Featuring Lingnan elements, a total of 1,100 items, such as paper clips of Guangdong instruments and embroidered stickers of Aoyu dance (鰲魚(yú)舞), are all very attractive among local youngsters and visitors.

Where to shop:  

1. Xinhua bookstore, Nos. 738, 740, Fujing Lu, Panyu district 番禺區(qū)福景路738、740號(hào)

2. Xinhua bookstore, No. 60, Guangming Nanlu, Panyu district 番禺區(qū)光明南路60號(hào)