The ancient town of Shawan in Guangzhou is an important carrier of Lingnan culture. Its cultural exploration can be carried out from four dimensions: historical architecture, intangible cultural heritage art, folk custom experience and food culture. The following is a specific analysis:
Erste, historical buildings and clan culture
The ancient town of Shawan retains approximately 400 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China period. The layout of the streets and alleys mainly runs from east to west, and the buildings of different periods are distributed in a linear pattern. A typical representative is the Liugeng Hall, which is the ancestral hall of the He family in Shawan. It adopts a layout of “three courtyards and five openings”, covering an area of 3,334 square meters, and is a model of ancestral hall architecture in Lingnan. The wood and stone carvings inside the hall are exquisitely crafted. The plaque records the brilliant achievements of the He family in the imperial examinations and official careers (such as 8 jinshi and nearly 50 juren), showcasing the cultural tradition of “passing on farming and reading to the family” under the Lingnan clan system. In addition, buildings such as Huiyan Temple and Chichang Hall on Chebei Street bear witness to the prosperous history of trade in Shawan.
Zweite, intangible cultural heritage arts and folk crafts
Shawan Ancient Town is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art”, featuring national-level intangible cultural heritage projects such as the lion dance (Guangdong Lion Dance) and Guangdong music, as well as provincial-level intangible cultural heritage projects like Shawan Float Color and brick carving.
Shawan Piao Se: Originating in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, it presents mythological and dramatic scenes through the combination of “ping” (a sitting actor) and “piao” (a suspended actor), such as in “Daiyu’s Flower Burial” and “Ren Lin’s Pagoda Worship”. The core of it is the color frame technique, which uses slender steel branches to support the weight of the actors, creating a visual effect of “solidified drama and moving sculpture”.
Brick carving art: Represented by He Shiliang, his works have been exhibited in places such as Liugeng Hall and He Shiliang Art Museum. The themes cover landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures. The craftsmanship is delicate and embodies the spirit of Lingnan craftsmanship.
Guangdong Music: Shawan is one of the birthplaces of Guangdong music. Sanren Hall was once the venue where musicians such as He Liutang, He Yunian and He Shaoxia composed “Rain Beating on Banana Leaves” and “Dragon Racing for the Championship”. Tourists can experience the charm of the “Land of Cantonese Music” here.
Dritte, folk festivals and clan ceremonies
The folk activities in Shawan Ancient Town are closely integrated with the clan beliefs, such as:
The Northern Emperor’s Birthday Float Parade: Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, 21 floats parade along the streets, accompanied by eight-tone gongs and drums, showcasing the vitality of Cantonese folk customs.
The opening ceremony of the writing brush: It is held at Wenfeng Pagoda (formerly known as “Water Green Mountain Green Wen Pavilion”), where children pay homage to Emperor Wenchang, Emperor Guan and Kui Star, praying for academic success.
Traditional festivals, such as dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival and moon-gazing during the Mid-Autumn Festival, all retain the characteristics of Lingnan water towns.
Vierte, food culture and urban life
Shawan Ancient Town is a gathering place for Lingnan cuisine. Its characteristic snacks include:
Ginger milk: Made by blending water buffalo milk with ginger juice, it has a tender and smooth texture, with a sweet and spicy taste.
Fish skin corner: The outer skin is made of fish meat, and the filling is pork and shrimp. After steaming or boiling, it is fresh, fragrant and delicious.
Paparazzi Porridge: Made from rice milk, bean curd sheets and crushed peanuts, and served with fried dough sticks, it is a traditional breakfast in Shawan.
Tourists can enjoy authentic local flavors at the food stores on Anning West Street, or purchase Shawan brick carving cultural and creative products and color-themed souvenirs as souvenirs.
Fifth, visiting suggestions
Recommended route: South Gate → Liugeng Hall → Chebei Street (Huo Er House, Oyster Shell House) → Anning West Street (Food) → Sanren Hall (Cantonese Music) → Wenfeng Pagoda → He Shiliang Art Museum.
Opening hours: 09:00-17:30 (Entry stops at 16:30).
Ticket Information: The ancient town is free to enter. The combined ticket for some exhibition halls costs 40 yuan (32 yuan during the promotion period), including core attractions such as Liugeng Hall and Sanren Hall.
Cultural Experience: You can participate in the intangible cultural heritage courses of Shawan School (such as brick carving), watch the lion dance performance, and feel the “living” inheritance.
