Private Day Tour to Shawan Ancient Town from Guangzhou 1
Private Day Tour to Shawan Ancient Town from Guangzhou 2
Private Day Tour to Shawan Ancient Town from Guangzhou 3
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Private Day Tour to Shawan Ancient Town from Guangzhou

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Guangzhou, China
Cultural ToursBus & Minivan Tours
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About this activity

Step back 800 years in this remarkably preserved Cantonese village just south of Guangzhou, where generations of the influential Ho family built a thriving settlement amid traditional architecture and time-honoured customs. Explore narrow lanes lined with ancestral temples and family halls, sample authentic local snacks, and experience small-town life largely untouched by modern development.

Shawan Ancient Town is located in the south suburb of Guangzhou. The town is famous in Guangzhou for various elites coming from the family Ho or He, whose ancestor moved to here in 1233AD. With well-preserved traditional Cantonese architectural houses and rich old culture, this is a quiet and nice town to wander around to explore the local temple, food with a local guide. 

Today you will be picked up from your centrally located hotel, then take a private vehicle to visit the Shawan, an old town in the south suburb of Guangzhou, which started in Song Dynasty about 800 years ago. There are still well-preserved old houses in the town, and lots of local snacks. You can wander around the lanes to visit the temple, institute, family temple etc. and taste local ginger milk. Particularl it is well-known for the family Ho or He who had been living here since 1233AD.

You will taste local lunch and some local snacks in Shawan.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your Guangzhou hotel where the tour concludes.

Highlights

  • ✓Well-preserved traditional Cantonese houses dating to the Song Dynasty
  • ✓Ancient family temples and ancestral halls of the prominent Ho/He clan
  • ✓Local speciality: warming ginger milk and authentic Cantonese snacks
  • ✓Private guide shares the town's 800-year history and cultural significance
  • ✓Quiet, atmospheric lanes perfect for photography and exploration
  • ✓Authentic local lunch included

Insider tips

  • ★Visit early morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photography in the narrow streets
  • ★Ask your guide about the Ho family history—their rise to prominence shapes the entire town's architecture and layout
  • ★The ginger milk is best enjoyed warm; try it fresh from a local vendor rather than pre-made versions

Good to know

  • •Hotel pickup and drop-off included from central Guangzhou locations
  • •Comfortable walking shoes essential—uneven cobblestone streets throughout the town
  • •Lunch and snack tastings are part of the tour; inform your guide of any dietary restrictions in advance
  • •7-hour duration includes travel time (approximately 30–40 minutes each way from central Guangzhou)

Who it's for

Cultural history enthusiasts seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiencesPhotography-focused travellers drawn to traditional architecture and atmospheric settingsFood lovers interested in regional Cantonese cuisine and local specialitiesVisitors wanting intimate small-group exploration with local expert guidance

Best time to visit

Visit in autumn (September–November) or winter (December–February) when temperatures are mild and humidity lower, making walking more comfortable. Early morning departures offer better photography light and fewer visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€333
per person