Days 3
Rise and shine. We were excited today as we will have breakfast at one of the famous four Lakeside Restaurants in Guangzhou. Panxi Restaurant (冸溪酒家).
The main entrance to the restaurant.
Scenery inside the restaurant.
It’s a big restaurant with many different dining sections.
The foods were delicious.
Right outside the restaurant, they also have a souvenir shop.
After the hearty breakfast, we took a walk inside Liwanhu Park (荔湾湖).
Our next destination was the ancestral home of Bruce Lee.
Bruce Lee’s ancestral home serves as a testament to his roots and heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the traditional Lingnan architecture of the house and learn about the Lee family’s history and legacy. The home provides insights into Bruce Lee’s upbringing, influences, and early life experiences, shedding light on the factors that shaped his remarkable journey to becoming a global martial arts icon.
Today, the ancestral home of Bruce Lee stands as a cultural landmark, preserving his memory and celebrating his contributions to martial arts, cinema, and popular culture. It serves as a place of inspiration and reflection, where visitors can pay homage to Bruce Lee’s enduring legacy and connect with his spirit.
Next, we proceed to Yongqingfang (永庆坊).
Dating back over 1,000 years, Yongqingfang offers visitors a glimpse into Guangzhou’s storied past. The street is lined with traditional Lingnan-style buildings, adorned with intricately carved wooden facades and tiled roofs, reflecting the region’s unique architectural heritage.
As you stroll along Yongqingfang, you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of shops, tea houses, restaurants, and cultural attractions. From local delicacies and handicrafts to herbal medicine and traditional snacks, the street is a treasure trove of culinary delights and souvenirs.
Next to Yongqingfang was the Cantonese Opera Art Museum.
As one of the most influential and iconic forms of traditional Chinese performing arts, Cantonese opera holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Guangdong Province and beyond.
The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, costumes, props, and memorabilia related to Cantonese opera, providing visitors with insights into its history, development, and unique artistic elements. From elaborate costumes and intricate makeup techniques to musical instruments and stage designs, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of this centuries-old art form.
In addition to its exhibitions, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum also hosts educational programs, performances, and workshops aimed at promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cantonese opera among visitors of all ages. Through its efforts, the museum plays a vital role in safeguarding Cantonese opera’s cultural heritage and ensuring its continued vitality in the modern world.
Our dinner was at Lianxiangluo (莲香楼).
Lianxianglou is a prestigious restaurant with a long history in Guangzhou, focusing on Cantonese cuisine. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Lian Xiang Lou is famous for its traditional cooking techniques, carefully selected ingredients, and classic dishes.
The interior decoration of the restaurant is simple and elegant, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere and making customers feel as if they are immersed in the history and culture of Guangzhou.
Lian Xiang Lou’s signature dishes include classic Cantonese dishes such as roast goose, boiled chicken, steamed fish, etc. Each dish reflects traditional cooking techniques and local flavors. As one of Guangzhou’s gourmet landmarks, Lianxiang House attracts diners from all over the world, who come in droves to taste the unique gourmet culture here.
Days 4
This morning, we had our breakfast at 陶陶居酒家, a restaurant with a history of up to 140 years.
Look at the food, they were all freshly cooked and delicious.
After the hearty brunch, we took the metro to Huacheng Square (花城广场).
This is where the Canton Tower (广州塔) stood.
The Canton Tower, also known as the Guangzhou TV Tower, is an iconic landmark and architectural marvel. As one of the tallest towers in the world, standing at a height of 604 meters (1,982 feet), it dominates the city’s skyline and serves as a symbol of Guangzhou’s modernity and progress.
The tower’s observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views of Guangzhou and the Pearl River.
In addition to its observation decks, the Canton Tower features various attractions and amenities, including revolving restaurants, skywalks, and thrill-seeking experiences such as the Sky Drop and Sky Swing.
Next, we visited the Guangzhou Sacred Heart Cathedral. As this was a tourist landmark, many people were there.
Constructed in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest and largest Roman Catholic churches in the country.
Designed in a neo-Gothic architectural style, the Sacred Heart Cathedral features soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate detailing, evoking a sense of grandeur and reverence. Its imposing facade and majestic interior make it a prominent landmark in Guangzhou’s urban landscape.
Beijing Road Shopping Street was next.
With a history spanning over a thousand years, it has evolved into a vibrant pedestrian street lined with a wide array of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
As one of Guangzhou’s oldest commercial thoroughfares, Beijing Road is renowned for its mix of modern amenities and traditional charm. Visitors can explore a diverse range of retail outlets offering everything from trendy fashion and accessories to local crafts and souvenirs. The street is also home to numerous eateries serving delicious Cantonese cuisine and international fare, making it a popular destination for food lovers.
Highlights include the ancient city gate known as “Zhengjia Gate,” which dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
Our dinner place was at the famous Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家).
The whole restaurant was nicely decorated.
The Cha Siews were juicy and tender, the garlic prawn tasty, and the vegetables in the stone pot fresh. Overall, it’s worth coming here.
After dinner, we headed to our hotel to prepare for the next day’s journey to Shenzhen.
