A Different Face of Guangzhou in an Old Town

The shrine and alleys of Sawan Ancient Town and the picturesque water scenery of Xiaozhou Village illustrate the complexity of defining Guangzhou's ancient villages as a single entity. In Langtougou Village, you can see traces of clan architecture and education, while in Xianjinggou Village, you can read life scenes where port activities and food culture flourish. Instead of just focusing on restored spaces, it's essential to observe what kind of living environment places like Dalin Village, Qiangang Ancient Village, Julong Village, and Zhonglou Village currently represent.

Villages serve as both homes and workplaces for residents. Check the opening hours for shrines and exhibition halls—if the doors are closed, simply enjoy the alleys and exteriors quietly. Instead of trying to connect distant areas like Panyu, Huadu, and Huangpu in one day, choose one region and plan your return bus accordingly. Avoid taking close-up photos of windows or residents' faces; look for changes in the village over time by not distinguishing between newly painted buildings and old traces as real or fake.

After exploring the ancient villages, let's remember the relationship between people and space rather than just the oldest building. The opened shrine in Sawan Ancient Town, the academic tradition in Langtougou Village, and the markets and food culture in Xianjinggou Village all highlight the different ways each village has lived. By comparing one element like the arrangement of courtyards, width of alleys, or water channels, it becomes possible to move beyond the vague impression of 'old atmosphere' and organize the living history of Guangzhou's outskirts in a more detailed manner.

The chairs and entrances that residents use, as well as ritual spaces, are not photo backgrounds. Even if you encounter commercialized areas, see that change itself as part of current history, and keep your voices and stay time minimal in quieter sections. You should leave the village before sunset when buses are less frequent. The best way to conclude your journey in an ancient village is to return without leaving signs of your visit, avoiding disruptions to the daily life there.