Nanshe Ancient Village
A living memory of Cantonese water towns
- City
- Dongguan
- Address
- Chashan Town, Dongguan
Dongguan · Nanshe Ancient Village
Located in Chashan Town, Dongguan, Nanshe Ancient Village is one of China's most renowned historic cultural villages. It is listed among the first batches of Traditional Chinese Villages, National Key Rural Tourism Villages, and Guangdong Cultural Tourism Villages. The ancient architectural complexes in Nanshe and neighboring Tangwei are protected as National Key Cultural Relics. The village also hosts the Chayuan Parade, recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
Strolling through the village, you’ll find ancestral halls, academies, archways, narrow alleys, and ancient banyan trees—each telling stories of Lingnan’s water-town heritage. The village dates back to the Song Dynasty and preserves its historic character in every brick and corner.
At the heart of Nanshe is a large rectangular pond, with traditional buildings arranged along the surrounding terrain. Notable landmarks include the Xie Clan Ancestral Hall, Centenarian Shrine, Centenarian Archway, and Zizheng Mansion, most of which were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Yusheng Building, a Western-style residence from the Republic of China period, offers a panoramic view of the village.
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Local traditions are deeply rooted here. The "Nine Delicacies Banquet" (九大簋) is a festive dining tradition symbolizing longevity and abundance. The Chayuan Parade, held annually on the 25th day of the third lunar month, is one of the village’s most cherished cultural events. Visitors can also bring home a handcrafted “Chashan Doll” as a unique souvenir.
### How to Get There
From downtown Dongguan:
Take Metro Line 2 to “Chashan Station” (Exit B)
→ Transfer to Chashan Bus Line 3 and get off at “Nanshe Ming-Qing Ancient Village” stop (approx. 15 minutes).
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Visitor Info
Ticket price:
Adult ticket ¥30
Opening hours:
9:00–18:00 (last admission at 17:30); light displays remain on until 21:00
Recommended highlights:
Xie Clan Ancestral Hall, Centenarian Archway, traditional residences, and water-town atmosphere.
You can rent hanfu for photos and try traditional crafts like Dongguan incense making.
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Nearby Attractions
- Keyuan Garden (25 km): One of the Four Famous Gardens of Lingnan
- Songshan Lake Scenic Area (20 km): Great for cycling and picnics
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Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable flat shoes — many stone-paved paths in the village
- Local eateries and tea houses offer Dongguan specialties like roast goose and cured meats
- For fewer crowds, visit early (around 9:00) or after 16:00 on weekends and holidays
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Content and photos courtesy of Southern Media Group (南方传媒 SPM)