Shawan Ancient Town

Updated 2025-06-23

With a history of over 800 years, Shawan Ancient Town is home to the Liugengtang ancestral hall built in 1275 by the He family and is celebrated as the birthplace of Cantonese music.

Shawan Ancient Town
City
Guangzhou
Address
Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Cost
40 RMB

Guangzhou · Shawan Ancient Town

Shawan Ancient Town has a history of more than 800 years. Built in 1275 (the first year of the Deyou era during the Southern Song dynasty), Liugengtang Ancestral Hall is the ancestral hall of the He clan in Shawan and a cultural landmark of the town. The Ming Dynasty Confucian scholar and calligrapher Chen Xianzhang once left behind the calligraphy piece "Poetry and Books Passed Down Through Generations" here.

The He family in Shawan was renowned not only for their scholarly background but also as a family of musicians. In the early 20th century, He Liutang, He Younian, and He Shaoxia—known as the “Three Masters of the He Family”—played a major role in reforming and innovating Cantonese music. Over 50 classic compositions were born here, including the beloved Raindrops Pattering on Banana Leaves and Dragon Boat Race Victory, both composed in the town’s historic Sanrenting Hall.

Shawan Ancient Town preserves the charm of its traditional stone alleys, oyster shell walls, and wok-ear walls. Local folk arts such as Shawan Piaose (colorful parade floats) and the Ao Fish Dance are iconic cultural features of this water town. Visitors can also savor traditional snacks like ginger milk pudding and fried milk, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.

How to Get There

Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 to Shiqiao Station (Exit B).
Then transfer to Panyu Bus No. 67 or Panyu Bus No. 6 and get off at "Shawan Ancient Town South Gate" stop (approx. 20 minutes by bus).

Visitor Tips

  • Admission: The ancient town is open to the public free of charge. Some venues such as Liugengtang Ancestral Hall and Academician He Binglin Memorial Hall require a ticket (combo ticket approx. ¥30–40, subject to current announcements).
  • Opening Hours: The town is open all day; most venues open from 9:00 to 17:30.
  • Food Recommendations:
  • Shawan Dairy Queen for ginger milk pudding (姜撞奶)
  • Qinfang Garden for steamed milk custard (双皮奶)
  • Try local snacks like fried milk cubes (炸牛奶) at various stalls in the town.

Content and photos courtesy of Southern Media Group (南方传媒 SPM).