Canton Private Tours

The Chen Clan Academy, locally known as the Chen's Ancestral Hall, was built on funds jointly raised by the Chen families in 72 counties of Guangdong Province in the 20th year of Guangxu Reign of the Qing Dynasty (1894). In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a man named Chen got the third place in the highest imperial examination and had conferred upon him a distinguished office title which made the Family Chen well-known. Later someone suggested that all Chen's families raise money to build a temple to sacrifice to the ancestors and encourage their offspring likewise to study hard. Therefore, the temple was finished in 1894 with the money donated by Chen's families in 72 counties of Guangdong Province as well as some overseas members of Family Chen.

As a representative architecture of ancient Guangzhou, Xiguan Mansion showcases strong local architectural characteristics and style from its plane layout, arcade formation, section to trivial decoration. Xiguan was the name given by Guangdong people to the area in Liwan District ranging from Xicun in the north and the Pearl River in the south, to Renmin Road in the east and Xiaobei River in the west, which also generally meant the area beyond the west city gate in the Ming (1368~644) and Qing (1644~1911) dynasties.

Located in Yuexiu Park, The Zhenhai Tower (鎮海樓, Tower controlling the sea) has the fame of the First tower in the South China with its cardinal red outside. The tower is a 5-storey building and is also known as the "5 -storey Tower" by the local. The Tower was built in 1380 by the Marquis Zhu Liangzhu. In 1956, the Zhenhai tower was reconstructed to the Guangzhou Museum.

As a local Cantonese, I usually keep my eyes open for scenic spots in and around Guangzhou, especially places steeped in traditional culture. As the saying goes from the Analects, "How glad we are, to welcome friends from afar".