On the Roads of Lingnan: Heritage, Gesture, and Elegance of the South
A cultural and gastronomic journey between Canton, Teochew traditions, Nan'ao Island, and hot springs.
Spirit of the journey
An itinerary of 10 days at the heart of Lingnan, between Guangzhou, Foshan, Chaozhou, Shantou, Nan'ao Island, Conghua, and the living traditions of Guangdong. This program highlights Cantonese and Teochew culture, old neighborhoods, temples, markets, Cantonese opera, gongfu tea, dim sum, seafood, coastal landscapes, and hot springs.
A Journey into the Living Heart of LingnanThis 10-day circuit explores several faces of Guangdong: Guangzhou for Cantonese culture, Foshan for traditional arts and ceramics, Chaozhou for gongfu tea and temples, Shantou for Teochew heritage, Nan'ao for marine landscapes, and Conghua for a thermal and nature break.Between Culture, Gastronomy, and CraftsmanshipThe itinerary showcases the traditions of Lingnan: dim sum, gongfu tea, Cantonese opera, temples, markets, old alleys, craftsmanship, ceramics, Teochew cuisine, seafood, and hot springs. It is a cultural and sensory program designed for travelers curious about Southern China.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Guangzhou: old Xiguan, Cantonese opera, dim sum, markets, and Cantonese culture
- Foshan: Ancestral Temple, martial arts, Lingnan culture, and Nanfeng kiln
- Chaozhou: Arch Street, Kaiyuan Temple, gongfu tea, and Teochew traditions
- Shantou: old quarters, historic architecture, markets, and local cuisine
- Nan'ao Island: coastal landscapes, Mazu Temple, fishing villages, and seafood
- Conghua: hot springs, villages, bamboo, and a nature break
- Guangdong Gastronomy: dim sum, Cantonese cuisine, Teochew cuisine, seafood, and markets
- Cultural expériences: Cantonese opera, ceramics, gongfu tea, craftsmanship, and workshops as available
- Balanced program between city, traditions, craftsmanship, gastronomy, sea, and nature
Well-located hotels, balanced pace, strong cultural and gastronomic stages, with an organization designed to alternate visits, markets, workshops, tastings, coastal landscapes, and moments of relaxation.
Local French-speaking or Anglophone guides according to stages and availability. On-site assistance during important program moments.
A balance between Cantonese culture, Teochew traditions, gastronomy, craftsmanship, old neighborhoods, marine landscapes, and carefully selected addresses.
Who is it for?
- Clients wishing to discover a more cultural, gastronomic, and local Guangdong
- Travelers interested in Cantonese culture, Teochew traditions, dim sum, gongfu tea, and craftsmanship
- Couples, small groups, or repeat travelers seeking a more confidential Southern China
- Agencies wishing to offer a product on Lingnan that differs from classic Shenzhen/Guangzhou
- Clients who appreciate markets, old neighborhoods, local cuisine, islands, hot springs, and craft expériences
To check before quoting
- schedules and availability of trains between Guangzhou, Chaozhou, and Shantou
- Actual transfer times between Shantou, Conghua, and Guangzhou
- Availability of French-speaking guides for secondary stages
- Availability of hotels in Chaozhou, Shantou, Conghua, and Guangzhou
- Feasibility of workshops: ceramics, Cantonese opera, silk dyeing, gongfu tea
- Availability and exact name of certain sites or workshops, notably “masters' park”
- Weather conditions for Nan'ao Island, Qing'ao beach, and Pearl River cruise
- Desired level of hotel comfort: 4*, 5*, charm, or thermal resort
- Possibility to simplify the program if clients wish for a gentler pace
Day by day
Jour 1 Arrival in Guangzhou Open
Arrival in Guangzhou, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, a gentle first walk in the old Xiguan district or around Shamian. Discovery of the Cantonese Opera Museum and costume fitting available based on timing and availability. Overnight in Guangzhou.
Jour 2 Foshan: At the Source of Lingnan Culture Open
Excursion to Foshan. Visit the Ancestral Temple, a cultural landmark of Guangdong, then explore the Nanfeng kiln and a ceramics workshop as available. Option to include a segment on martial arts or Lingnan culture. Return and overnight in Guangzhou.
Jour 3 Train to Chaozhou: Through the Centuries Open
Departure by fast train to Chaozhou. Discover Arch Street, Kaiyuan Temple, and the old alleys. Tasting of gongfu tea as available. Overnight in Chaozhou.
Jour 4 Chaozhou: Living Heritage Open
Day dedicated to Chaozhou: Han Yu Shrine, Guangji Bridge as per the program, alleys, local craftsmanship, gongfu tea, and Teochew cuisine. Dinner around a Teochew hotpot or other local specialty as confirmed.
Jour 5 To Shantou: Between Overseas Facades and Exile Secrets Open
Drive to Shantou. Discover the old quarter, historic buildings, markets, and Teochew culture. Local tasting or seafood lunch as available. Overnight in Shantou.
Jour 6 Nan'ao Island: Foam, Nets, and Forgotten Paths Open
Excursion to Nan'ao Island: coastal landscapes, fishing villages, Mazu Temple, seaside and Qing'ao beach as per the weather. Seafood lunch as available. Return to Shantou at the end of the day.
Jour 7 Return to Conghua: Bathing in Springs and Renewal Open
Transfer to Conghua, by train and/or vehicle as per the itinerary. Check-in at a thermal hotel or resort as available. Free time to enjoy the hot springs. Light dinner or local dinner as confirmed.
Jour 8 Conghua: Mountains and Bamboo Open
Gentle walk in Xitou village and discover the rural north Guangdong. Lunch with local products as available. Return to Guangzhou. In the evening, Pearl River cruise optional or as confirmed.
Jour 9 Guangzhou, Between Memory and Creation Open
Discovery of Guangzhou: Yuexiu Park, Chen Family Temple, Xiguan district or the old township of Shawan as per the program's pace. Silk dyeing workshop or another craft expérience as available. Overnight in Guangzhou.
Jour 10 Final Strolls and Fragrant Goodbyes Open
Depending on flight schedule, last walk in a market, an old neighborhood, or visit Chen Family Temple if not completed the day before. Closing lunch based on timing, then transfer to the airport.
Included
- Selected accommodations, double or twin rooms with breakfasts
- Airport, train station, and hotel transfers
- Private transportation with driver for mentioned land stages
- Trains or inter-city transfers mentioned in the final quote
- French-speaking or Anglophone guides according to stages and availability
- Visits, entries, and expériences mentioned in the final quote
- Meals mentioned in the confirmed program
- Local assistance during the trip
Not included
- International flights
- Visa for China
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Non-included beverages
- Meals, drinks, or visits not mentioned in the final quote
- Optional activities
- Extra hours for the guide or driver
- Supplements related to holidays, local events, or operational changes