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," do I likewise feel happy when my non-Cantonese friends can have fun learning more about Lingnan culture.
Recently I discovered a place filled with numerous traditional alleys, Lingnan architecture, ancestral halls, folk residences and so on. Located in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, the Lingnan Impression Garden（岭南印象园）embodies the essence of local culture. In only one day there, tourists can get a comprehensive view of ancient Lingnan folkways.
Handmade flour dolls
Traditional dance performance
Shadow play
Amongst the many attractions, visitors can see traditional buildings, woodcarvings, paper-cuttings, Shiwan pottery and palm fans, as well as wear Lingnan costumes and have lunch at restaurants with palace lanterns carved from wood – all familiar features from my childhood.
The Lingnan Impression Garden was formerly known as the University City Museum (大学城博物馆). Once free of charge, the garden underwent major renovations and now costs 45RMB/adult for a ticket. When I expressed my doubt about the ticket price, my non-Cantonese friend encouraged me by saying, "but it is really worth the money! I can learn so much about Lingnan culture here in just one day, like the traditional games you used to play and how Cantonese life was in the old times..." After hearing my friend's remarks, I did not hesitate to pay the entry fee.
The garden really is a special spot to learn about local culture. However, it is a bit difficult to find as there are not many English road signs or information about it.
How to get there:
Exit B, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre South gate, Metro line 4
地铁4号线大学城南站B出口
Free buses from the metro exit to the garden are provided on Saturdays and Sundays and on holidays.
(Zhu Yanshan and Stephen Roach)
