Jiangmen, hiding Guangdong’s most charming slow life

In the south-central part of Guangdong, there is a low-key yet charming city—Jiangmen. Here, you can find century-old diaolou (watchtowers) blending Chinese and Western styles, as well as tranquil and beautiful island scenery; authentic and delicious local specialties, and a rich and profound overseas Chinese culture. If you long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle to relax your body and mind, Jiangmen is definitely your best choice. Itinerary Planning Day 1: A blend of history, culture, and natural scenery - Morning: After arriving in Jiangmen, head to Changdi Historical and Cultural Street to start your city walk. This is the origin of Jiangmen city and the filming location of the drama "Raging Waves." Stroll along the stone-paved roads and admire the arcade buildings, as if traveling back to the Republic of China era. Check in at the 33-level Shuibutou to learn about Jiangmen’s historical changes; visit Zhongshan Park and the Zhongshan Memorial Hall to experience a quiet and artistic atmosphere; you can also stop by the Citybox Qiaodu Cultural and Creative Store to pick up some creative products and bring home memories of Jiangmen. - Noon: Taste Jiangmen’s specialty foods near Changdi Historical and Cultural Street, such as Gujing roast goose, duck liver sausage, and puppy congee. We recommend "Uncle Yong’s Snack Shop," where the salted egg yolk lean meat sausage is a must-try—salty, fragrant with rice and meat, perfectly combined, and even better dipped in their special chili sauce for a richer flavor. - Afternoon: Visit the China Overseas Chinese Museum to deeply understand Jiangmen’s overseas Chinese culture. The museum displays numerous artifacts and historical materials related to overseas Chinese. Through the exhibitions, you can feel the struggles and patriotism of the overseas Chinese. - Evening: Go to the Qichao Hometown & Bird Paradise Cultural Tourism Area, visit the former residence of Liang Qichao, and feel the environment where this modern thinker and politician grew up. Then head to Bird Paradise, take a boat tour of the wetlands, and enjoy the spectacular sight of thousands of birds returning to their nests. This is the prototype of the "Bird Paradise" described by Mr. Ba Jin, which will surely captivate you. - Night: Enjoy a Chenpi (dried tangerine peel) feast in Chenpi Village, featuring dishes like Chenpi water duck soup and crispy fried Chenpi ribs—delicious and healthy. After dinner, stroll around Chenpi Village and buy some Xinhui Chenpi as souvenirs. Recommended accommodations include Hilton Garden Inn Xinhui, Shanshui Fuli Hua Hotel, or Yuhu Yujing Hotel. Day 2: Diaolou charm and ancient town vibes - Morning: Head to the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Area, Zili Village Scenic Spot. The diaolou here have a unique architectural style and are a World Cultural Heritage site. Walk through the village, admire the diaolou and pastoral scenery, as if stepping into a beautiful painting. You can also climb the Mingshi Tower and reenact classic scenes from the movie "Let the Bullets Fly" on the rooftop. - Noon: Enjoy Kaiping’s specialty dishes at a farmhouse restaurant near Zili Village, such as Kaiping salted chicken and Magang rice noodles. These dishes are loved by tourists for their fresh flavors and affordable prices. - Afternoon: Visit Tangkou Old Market, home to the Pioneer Tianxia Granary Bookstore, which features a unique design blending traditional and modern styles, where you can enjoy the literary atmosphere; also check out local homestays and village cafes with a healing vibe, perfect for photos. Don’t forget to try local snacks like the savory and delicious "chicken biscuit," crispy and eggy "Sachima," and the special "Tangkou family glutinous rice cake." - Evening: Arrive at Chikan Overseas Chinese Ancient Town, take a hand-rowed boat to experience the feeling of traveling through a painting, viewing pavilions and towers surrounded by lake water; or ride the "Ding Ding" tram that "travels through" the ancient town’s time, passing by century-old arcade buildings, feeling the deep cultural heritage and unique architectural style. - Night: Watch immersive performances in the ancient town, such as "The Way Home," "The Grandmaster," "Drama of the Rich," "Lion Youth," and "Ancient Charm Magic," giving you the freedom to enjoy theater. After the show, dine at local restaurants offering various delicacies like tofu corners, specialty trendy drinks, and Hong Kong-style tea restaurants. Recommended accommodations include Kaiping Qiaoxiang Story Homestay, Liyuan Daoxiang Diaolou Boutique Cultural Homestay, or Xiangyu Homestay. Food Recommendations - Gujing Roast Goose: Crispy skin, tender meat, and rich aroma, a signature dish of Jiangmen. Recommended restaurant: Hengyi Roast Goose. - Chenpi Duck: The sweet and mellow flavor of dried tangerine peel perfectly complements the tender duck meat, creating a unique taste. - Eel Rice: The rice absorbs the fresh and fragrant flavor of eel, while the eel remains tender. Recommended restaurant: Wenhua Eel Rice. - Magang Rice Noodles: Smooth noodles with rich broth, a specialty of Kaiping. - Seafood: Jiangmen is coastal with abundant seafood resources. Shrimp, crab, and shellfish from Shangxiachuan Island are very fresh, best enjoyed boiled to taste the freshness. Accommodation Suggestions - Jiangmen City: Recommended to stay near Changdi Historical and Cultural Street for convenient travel and abundant local food options. Hotels recommended: All Seasons Jiangmen East Station Jianghai Wanda Plaza Hotel, Hanting Jiangmen 33 Market Street Diwang Plaza Hotel. - Xinhui: Choose hotels near Bird Paradise and Chenpi Village for easy sightseeing, such as Hilton Garden Inn, Shanshui Fuli Hua Hotel, and Yuhu Yujing Hotel. - Kaiping: Suggested to stay near Tangkou Old Market or Chikan Overseas Chinese Ancient Town to experience the atmosphere of diaolou and ancient towns. Homestays recommended: Kaiping Qiaoxiang Story Homestay, Liyuan Daoxiang Diaolou Boutique Cultural Homestay, Xiangyu Homestay. Transportation Guide - External transportation: Jiangmen has a high-speed rail station with convenient transportation. Choose suitable high-speed train routes based on your departure location. - Internal transportation: Within the city, you can take buses, taxis, or rent electric scooters; for farther attractions like Kaiping Diaolou and Shangxiachuan Island, it is recommended to charter a car or join a day tour for convenience and peace of mind. Jiangmen, this charming city, carries the weight of history and the gifts of nature. Come to Jiangmen and start your own slow life journey!