Shawan Ancient Town

Overview

Shawan Ancient Town (沙湾古镇) is an 800-year-old Lingnan heritage village in Panyu District, famous for its ancestral halls, oyster-shell walls, and the local delicacy — ginger-milk pudding.

Highlights

• Liugeng Ancestral Hall: A massive Song-dynasty clan hall with exquisite wood carvings and stone column bases.
• Oyster Shell Buildings: Traditional houses with exterior walls made of compacted oyster shells — unique to the Pearl River Delta.
• Ginger-Milk Pudding: Workshops where you can watch the traditional making process and taste it fresh.

History

Founded in the Southern Song dynasty (circa 1233), Shawan grew prosperous from the Pearl River silk and porcelain trade. It retains over 100 heritage structures across its compact urban core.

Visitor Tips

• Getting There: Take Metro Line 3 to Shiqiao, then bus or taxi (20 min).
• Ticket: Free for the town; small fees for individual ancestral halls.
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours.