Guangdong interesting hands-on cultural activities and safe adventures

Guangdong is a coastal province that has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. While bold, modern architecture now defines much of the area, glimpses of its rich cultural heritage can still be discovered in the forgotten villages and hidden streets. Here, you can immerse yourself in various intriguing cultural activities, such as making traditional sachets, learning to cook Cantonese cuisine, enjoying Cantonese opera, participating in kung fu classes, visiting the flower market during Chinese New Year, and watching lively lion dance performances, among others.

Hand-on cultural activities

Chinese lion head assembling

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art & Architecture
• Duration: 2 hours
• Location: Foshan

No limitation on the number of participants, but 10 people and above can share a lower price.

According to historical records, lion dance can predate to the Tang dynasty, when it was performed for the emperors. Southern lion dance in Guangdong is one of the most popular traditional performances that mimic the behavior of lion. It has become an indispensable part of traditional festivals and some special occasions. The Chinese believed that lion dance brings good fortune and dispels evil spirits and negative energy. Lion dance is a fusion of dance and martial arts movements, accompanied by the rhythm of drums, cymbals and gongs. In Guangdong, most lion dancers are well-trained in Kung Fu movements, as sometimes the performers need to produce fierce movements to show power and masculinity of the lion. The colour of lion signify different characters, with the traditional colour used being red, yellow and black. In Foshan, you will visit a workshop where the craftsman makes Chinese lion head in the traditional way. Combine different parts and decorate your own mini lion head there.

kungfu class

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Health & Fitness
• Duration: Half a day
• Location: Foshan

Foshan, regarded as the “Capital of Guangdong Kung Fu”, is the main origin of Southern Kung Fu in China. It is home to many renowned masters, such as Wong Fei-hung and Ip Man, as well as famous Chinese martial arts styles, including Wing Chun and Choy Li Fut.

First appeared as an independent type of martial arts in the Ming dynasty, Guangdong martial arts have developed rich fighting styles over the centuries. Guangdong Kung Fu with its essential core formed by traditional Chinese philosophy, has absorbed the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. In this session, you will spend half a day learning the fundamental Kung Fu movements from a Kung Fu master. In the weekends evening, you will find some Kung Fu enthusiasts practicing Kung Fu movements with each other.

This martial art style has left a lasting impact on the martial arts community and continues to inspire practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Chinese herbal sachet making

• Type: Chinese Medicine/ Health & Fitness
• Duration: 1 hour
• Location: Guangzhou

The use of fragrant sachets in China can be dated back to 3,000 years ago before Qin dynasty. It is an aromatic herbs-filled bag, normally with wrapping made of silk and adorned with embroidery and colourful threads. It is as an ornament worn on the body and used to absorb sweat, repel insects, prevent one from getting sick easily, freshen up the mind and ward off evil. It also used to be gifts for children and for loved ones. In ancient China, fragrant sachets could be worn by both men and women. In this one hour session, you will learn how to make your own herb sachet. Know the benefits and functions of different Chinese herbs from your instructor. Choose the herbs you want to put in your sachet and grind them into powder using Chinese herb roller mill grinding tool. By the end of this session, you can bring home your own herbal sachet.

Appreciate Cantonese Opera

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art
• Tour Length : 3 hours
• Location: Guangzhou

If you are interested in Guangdong culture, then watching a Cantonese opera is a great way to experience its cultural charm. The Cantonese opera culture of Guangdong is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant treasures of traditional Chinese art. With its deep historical roots, this art form is beloved not only in Guangdong but also by Chinese communities around the world, thanks to its unique performance style, rich repertoire, and superb acting techniques. Unlike Peking opera, Cantonese opera incorporates elements from Peking opera while adding its own regional characteristics, including elaborate costumes, distinctive vocal styles, and the use of Western instruments. Cantonese opera is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and plays an important role in promoting Lingnan culture and enhancing international cultural exchanges.

Cooking class –Cantonese cuisine

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Food
• Duration: 3 hours
• Location: Guangzhou

No limitation on the number of participants, but 10 people and above can share a lower price.

Guangdong has long been regarded as a famous paradise of diverse food. Guangdong cuisine is also known as Cantonese cuisine. It is one of the eight culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine and one of the most well-known Chinese cookeries internationally. The most distinctive characteristic of Cantonese delicacies is its freshness and mild tastes. In this tour, you will learn one to two traditional Cantonese dishes from the local and get beneath the skin of Guangdong through food. Some of the dishes to pick from are Teochew beef ball, Teochew peach-shaped kueh, sweet and sour pork with pineapple, Cantonese rice dumpling, and steam pork belly with preserved mustard greens. Teochew beef ball is made of beef that has finely pounded by two heavy iron bars, made into shape and then boiled and eat with local Shacha sauce. Teochew peach-shaped kueh is a traditional snack that usually served during festive seasons. Kueh is the local dialect, meaning snack, cake, puddling or dumpling. Usually stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice and other ingredients such as shrimps and Chinese sausage. The skin of kueh comes in different colours, but red and pink are the most common ones. Sweet and sour pork with pineapple is a featured dish from the Cantonese cuisine. It is an amazing stir fry and easy to make dish that tastes sweet and sour, with some fresh pineapple flavour. Bursting with flavour, it can be served over rice or noodles.

Watch and Learn Lion dance

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art, Fitness
• Tour Length : Half day
• Location: Guangzhou and Foshan

The lion dance is a traditional dance performed during Chinese New Year and other special occasions. In Guangdong Province, many cities like Guangzhou and Foshan often have Lion Dance performances during festivals and special events. Cultural center of local temples, and major shopping areas might also host such shows. Especially the Foshan lion dance, which is not just a dance performance but a cultural activity that blends martial arts, dance, and music.

Guangdong lion dance, also known as Xing Shi. It is a significant part of Chinese culture and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the community. Watch a traditional lion dance performance. The lion dance is a dynamic and resplendent spectacle. The adept dancers in elaborate costumes bring the lions to life with their acrobatic feats and pulsating drumbeats. Join a class to learn the moves and try on a lion dance costume.

Pottery Making

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art
• Tour Length : 3 hours
• Location: Foshan

Foshan, a city renowned for its martial arts and Cantonese opera, is also famous for its rich ceramic culture. In Shiwan Town, Foshan, lies an ancient ceramic workshop—Nan Feng Ancient Kiln. This site not only carries the glorious history of Foshan’s ceramic industry but also serves as an important base for the inheritance of traditional ceramic arts.

The Nan Feng Ancient Kiln, a 500-year-old ceramic culture hub that showcases the charm of ceramic art and preserves traditional craftsmanship. It attracts visitors to experience the joy of pottery making. Upon entering the ancient kiln, you can observe skilled ceramic masters crafting pottery on-site. From kneading clay, throwing pots, and carving to firing, each step demonstrates the artisans' exquisite skills and respect for traditional techniques. You can follow the guidance of experienced teachers and try their hand at pottery making themselves, immersing in the delight of this traditional craft.

Culture Experience Activities

Dragon boat racing: is a vibrant and cherished tradition in Guangdong Province, China, deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and folklore.

It usually takes place during the Dragon Boat Festival. Teams of strong and skilled rowers gather to compete in colorful dragon boats. These boats are elaborately decorated with dragon heads and tails, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Dragon Boat Racing in Guangdong is not just a sport but a cultural celebration that brings people together and preserves the traditions of the region.

Traditional oolong Tea Ceremony: Learn about and participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Visit a tea plantation, Guangdong is known for its tea, particularly the famous Dancong oolong tea. Visit a tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and taste some of the delicious tea.

The Spring Festival Flower Market：is a unique cultural event in Guangzhou. Known as the "Flower City," Guangzhou’s annual flower market attracts worldwide attention. On the eve of the Chinese New Year, the streets and alleys of Guangzhou are filled with fresh flowers and potted plants, and many parks host Spring Flower Exhibitions. Large flower markets are often adorned with archways and floral displays, with florists flocking in to sell flowers and kumquat trees. The markets are vibrant and bustling, with crowds of people, and the festivities continue until the early hours of the first day of the New Year. This is the distinctive Spring Festival Flower Market of Guangdong.

Floating River Lanterns: During the Chinese Lantern Festival, Litchi Bay Scenic Area will arrange exquisite lanterns for people to enjoy, and also hold lantern riddle guessing, river lanterns, rice dumplings, Xiguan wedding performances and other exciting Lantern Festival programs.

Water Flower Market：The Water Flower Market in Guangzhou, located at Liwan Lake, is typically held around the Chinese New Year. You can take a ride on charming, traditional boats while enjoying music and the beautiful scenery. People on the shore can purchase New Year flowers and other festive goods from the flower boats, while also enjoying the sights along the route. It’s a unique way to experience Guangzhou’s New Year celebrations.

Making Traditional Cantonese Pastries: Learn to make Cantonese-style egg tarts, wife cakes, and other traditional pastries.

Calligraphy Class: Study traditional Chinese calligraphy and learn to write characters with a brush and ink.

Safe Adventures Activities

Hiking: You can visit the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, which offers several trails and peaks to hike, including the famous "Sky Ladder" trail. Hiking Dinhu Mountain, or

Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, visiting scenic spots such as the Huacheng Square, Shamian Island and the Pearl River.

Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle along the Pearl River, taking in the city's skyline from a unique perspective.

Rock Climbing: There are several indoor rock climbing gyms in Guangzhou, offering a fun and challenging workout.

Zip-lining: Visit the Guangdong Flying Adventure Park to soar through the air on a zip-line.

You might be interested in activities in Guangzhou those can spotlight your trip >>

Customize Your Unique Guangdong Tour

If you are interested in one of the Guangdong itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Guangdong Tour, please visit our Guangdong Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Guangdong Trip

Canton Tower

• Travel Guide: attractions, seasons, hotels, food, itineraries, etc.
• Top destinations: places to visit in Guangdong
• Travel itineraries: best itineraries for your reference
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Guangdong
• Top attractions:well-selected top attractions in Guangdong
• Cultural immersions: hands-on activities to spotlight your trip
• Unique perspective: top different things to do
• Guangdong Culture: rich and unique
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Guangdong
• Luxury hotels: where to stay in Guangdong
• Guangdong Tours: tailor-made Guangdong Tours for your reference