Guangzhou interesting hands-on cultural activities and safe adventures

When people mention Guangzhou, they often first think of its economic development and skyscrapers. However, they tend to overlook its rich history and culture. Guangzhou is also home to beautiful landscapes, a deep historical heritage, and unique cultural traditions. In this bustling metropolis, you can find many interesting cultural activities, such as learning to cook Cantonese cuisine, making sachets, enjoying Cantonese opera, visiting the flower market during Chinese New Year, and watching lion dance performances, etc.

Hand-on cultural activities

Cooking class –Cantonese cuisine

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

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. From the selection of ingredients to the cooking methods, everything is very particular. 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.

Chinese herbal sachet making

• Type: Chinese Medicine/ Health & Fitness
• Tour Length : 1 hours
• 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.

Every year, around the Chinese New Year, Guangzhou holds many interesting activities, such as visiting the Spring Festival Flower Market, lion dancing, releasing river lanterns, solving lantern riddles, and taking boat rides through the Water Flower Market.

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.

Lion dance: The lion dance is a traditional dance performed during Chinese New Year and other special occasions. Join a class to learn the moves and try on a lion dance costume.

releasing 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.

Traditional Tea Ceremony: Learn about and participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

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.

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.

While Guangzhou may not offer the same level of outdoor adventure opportunities as some other cities in China, there are still plenty of options for those looking to add an active element to their trip.

View interesting activities in Guangdong province those can spotlight your trip >>

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

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