Guangzhou, a city with over two thousand years of history, holds countless untold historical stories and cultural treasures. Each ancient building is like a heavy history book, recording the rise and fall of this city. Today, let me take you on a journey to measure every inch of Guangzhou's land with our footsteps and listen to the stories behind these ancient buildings. Are you ready? Let's begin this journey through time!
First Impressions of Guangzhou
I still remember being deeply attracted to this city when I first came to Guangzhou. Modern skyscrapers stand alongside ancient historical buildings, allowing you to feel the charm of time intersecting here. Guangzhou offers not just delicious food, but also rich historical and cultural heritage.
Walking through Guangzhou's streets, you'll discover this city has a unique character. It has both the gentleness of a southern city and the prosperity of a commercial hub. Whether it's the old Xiguan mansions or the modern Canton Tower, they all tell stories of this city. Are you curious about what other historical traces are hidden in the corners of this city?
When I first strolled through Guangzhou's streets, I was captivated by its unique Lingnan style. During the day, sunlight filters through dense banyan trees onto the stone paths, creating dappled shadows; at night, when the lights first come on, the lights from both banks of the Pearl River reflect on the water surface like stars fallen to earth. The beauty of this city lies not in its grandeur, but in its living atmosphere and human touch.
In every corner of Guangzhou's streets, you can always find unexpected surprises. Perhaps it's an old teahouse hidden in a deep alley, an ancient ancestral hall surrounded by modern buildings, or a piece of historical memory carved on a wall. Each exploration is a spiritual journey, allowing me to understand and love this city more.
Revolutionary Imprints
Dr. Sun Yat-sen
Speaking of Guangzhou's historical buildings, we must mention the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. This magnificent octagonal palace-style building, covering about 3,700 square meters and standing 49 meters tall, was built to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the pioneer of China's democratic revolution. Did you know? This building's design combines both Western and Chinese architectural elements, with four palace-style buildings surrounding the central huge octagonal pointed roof, symbolizing Dr. Sun's ideal of "the world belongs to the public."
Stepping inside the memorial hall, you'll be amazed by its intricate decorations. Looking up, the huge rectangular glass chandelier with heavy tassels shimmers in the sunlight, as if telling every visitor about those passionate years. Every time I stand here, I can't help but imagine how Dr. Sun sowed the seeds of revolution on this land in those war-torn years, and how he united people's hearts and devoted his life to China's democratic revolution.
Sometimes I wonder, without the sacrifice and dedication of Dr. Sun and those revolutionary martyrs, how could we enjoy such a stable and happy life today? This memorial hall is not just a building, but a spiritual monument, reminding us not to forget history and to cherish the present. Do you feel the same way?
One sunny afternoon, I sat on the steps in front of the memorial hall, watching tourists come and go, thinking about the meaning of history. At that moment, I seemed to see Dr. Sun's commanding figure and hear his powerful speeches. That sense of connection across time gave me a deeper understanding and respect for this city.
Every brick and tile of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall carries heavy historical memories. It's said that when the memorial hall was being built, people from all over the country eagerly donated money, from fifty cents to hundreds of yuan, showing people's love and remembrance for Dr. Sun. This way of public participation also reflected Dr. Sun's Three Principles of the People: "of the people, by the people, for the people." When we enter the memorial hall today, we're not just commemorating a great man, but experiencing a spirit - a revolutionary spirit of serving the country and people without fear of hardship.
Blood and Fire
Leaving the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, let's visit the Tomb of the 72 Martyrs at the southern foot of Baiyun Mountain. This cemetery, covering 160,000 square meters, was built to commemorate the 72 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the 1911 Guangzhou Uprising. Entering the cemetery, surrounded by pine and cypress trees, with the martyrs' tombs, memorial archways, octagonal pavilions, square pools, and stone bridges, one can't help but feel solemn respect.
Did you know? This cemetery was declared a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 1961. Standing here, I can always feel those years of war and fire. Those martyrs, for their ideals and beliefs, were willing to sacrifice their lives. Their names might be forgotten by time, but their spirit will forever be engraved in the history of the Chinese nation.
Once, I met a group of middle school students here, led by their teacher on a study tour. Looking at these young faces, I couldn't help but wonder how to help these children truly understand and feel the weight of history? Perhaps it's through these physical historical relics, letting them experience firsthand, that they can truly touch the pulse of history. What do you think?
The Tomb of the 72 Martyrs is not just a memorial site, but also a patriotic education base. Every year around Qingming Festival, grand public memorial ceremonies are held here, attracting many citizens and tourists to commemorate the martyrs. I once participated in a memorial ceremony, and was deeply moved by the solemn atmosphere. In the solemn music, people laid wreaths at the martyrs' tombs in turn, expressing their respect and remembrance for the martyrs. At that moment, I felt a spiritual power transcending time, a power that can inspire us to keep moving forward.
Every corner of the cemetery is filled with historical sediment. Those names carved on the stone tablets might just be symbols for us today, but at that time, they were all flesh-and-blood revolutionaries who unhesitatingly took the revolutionary path for their ideals and beliefs. Some of them weren't even adults yet, dedicating their youth to the revolutionary cause. Whenever I think about this, I feel an inexplicable sense of tragedy and respect.
There's also the Guangzhou Uprising Martyrs Cemetery, built to commemorate the martyrs of the 1927 Guangzhou Uprising. The stone wall at the entrance bears the characters "Guangzhou Commune Uprising Martyrs Cemetery" written by Premier Zhou. It's listed as a national key martyrs memorial building protection unit and a Guangdong province key cultural relic protection unit, and is also one of Guangzhou's first batch of patriotic education bases.
Located at the northern foot of Yuexiu Mountain, the Guangzhou Uprising Martyrs Cemetery has a quiet environment with lush trees. Entering the cemetery, the first thing that catches your eye is a tall memorial monument with the characters "Revolutionary Martyrs Will Live Forever" carved on it, solemn and dignified. In front of the monument is a wide square, with a sculpture in the center depicting the heroic scene of the Guangzhou Uprising.
The cemetery also has an exhibition hall displaying historical materials and artifacts from the Guangzhou Uprising. Through photos, documents, and artifacts, I gained a deep understanding of this magnificent revolutionary history. Especially those precious historical photos, recording important scenes and figures during the uprising, making history no longer distant but tangible.
In one corner of the cemetery, there's a small library collecting numerous books about the Guangzhou Uprising and Chinese revolutionary history. Sometimes, I would sit here for half a day, flipping through those yellowed pages, feeling the temperature of history. Those words recording the stories of revolutionaries seem to transcend time and space, reaching directly into the depths of my heart.
Every time I enter these revolutionary memorial buildings, I'm moved by that period of history. Those revolutionary martyrs who fought to death for their ideals and beliefs - should their spirit and faith become the spiritual coordinates of our era? In this materially abundant era, shouldn't we also have something to pursue and persist in?
Cultural Heritage
Zhenhai Watch Tower
Besides revolutionary memorial buildings, Guangzhou has many historical and cultural buildings worth seeing. For example, the Zhenhai Tower on Yuexiu Mountain has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, witnessing the ups and downs of Guangzhou city.
The current Zhenhai Tower is a reinforced concrete structure. It became Guangzhou Municipal Museum in 1929 and was renamed Guangzhou Museum in 1950, collecting and exhibiting cultural relics and historical materials from Guangzhou's 2000-year development. Entering the museum is like traveling through time, from Qin and Han dynasties to Ming and Qing dynasties, from the Opium War to the founding of New China, showcasing the historical changes of Guangzhou city.
I remember being amazed by the rich artifacts and detailed historical materials when I first visited Zhenhai Tower. Especially the exhibition about Guangzhou's Thirteen Hongs, which gave me a deeper understanding of Guangzhou's history as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Did you know? Guangzhou was once China's only open port for foreign trade, and at that time, it was already an international metropolis.
Standing on Zhenhai Tower overlooking Guangzhou city, the prosperous modern city and ancient historical buildings complement each other, making one marvel at the magic of time. The same place in different eras tells different stories. And we are just grains of sand in this long river of history, coming and going like passing guests. But it's these ancient buildings that allow us to touch the temperature of history and feel the weight of time.
Zhenhai Tower is not just a historical building, but also a symbol and witness of Guangzhou city. It's said that Zhenhai Tower was first built during the Southern Han period (917 AD), then called "Zhenhai City Tower," as part of Guangzhou's city wall. After a thousand years of wind and rain, the original building no longer exists, and what we see now was rebuilt in 1928. Although the building form has changed, its status as a symbol of Guangzhou city has never changed.
The second floor of Zhenhai Tower is an open viewing platform where you can overlook the entire Yuexiu Park and surrounding city landscape. Especially at dusk, when the setting sun casts golden light on every corner of the city, the scenery is intoxicating. Sometimes, I would bring a book and sit on a bench near Zhenhai Tower, reading while enjoying this beautiful scenery, feeling the unique charm of this city.
Yuexiu Park around Zhenhai Tower is also a historic park with many historical relics and cultural attractions, such as the Five Rams Stone Sculpture and Sun Yat-sen Memorial. Every morning, many citizens gather here for morning exercises, practicing tai chi, dancing, or just walking and chatting, full of vitality. I like to feel the pulse of Guangzhou city in such an environment, feeling its vitality and warmth.
Sea God's Blessing
Speaking of Guangzhou's historical and cultural buildings, we must mention the Temple of the Sea God. Built in the 14th year of Emperor Sui Kaihuang (594 AD), this temple is one of the most complete and largest sea god temple complexes preserved in ancient China, and also an important historical site of ancient maritime trade.
Entering the Temple of the Sea God, the ancient halls, exquisite carvings, and solemn atmosphere all make one feel the weight and mystery of history. It's said that ancient sailors would come here to worship the sea god before setting sail, praying for safe voyages. Today, this ancient temple has become important historical material and evidence for studying the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
In the Temple of the Sea God, I often think about what courage and wisdom ancient people had to dare to sail into unknown seas? And today, how should we face unknown challenges and difficulties? Perhaps it's that courage to explore the unknown and persevering spirit that is the foundation of our nation's continuous development. Do you think so?
The Temple of the Sea God's architectural layout follows the traditional Chinese principle of axial symmetry, consisting of the mountain gate, front hall, main hall, back hall, and other parts. The whole building complex is solemn and magnificent, demonstrating the exquisite skills of ancient architecture. Especially the sea god statue in the main hall, with its dignified and benevolent expression, naturally inspires awe. It's said that this sea god statue has hundreds of years of history, having weathered countless storms yet remaining well-preserved, which is itself a miracle.
Every building and artifact in the temple carries rich historical and cultural information. Those carved beams and painted pillars, those exquisite stone and wood carvings, all demonstrate the superb skills and artistic wisdom of ancient craftsmen. Especially those murals and stone carvings depicting maritime scenes vividly record the prosperous scenes of ancient maritime trade, allowing us to glimpse the social life and customs of that time.
Around the Temple of the Sea God are some ancient neighborhoods and buildings, such as Xiguan mansions and Yongqing Fang, which have preserved the old appearance and living atmosphere of Guangzhou. Walking in these ancient neighborhoods is like traveling through time, back to the old Guangzhou when merchant ships gathered and trade flourished. That sense of history and cultural atmosphere is incomparable to modern commercial districts.
Once, I was drinking tea in an old teahouse near the Temple of the Sea God and met an elderly person over seventy. He told me that his ancestors lived nearby and witnessed the changes in this area. He said that although the buildings and lifestyle have changed greatly now, the Temple of the Sea God's status as Guangzhou's cultural landmark has never changed. Listening to the old man's narration, I seemed to see historical scenes unfolding before my eyes, and that sense of connection across time gave me a deeper understanding and feeling for this city.
Xiguan Charm
Speaking of Guangzhou's traditional architecture, we must mention the Xiguan mansions. These residential buildings built from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period have become an important part of Guangzhou's urban memory with their unique Lingnan architectural style and exquisite decorative art.
Xiguan mansions are characterized by a "one entrance, two horizontal, four gathering halls" layout, narrow in front and wide in back, with considerable depth. The arcade in front can both provide shade and shelter from rain, and expand commercial space, showing the wisdom of Lingnan architecture adapting to local climate and life needs. Especially those exquisite carvings and decorations, such as brick carvings, wood carvings, lime sculptures, and paintings, all demonstrate the superb skills and artistic talent of Lingnan craftsmen.
Walking in Xiguan's streets and alleys, those ancient mansions quietly tell stories of the past. Through those carved window lattices, one seems to see scenes of scholars writing and painting, and wealthy merchants chatting and laughing here in the past. That rich living atmosphere and cultural charm make people slow down their steps to savor it.
Xiguan mansions are not only architectural art treasures but also witnesses to Guangzhou's social life and cultural changes. It's said that in old Xiguan, these mansions were mostly occupied by wealthy merchants, who lived, did business, and socialized here, forming the unique Xiguan culture. Today, although most Xiguan mansions have been repurposed or demolished, those preserved buildings still exude a strong historical and cultural atmosphere, becoming important symbols of Guangzhou's urban culture.
Once, I had the fortune to visit a well-preserved Xiguan mansion. As soon as I entered, I was amazed by the exquisite carvings and decorations. The wooden carved lattices in the entrance hall, the lime sculptures in the courtyard, the painted ceilings in the rooms, all demonstrate the superb skills and artistic talent of Lingnan craftsmen. Especially those paintings depicting daily life scenes, vivid and lively, full of life atmosphere, making people seem to travel back to that era and feel the life and aesthetics of that time.
The interior space layout of Xiguan mansions is also very distinctive. Along the central axis are the entrance hall, courtyard, main hall, back courtyard, and back hall, with wing rooms on both sides. This layout ensures both privacy and good ventilation and lighting, very suitable for Guangzhou's climate. Especially those courtyards, not only introducing natural light and fresh air but also becoming important spaces for family activities and social interaction. In ancient times, people often planted flowers and grass in the courtyards, dried clothes, and chatted while enjoying the cool air, living harmoniously.
Walking out of Xiguan mansions, I often think about how we should protect and inherit these precious historical and cultural heritage in this rapidly changing era? How to preserve the city's historical memory and cultural heritage in the process of modernization? These questions may not have standard answers, but they are worth deep thought from each of us.
Shamian Style
Among Guangzhou's historical and cultural buildings, Shamian is also a must-visit place. Shamian is an island in the Pearl River, covering 0.3 square kilometers. It was once a British and French concession and is now a famous historical and cultural district and tourist attraction in Guangzhou.
Most buildings in Shamian were built from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, combining Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and other Western architectural styles, forming a sharp contrast with Guangzhou's traditional Lingnan architecture. Walking on the streets of Shamian is like being in a European town, with those exquisite Western-style buildings, clean streets, and lush trees forming a harmonious and beautiful picture.
Shamian witnessed a special period in modern Chinese history. After the Opium War, Shamian was ceded to Britain and France as a concession, becoming the colonial territory and sphere of influence of Western powers in Guangzhou. Those Western-style buildings are witnesses and remnants of that history. Although that history was full of humiliation and pain, today we should face and examine it with an open and inclusive attitude, learning historical lessons from it while appreciating the charm of those architectural arts.
Shamian not only has historical buildings but also many art spaces and creative shops, becoming a gathering place for artists and cultural youth. Here, you can see artists' studios, visit exhibitions, buy unique creative products, and feel the collision and fusion of art and history. Especially at sunset, when golden sunlight falls on those ancient buildings, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, attracting many photography enthusiasts to come and shoot.
One weekend afternoon, I sat in a cafe in Shamian for a long time. Through the window, watching people coming and going, listening to the sound of the Pearl River, feeling the unique atmosphere and charm of this small island. At that moment, I seemed to understand why so many people love Shamian, because here, you can temporarily escape from the city's hustle and bustle and find rare tranquility and comfort.
Shamian is also a popular spot for wedding photography in Guangzhou, with many newlyweds taking wedding photos here every day. Watching those couples in wedding dresses and suits taking photos in front of ancient buildings, I can't help but feel that this might be the most beautiful fusion of history and reality, tradition and modernity. Those century-old buildings have witnessed countless people's joys and sorrows, and today, they continue to play out new stories, witnessing new happiness and hope.
Chinese Treasures
Northern Imperial City
Speaking of famous historical relics in China, we must mention the imperial building complexes in the north. For example, the Chengde Mountain Resort and its surrounding temples, this royal garden built in 1703, combines the delicacy of Jiangnan gardens with the grandeur of northern scenery, and is known as the "Museum of Chinese Ancient Gardens."
I visited the Chengde Mountain Resort one summer, it was a sunny day with a gentle breeze. Standing at the highest point of the resort looking out, mountains and waters, pavilions and towers, a beautiful landscape painting slowly unfolded. No wonder the emperor chose this place as a summer resort, here you can truly feel nature's gifts and the ingenuity of artificial gardens.
Did you know? The overall layout of the Mountain Resort adopted the design concept of "ten thousand trees garden, magnificent palace," cleverly integrating natural landscape with artificial buildings. Walking inside, sometimes threading through dense forests, sometimes climbing high for distant views, sometimes resting by the lake, every scene makes people linger. This makes me sigh that the wisdom and aesthetics of the ancients are indeed worth learning and reference for us today.
What fascinates me most about the Chengde Mountain Resort is its poetic and picturesque natural scenery. There are many lakes and hills in the garden, forming the pattern of "three mountains and five gardens." Especially those lakes, with broad water surfaces reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding mountains and buildings, are breathtakingly beautiful. Standing by the lake, looking at the distant mountains and nearby pavilions and towers, feeling the breeze on your face, that freshness and tranquility is hard to experience in city life.
The Eight Outer Temples around the Mountain Resort are also must-see attractions. These temple buildings blend Han, Mongolian, Tibetan, and other architectural styles, reflecting the Qing rulers' ethnic policy of "controlling Mongolia through Han methods." Especially the Great Buddha Hall of Puning Temple, with its 22.28-meter-tall wooden Buddha statue inside, is magnificent and awe-inspiring. Standing before the Buddha, looking up at that benevolent yet dignified face, one can't help but feel a sense of awe.
There's also the Ming Tombs in Beijing, this group of imperial tombs in Changping District is the joint burial ground for thirteen Ming emperors and their empresses and concubines. Entering the tomb area, the stone statues are solemn and dignified, the sacred way is magnificent, making people naturally feel respectful.
I remember being deeply impressed by those huge stone statues when I first visited the Ming Tombs. Stone elephants, horses, lions, and human figures are lifelike, showing the superb stone carving art of the Ming Dynasty. What amazed me more was that these stone statues and buildings were all made by human labor hundreds of years ago, without modern mechanical equipment, completely relying on human power and wisdom. This made me feel deep respect for the ancient people's intelligence and creativity.
Among the Ming Tombs, my favorite is Dingling. Dingling is the joint tomb of the thirteenth Ming emperor Wanli and his two empresses, and is currently the only underground palace open to the public. Entering the underground palace is like entering a mysterious underground world. Those exquisite stone carvings, gorgeous burial objects, and solemn coffins all reflect the artistic level of the Ming Dynasty and the noble status of emperors. Especially those jade and gold and silver vessels, with exquisite craftsmanship, are beautiful and amazing, making people marvel.
The excavation of Dingling has also sparked people's thoughts on cultural relic protection and archaeological ethics. During the excavation process, many precious cultural relics were damaged due to improper handling, which is undoubtedly a regret and lesson. Today, while appreciating these cultural relics, we should also reflect on how to better protect and inherit these cultural heritage, how to respect history and ancestors while exploring history.
The area where the Ming Tombs are located has beautiful natural environment, surrounded by mountains with rich vegetation. The scenery here is particularly charming in spring and autumn. In spring, flowers bloom and trees are lush; in autumn, the forests are colorful, golden everywhere. Visiting ancient relics in such a natural environment has a special flavor. Sometimes, I would carry a backpack, camera, and water, hiking on the mountain paths of the Ming Tombs, enjoying the scenery while thinking about history, that feeling of physical and mental pleasure is hard to describe.
Zen and Buddhist Light
Besides imperial building complexes, China also has many religious and cultural relics that are equally amazing.
