Nanqu Rhyme · Ancient Rhythm with New Vigor

Nanqu District, Zhongshan City — a heritage site of Lingnan culture and a back garden for ecological leisure. It boasts Zhan Garden, the largest classical garden in South China, well-preserved century-old ancient villages, and natural landscapes of green mountains and clear waters. A one-day cultural itinerary to experience the ancient charm and vitality of Nanqu.

Zhan Garden
The Largest Classical Private Garden in South China
Caobian Village
Traditional Village of Guangdong Province
Wenbi Mountain
Ecological Leisure and Sightseeing Area
Nanqu Braised Goose
Intangible Cultural Heritage Cuisine of Zhongshan
Classical Garden Scenery of Zhan Garden in Nanqu, Zhongshan City
Garden Scenery of Zhan Garden in Nanqu, Zhongshan
Pavilions, terraces, towers and lakeside scenery of Zhan Garden, the landmark landscape of Nanqu

One-Day Ancient Rhythm and Ecological Tour in Nanqu

Garden Exploration + Ancient Village Tracking + Natural Leisure, Experience the Charm of Southern Zhongshan

Trip Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Zhan Garden, Caobian Village, Wenbi Mountain, Nanqu Arboretum, Beitai Village, Hengmei Village Ancient Street
Suitable For
Classical garden lovers, photography enthusiasts, parent-child families, cultural seekers
Per Capita Budget
¥200-¥500
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Ancient Rhythm Culture and Ecological Leisure Tour
From classical gardens to century-old ancient villages, taste the heritage of Nanqu
Trip Highlights

Experience the historical culture and natural ecological beauty of Nanqu throughout the day

Attraction Arrangement
Zhan Garden
The largest classical private garden in Lingnan, built in the style of Suzhou gardens, integrating pavilions, terraces, towers, small bridges and flowing water. The garden houses a large collection of antique furniture, calligraphy and paintings, showing the exquisiteness and elegance of Lingnan gardens.
Caobian Village
An ancient village with a history of over 800 years, preserving historical buildings such as Cao Clan Ancestral Hall, century-old banyan trees, watchtowers and ancient dwellings. The village roads are clean and the ancient charm remains, making it a living fossil for understanding the rural historical culture of Zhongshan.
Wenbi Mountain Windmill Park
A leisure park built on the natural mountain body of Wenbi Mountain, with several Dutch-style windmills standing on the top of the mountain, which is an excellent place for viewing and taking photos. There are hiking trails and parent-child amusement facilities in the mountain, suitable for family leisure.
Nanqu Cultural Center
A comprehensive cultural venue integrating cultural display, artistic performances and intangible cultural heritage inheritance. It often holds characteristic cultural activities and traditional handicraft exhibitions of Nanqu, and is an important window to understand the folk culture of Nanqu.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a tour guide for Zhan Garden to deeply understand the garden culture
  • Caobian Village is suitable for visiting in the early morning or evening to avoid the midday sun
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes for climbing Wenbi Mountain and do a good job of sun protection
  • You can check the event schedule at Nanqu Cultural Center and participate in experience activities
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Characteristic homestays around Zhan Garden
  • Central hotels in Nanqu
  • Homestay cluster in Beitai Village

Must-Try Foods in Nanqu

Nanqu Braised Goose

The most representative specialty dish in Nanqu, selected local free-range geese, braised with secret sauce, tender meat, rich sauce, fat but not greasy, is the intangible cultural heritage cuisine of Zhongshan. The restaurants around Beitai Village are the most authentic.

Shaxi Braised Pork

A traditional famous dish cooked well by many restaurants in Nanqu, selected three-layer pork belly steamed with preserved mustard greens, the meat is crispy and melts in the mouth, fat but not greasy, and is a classic dish in Lingnan banquets.

Nanqu Tea Cakes

Traditional pastries in Nanqu, including Yezi (Leaf Cake), Radish Cake, Taro Cake, etc., made of glutinous rice flour with different fillings and steamed, soft taste and unique flavor, are essential food for local festivals.

Beitai Village Farmhouse Dishes

Many farmhouses around Beitai Village provide fresh farmhouse dishes, using self-grown vegetables, free-range chickens and reservoir fish as ingredients. The dishes are home-style and authentic, delicious in taste, and a good place to experience rural flavors.

Nanqu Tourism Tips
Best Season
  • February-April: Spring blossoms, pleasant scenery of gardens and ancient villages
  • October-December: Cool climate, suitable for mountain climbing and outdoor activities
  • Pay attention to heatstroke prevention in summer, it is recommended to go out early and return late
Travel Suggestions
  • The attractions in Nanqu are relatively scattered, it is recommended to travel by self-driving or chartered car
  • The best time to take photos in Zhan Garden is in the morning with soft light
  • You can visit the former site of Caobian School, a century-old school in Caobian Village
  • It is recommended to choose time-honored shops in Hengmei Village to buy Nanqu Tea Cakes
Practical Information
  • The ticket price of Zhan Garden is about ¥60 per person, with discounts for students
  • Caobian Village is open for free, and some ancient houses require an appointment to visit
  • Wenbi Mountain Windmill Park is free with convenient parking
  • The signal in some places in rural areas of Nanqu is weak, it is recommended to download offline maps in advance
Transportation Guide
  • There are special Nanqu bus lines in Zhongshan City, with fares ranging from ¥2 to ¥4
  • It takes about 40 minutes to take a bus from Zhongshan Station to Nanqu
  • It takes about 30 minutes by car from Zhongshan North Station to Nanqu
  • It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from downtown Guangzhou to Nanqu, Zhongshan, or take a high-speed rail to Zhongshan Station and then transfer to a bus

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