Holiday Escape: Beiyong Pavilion Hidden in Nanhai, Foshan, with Ancient Bridges and Flowing Water That Slow Down to the Bone

Holiday Escape: Beiyong Pavilion Hidden in Nanhai, Foshan, with Ancient Bridges and Flowing Water That Slow Down to the Bone Having traveled through the popular Lingnan water towns of Guangzhou and Foshan, if you ask which place best captures the essence of "slow time," Beiyong Pavilion in Nanhai, Foshan must be named—it’s my second visit specially for seeking tranquility. Foshan is not just about lion dances and double-skin milk pudding; this ancient architectural cluster hidden in Lishui Town reveals the most authentic look of the Lingnan water town. This time, besides the core Beiyong Pavilion and ancient bridges, I also explored the surrounding quiet old streets and farmhouse flavors. If you want to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in daydreaming during the holiday, quickly save this Beiyong Pavilion guide~ 🚗 Transportation Guide - Metro + Bus: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 6 to "Xunfenggang Station," transfer to Foshan Bus 244 to "Beiyong Pavilion Station," then a 5-minute walk to reach the destination - Self-driving: About 40 minutes from Guangzhou, about 30 minutes from Foshan city center, with plenty of free parking spaces nearby 🗺️ Relaxed 2 Days 1 Night Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Guangzhou/Foshan → Beiyong Pavilion Ancient Architecture Cluster → Stroll along Lishui Riverside → Yushui Garden Day 2: Chishan Ancient Village Old Street → Xihua Temple → Xianlu Island Cycling → Return trip 🌟 Beiyong Pavilion Must-Visit: Living Fossil of Lingnan Ancient Architecture - 🏮 Beiyong Pavilion itself: Built in the Qing Dynasty, known as the "First Pavilion of Lingnan," with exquisitely crafted brick and wood structure! The pavilion roof’s gray plaster is vivid, wooden carvings on the beams depict "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" and "Flowers, Birds, Fish, and Insects." Sunlight streams through the carved windows, creating breathtaking light and shadow effects. Almost no tourists, perfect for taking ancient-style photos. - 🌉 Beiyong Bridge & Wenchang Bridge: Two ancient stone bridges surround the pavilion, with polished bluestone slab surfaces. Under the bridges, water flows gently, occasionally a black-awning boat passes by. Sitting by the bridge watching villagers wash clothes and children play instantly transports you back in time. - 🌿 Yushui Garden: A small park right next to Beiyong Pavilion, ancient banyan trees provide dense shade, with stone benches and tables. When tired from walking, sit down to listen to birdsong and cicadas, feel the river breeze—more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. Other Nearby Must-See Spots - 🕌 Xihua Temple: A thousand-year-old temple, not bustling with incense but exceptionally peaceful. Red walls and black tiles paired with ancient banyan trees. The wishing tree beside the Mahavira Hall is hung with red ribbons, perfect for quiet prayers and blessings. - 🚲 Xianlu Island: A river island 20 minutes by car from Beiyong Pavilion, undeveloped commercially, featuring rice fields, flower seas, and a greenway around the island. Rent a bike to ride while enjoying the river breeze and sunset, a fully healing experience. 🏡 Hidden Old Streets (Locals’ Secret!) - Chishan Ancient Village: The village where Beiyong Pavilion is located, with old streets preserving late Qing and early Republic era blue brick houses. "Wok ear" gables are everywhere. Walking through narrow alleys, you can see elders sitting at doorways cooling off and doing needlework, full of everyday life atmosphere. - Lishui Old Street: A 10-minute drive from Beiyong Pavilion, old shops and arcades are still operating, including a dessert shop open for 30 years and a handmade bamboo weaving store. Buy some sesame paste and sit under the arcade to eat, full of nostalgic vibes. 💡 Holiday Travel Tips - There are no large hotels around Beiyong Pavilion; it’s recommended to stay in homestays in Lishui Town, which are cost-effective and offer local farmhouse dishes. - Recommended local specialties: Lishui Bawang Duck, Xianlu Island Mulberry Wine, Chishan Fish Skin Dumplings—authentic flavors with no risk of disappointment. - The ancient architecture cluster has many mosquitoes, remember to bring mosquito repellent; the best visiting time is 9-11 AM when the light is soft and perfect for photos. This "hidden niche ancient architecture secret" at the Guangzhou-Foshan border has no noisy internet celebrity crowds, only the tranquility accumulated by time. If you don’t want to squeeze into popular scenic spots during the holiday, come to Beiyong Pavilion and experience the slow pace and lively atmosphere of the Lingnan water town~