In-Depth Travel Guide to Kaiping Chikan Ancient Town: Discover the Century-Old Arcades and Local Life!

## Kaiping Chikan Ancient Town: A Journey Through Time Chikan Ancient Town, a hometown with a history of 300 years, stands quietly by the Tan River in Kaiping, Guangdong. Here, there is no bustling commercial atmosphere, only ancient streets, mottled arcades, and a strong sense of local life, as if time has stopped, taking you back to the last century. **Transportation:** * **Self-Driving:** From Guangzhou, drive along the Shenhai Expressway for about 1.5 hours to reach Chikan Ancient Town. * **Public Transportation:** Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station to Kaiping South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the ancient town. **Travel Route:** 1. **Chikan Film and Television City:** This place has been the filming location for many movies and TV shows, such as "Let the Bullets Fly" and "The Grandmaster." Walking through it feels like being in the streets of the Republic of China era, experiencing the changes of that time. 2. **European Style Street:** The street is lined with arcades full of European style, witnessing the glorious history of Chikan as a hometown of overseas Chinese. You can take photos and feel the blend of Chinese and Western cultures. 3. **Situ Clan Library:** This library, funded by overseas Chinese, is a cultural landmark of Chikan Ancient Town. It houses a large collection of ancient books and historical materials of the hometown, worth savoring. 4. **Guan Clan Library:** Echoing the Situ Clan Library, the Guan Clan Library also carries the cultural memory of Chikan overseas Chinese. Both libraries witness the importance that Chikan overseas Chinese attach to education in their hometown. 5. **Tan River Night Tour:** In the evening, take a boat tour on the Tan River to enjoy the night view of the arcades on both sides, which has a unique charm. **Food Recommendations:** * **Chikan Tofu Corner:** Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is a special snack of Chikan Ancient Town. * **Claypot Rice:** The claypot rice in Chikan is fragrant, with distinct grains of rice and crispy crust. * **Duck Porridge:** The duck porridge in Chikan is delicious and rich, one of the locals' favorite breakfasts. **Accommodation Recommendations:** * **Chikan Ancient Town Homestay:** There are many characteristic homestays in the ancient town, allowing you to experience local life more deeply. * **Kaiping City Hotel:** If you seek a more comfortable accommodation environment, you can choose to stay in Kaiping City. **Travel Tips:** * Chikan Ancient Town is not large, it is recommended to arrange a day to visit. * The roads in the ancient town are narrow, it is recommended to explore on foot. * The prices in Chikan Ancient Town are relatively low, you can enjoy local food with peace of mind. Chikan Ancient Town, a town worth savoring. Here, you can slow down, feel the pulse of history, experience the culture of the hometown of overseas Chinese, and enjoy a leisurely time.