Roaming Zhongshan Hongbo City: A Hidden National Style Secret in Rosewood

The moment you step into Hongbo City, you are struck by its blend of ancient and modern charm. The white walls and black tiles of the Su-style garden on the top floor are tucked between buildings, with flowing water bonsai and ancient trees complementing each other. Walking through the moon gate in Hanfu, the light and shadow fall on your clothes like a figure in a painting. In the "Millennium Walk" Museum, the rosewood carving of the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" is so detailed that even the hairline patterns are clearly visible. The giant ebony carving exudes a sense of time’s weight in the light and shadow. Occasionally, Cantonese opera melodies drift from the yew tree stage, while the bricks and tiles of the Republic of China arcade street hide old times. The sounds of woodworking in the mortise and tenon workshop make the thousand-year-old craftsmanship tangible and perceptible. This place is not only a hall of rosewood but also a sanctuary for national style enthusiasts. The free admission and rich cultural heritage make every step a dialogue with tradition. Detailed Travel Guide Must-Visit Core Attractions 1. Millennium Walk Museum: A must-visit core venue housing collections worth billions. The 1:1 rosewood carved version of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" is the crown jewel. The cliff cypress pavilion’s magical light and shadow are especially photogenic. The Ming and Qing wood carving pavilion requires an additional 15 RMB ticket but is worth seeing. 2. Sky Garden: A Su-style garden hidden on the top floor, featuring white walls, black tiles, flowing water bonsai, and a moon gate. It’s an excellent spot for Hanfu photos, with every shot looking like a national style masterpiece. 3. Rosewood Cultural District: Includes Tang and Song style Tang Court and Song Court, a 200-meter Republic of China arcade street, with flying eaves, dougong brackets, and vintage brick surfaces. The atmosphere peaks when lanterns light up at dusk. 4. Yew Tree Stage: The nation’s only yew wood stage. On weekends at 11:00 and 15:00, there are performances of Cantonese opera, Sichuan opera face-changing, and sometimes ancient style dance shows. 5. Popular Spiral Staircase: The giant bronze-colored staircase at the north gate entrance is a hotspot. Shooting from below instantly creates cinematic photos. Recommended Itinerary Plans Half-Day Highlights Tour (Efficient Version) Enter from the north gate → check in at the spiral staircase → visit the Millennium Walk Museum (focus on the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" wood carving) → go to the top floor sky garden for photos → stroll along the Republic of China arcade street → experience the mortise and tenon workshop (30 RMB per session). The core area can be covered in about 3 hours. Full-Day In-Depth Tour (Recommended) • Morning: Arrive before 9 AM (to avoid crowds), first go to the rosewood art museum terrace to photograph the panoramic view of the rosewood grand tower, then explore the Millennium Walk Museum in detail, and pick up a wish plaque to pray at the Millennium Buddha Pavilion. • Noon: Try the pigeon banquet at the Overseas Chinese Pavilion inside the city or have 5 RMB tofu pudding at the exit tofu shop. Alternatively, walk 5 minutes to the old street food stalls for local wonton noodles. • Afternoon: Participate in the mortise and tenon workshop or cloisonné filigree experience (advance booking required one day prior, limited to 30 people daily), watch the 3 PM stage performance, and take lantern night photos in the Lingnan style street at dusk before heading back. Transportation Guide • Driving: The best option. Navigate to "Hongbo City." It’s a 5-minute drive from the Dayong exit on the Guangzhu West Expressway. The scenic area has a large free parking lot. • Public Transport: Take bus routes 010, 057, or K06 from Zhongshan city center directly to "Hongbo City Station." From Zhongshan high-speed rail station, a taxi costs about 30 RMB and takes around 20 minutes. Tickets and Accommodation • Tickets: Main venues are free to enter. Some special exhibitions and the Ming and Qing wood carving pavilion require separate tickets. During holidays like National Day, there are "Hongbo Night City" combo tickets including museum admission and 80+ activities. Check official events for details. • Accommodation: Recommended is the Master Garden Art Hotel inside the scenic area, featuring Jiangnan tower style. Rooms come with wooden tea sets and free Hanfu photo services, offering excellent views and privacy. • Food: Pigeon Mingxuan offers dim sum starting at 9.9 RMB per basket, and the durian pigeon set meal at 88 RMB serves 3-4 people. Longduli Food Street offers authentic local snacks, and outside the city, Shiqi Old Pigeon is a local favorite specialty. Practical Tips 1. Dress Suggestions: Wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothes works best for photos, creating a striking contrast with rosewood and gardens, doubling your chances of great shots. 2. Essentials: The museum is well air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket. Prepare mosquito repellent and sun hats as needed; the sky garden has strong sunlight. 3. Avoid Pitfalls: Avoid visiting on Mondays as some venues may be closed for maintenance. When buying small rosewood items (combs, seals priced 50-200 RMB), bargaining is acceptable. Souvenir shops’ almond cakes and Huangpu sausages have clear pricing for peace of mind. 4. Family Fun: The mortise and tenon workshop offers rosewood small item making experiences. The tea culture pavilion has Song Dynasty tea whisking performances on weekends. The zodiac stone sculptures at the constellation plaza are great for kids to check in.