ONCE in a while we feel saturated in life, maybe as a result of continuous laborious work without any change in routine, or maybe because something unexpected happens … leaving us with an incessant need to empty ourselves, seeking serenity and peace of mind.

    Today we will introduce some of the best places in Guangdong where you can let go of your negative feelings and instill yourself with freshness.

    Xinji Village in Machong, Dongguan

    Located in Machong Town in Dongguan City, Xinji Village was established during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Currently, the 800-year-old village is home to 11 ancestral halls of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, two ancient folk houses and two temples.

    Dragon boats, pergolas, quyi (Chinese folk art form) plus the hundred-year-old banyan trees, traditional Lingnan architecture and time-honored history together make this place a famous historical and cultural village as well as an ancient Lingnan water village.

    The 400-year-old Xinji Mo Ancestral Hall, first built during the reign of Emperor Wanli (1573-1620) of the Ming Dynasty, is the ancestral hall of the Mo family, to which most of the villagers belong.

    The ancestral hall exemplifies the one-shrine-four-central-halls structure, which makes it a valuable piece of architecture for studying the architectural history of Lingnan ancestral halls and the history of Xinji Village.

    The ancestral hall is now recognized as a protected cultural relic of Dongguan and the village is part of the Dongguan Water Village Economic Development Zone.

    Add: Xinji Village, Machong Town, Dongguan (东莞市麻涌镇新基村)

    Transportation: Take a high-speed rail train from Shenzhen North Railway Station or Futian Railway Station to Humen, and then take a taxi to Xinji Village in Machong Town.

    Old fishing village in Shenzhen

    Xichong beach in Dapeng New Area, located in the easternmost part of Shenzhen’s coastline, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Shenzhen.

    Some 900 meters behind the beach hides a time-honored village, Hesou Village, which enjoys over 1,000 years of history. The village is endowed with picturesque scenery and cranes can often be seen in the vicinity, hence the name “Hesou,” which is similar to the pronunciation of two Chinese characters that mean “cranes stay and build their home here.”

    The village is made up of exquisite Lingnan architecture with grey tiles and white walls that are nestled among verdant trees and mountains. Walking along the old mottled alleys, you can feel the tranquility emanating from the ground beneath you.

    Add: Xichong Community, Nan’ao Subdistrict, Dapeng New Area, Shenzhen (深圳市大鹏新区南澳街道西涌社区)

    Transportation: Take Metro Line 9 and get off at Yinhu Station. Then take bus E11 at Yinhu Bus Stop and get off at Nan’ao Subdistrict Office. Then take Dapeng New Area Holiday Special Line 4 and get off at Heshen Village Stop. Then walk to the destination.

    (Chen Xiaochun)