Culture Section
Lingnan Architecture
Lingnan architecture adapts to the hot and humid climate in southern China, focusing on ventilation, sunshade and drainage, with a gorgeous and exquisite decorative style. In addition to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Xiguan Mansion is a representative of Guangzhou's traditional dwellings, with a pattern of "three rooms and two corridors". The door is equipped with a "Tanglong door" (sliding wooden fence door), which has both anti-theft and ventilation functions; Qilou (arcade building) is a characteristic building of Guangzhou's commercial streets. The upper floors extend to the street, forming a corridor for sunshade and rain protection. The Qilou groups on Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Road are the most representative.
Cantonese Opera
A treasure of Lingnan culture and has been included in the world intangible cultural heritage. It takes singing, acting, reciting and fighting as performance forms, with melodious singing, gorgeous costumes and rich facial makeup. Different colors represent different character traits (such as red for loyalty and white for treachery). You can watch performances at Guangzhou Cantonese Opera House or enjoy impromptu performances on the water stage of Lizhiwan Scenic Area to feel the charm of traditional opera.
Guangdong Lion Dance
A traditional dance popular in Foshan, Suixi, Guangzhou and surrounding areas of Guangdong Province, is a national intangible cultural heritage. As a branch of Southern Lion Dance in Chinese lion dance culture, it originated from the imperial lion dance of the Tang Dynasty. After the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, it was introduced to Lingnan with the southward migration of Central Plains immigrants, and emerged in Guangdong (originating in Nanhai County) during the Ming Dynasty. It integrates martial arts, dance and music.
