Sha Bay Ancient Town - Liugeng Hall is nestled in the northern part of Sha Bay Ancient Town, located at No. 7 North Fu Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. This historic site sits about 30 kilometers south of downtown Guangzhou, making it a perfect day trip from the city. To get there, take the metro to Shiqi Station (Line 3 or 4), then transfer to bus number 68 or 12, which drops you right at the town’s entrance. If driving, park for free near the north gate—just note that the narrow streets inside are best explored on foot.

Natural Charm

The town feels like a step back in time. Sha Bay blends traditional Lingnan architecture with lush greenery. Ancient banyan trees shade winding stone paths, and small canals crisscross the area, reflecting wooden houses and temple roofs. Liugeng Hall stands out as the heart of the town, surrounded by peaceful courtyards and flowering shrubs. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photos.

Cultural Highlights

Liugeng Hall isn’t just a building—it’s a window into Guangdong’s rural heritage. Built over 600 years ago, this ancestral hall belongs to the He family, one of Sha Bay’s founding clans. Its design showcases classic Lingnan features: a grand gate with lion statues, intricate wood carvings of dragons and peonies, and a layout that combines Confucian symmetry with local traditions. Guided tours (offered in Chinese and English) explain how the hall served as a community hub for weddings, exams, and festivals. Don’t miss the back hall’s murals, which depict local legends in vivid colors.

Visitor Amenities

The town caters to explorers with cozy teahouses, souvenir shops selling handcrafted ink stones, and snack stalls serving Guangdong specialties like sugar-coated peanuts and sticky rice cakes. Clean restrooms and shaded benches dot the main paths. For deeper immersion, book a calligraphy class or join a workshop on Cantonese opera makeup. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly activities, like trying on traditional silk garments or learning to play guzheng (a Chinese zither).

Immersive Experience

Visiting Liugeng Hall feels like entering a living museum. Start at the main hall to admire its towering beams and elaborate eaves, then wander through side chambers filled with antique farming tools and ancestral tablets. The guide might share stories about the He family’s role in local governance or their famous scholars. On weekends, you might catch a lion dance performance or catch the scent of incense wafting through the courtyard during a ritual. For a quieter moment, sit by the lotus pond near the hall’s east wing—its serene view contrasts beautifully with the bustling market streets nearby.

Pro tip: Pair your visit with a walk along Sha Bay’s ancient dock, where you can watch locals fishing or chatting by the water. It’s a reminder that while Liugeng Hall celebrates the past, Sha Bay itself pulses with timeless energy.