Xiaozhou People’s Hall sits at Yuansheng Li 8, Xiaozhou Village in Haizhu District, Guangzhou. This hidden gem is nestled within a Lingnan water town that’s rare in modern cities. To get here, take Metro Line 3 to Datang station, then transfer to bus 310 or 35. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Yingzhou Ecological Park — it’s part of the “green lung” of southern Guangzhou, perfect for a scenic journey.

Natural Scenery: A Glimpse of Old Canton

Xiaozhou Village feels like a time machine. Surrounded by fruit orchards and rivers, it’s one of Guangzhou’s best-preserved ancient villages. The “Yingzhou Duicui” (layered greenery) scenery earned it a spot on Haizhu’s Top 10 Views back in 1997. Wander through narrow stone lanes, cross wooden bridges, and spot lotus-filled ponds. The village’s eco-park, Yingzhou Ecological Park, is a model of sustainable tourism in Guangdong Province.

Cultural Highlights: The Heart of the Village

The centerpiece is Xiaozhou People’s Hall, a relic from the commune era (1960s-80s). This vintage auditorium once hosted meetings and performances, now frozen in time. Inside, you’ll see red flags, propaganda posters, and a stage that whispers stories of China’s rural past. Nearby, traditional Lingnan architecture—think gray brick houses with hipped roofs—lines the streets. The village is also a living museum of Cantonese rural life, honored as a “China’s Best Ancient Rural Town” in 2007.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Beyond the hall, Xiaozhou offers authentic local vibes. Stroll to the fruit markets where vendors sell tropical fruits like litchis and dragon fruits. Try handmade snacks like sugar-coated hawthorns or coconut jelly. For a deeper dive, visit the Xiaozhou Village History Exhibition to learn how this place survived urban sprawl as Guangzhou’s “southern lung.”

Practical Tips

  • Best Time: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October-December) for cool weather.
  • Bike Rentals: Available near the metro for exploring the village and surrounding orchards.
  • Eat Like a Local: Try Xiaozhou Rice Noodles (served with shrimp and greens) at street stalls.
  • Gifts: Buy handwoven bamboo crafts or herbal teas from village workshops.

Why Visit Xiaozhou People’s Hall?

This isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a portal to Canton’s rural soul. Whether you’re posing for photos under the “Socialism Is Good” mural at Xiaozhou People’s Hall, boating through the waterways, or chatting with elders over tea, you’ll leave with a piece of old Guangzhou in your heart. Come early or late to avoid crowds and soak in the nostalgia of a vanished era.