Seriously underrated! Take a 1-hr high-speed train ride from Guangzhou to this Republican-era town.

This century-old Chikan Overseas Chinese Town is my hidden gem for escaping the city. I never get tired of visiting! Here, you'll find East-meets-West arcade buildings, trolley cars weaving through the old streets, and gently swaying sampans on the Tan River. Step into the town, and you'll be greeted by a rich Republican-era atmosphere. Every frame is like a scene from a movie, making you want to immerse yourself in it. The recent "East Meets West Variety Show" series of events held in the town has created an amazing atmosphere! Lion dances, Wing Chun, Yingge dance, parades, and the intangible cultural heritage of "Da Tiehua" (iron flower hitting)... various wonderful performances take turns on stage. This summer, Chikan Ancient Town is the liveliest stage, making you feel like you've traveled back to the Republican era. 📍Address: Chikan Overseas Chinese Town, Jiangmen 🚗Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Take the train to "Kaiping South Station," and it's about a 20-minute taxi ride. - Car: Navigate to "Guangdong Chikan Ancient Town Overseas Chinese Hometown International Tourist Resort." Parking is CNY 10 per vehicle for 12 hrs. 🎡Recommended Activities: - Trolley Car: Highly recommended in the morning when there are fewer people and the scenery is beautiful. You might even have the whole car to yourself! As the trolley slowly moves forward through the retro arcade streets, immerse yourself in the century-old charm of the town. Every photo you take will be a masterpiece. - Sampan Ride: Sit on a gently swaying boat and experience the elegance of a Jiangnan water town. The arcade buildings on both sides slowly recede, like a moving painting. 🎭About the "Variety Show": - The Gate of Joy: Recreating the cabaret scene of the Republican era. The moment you step into the venue, it's like traveling back to that extravagant time. - Yingge Dance: A highly infectious Yingge dance performance. The atmosphere is electrifying and exciting. - Let the Bullets Fly: A classic drama realistically recreating the thrilling gunfight scenes from the movie. The tension is palpable. - Drama in the Mansion: A magnificent stage depicting the prosperous nightlife of Shanghai during the Republican era. Immerse yourself in the experience. - Trolley Car Parade: Lion floats and NPCs sing and dance, interacting with the crowd. The joyful atmosphere is infectious. - Young Lion Dancers: Traditional lion dance performance. Watch the lions leap and bound, and experience the charm of folk art. - Time Party: Classic scenes paired with disco music and dance. Travel back to the vibrant 1980s in an instant. - Iron Tree Silver Flower: The intangible cultural heritage of "Da Tiehua." "Silver flowers fall from the iron tree, like ten thousand stars blooming." Beautiful and stunning, it's definitely the highlight of the event! 🍱Food Recommendations: - Breakfast: Chikan Morning Tea Street. A food street full of local flavor, with all kinds of authentic dim sum to start your day. - Lunch/Dinner: Changsheng or Nanyuan. Local specialties with amazing flavors. Don't miss them! If you want to fully experience the charm of the ancient town, it is highly recommended to stay overnight. The town is quiet and charming at night, and you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the water town in the early morning the next day.