Walkabout Chaozhou Ancient Town, China

 

My journey to Chaozhou Ancient Town felt like traveling into China’s deep historical roots, revealing an ancient city with over two thousand years of preserved architecture, artistry, and cultural traditions. Chaozhou, located in Guangdong Province and adjacent to the cities of Shantou and Jieyang, forms part of the culturally rich Chaoshan region. Known for its unique contributions to China’s heritage, Chaoshan’s regional identity is distinctive, especially in its cuisine, language, opera, and rituals.

I arrived in Chaozhou after a scenic drive, passing through rest stops along the expressway, each designed thoughtfully with clean facilities and small markets selling local snacks and souvenirs. Chaozhou is known as the “Cradle of Lingnan Culture,” which encompasses a blend of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Jiangxi traditions, yet maintains a distinct Chaoshan identity. Walking through the town, I was struck by the intricate and well-preserved Qing and Ming Dynasty-style architecture.

The first place I visited was the iconic Guangji Bridge (广济桥), also known as Xiangzi Bridge, which spans across the Han River. Constructed in 1171 during the Song Dynasty, this bridge is considered one of the “four famous ancient bridges” of China, celebrated for its unique combination of stone and pontoon structures. Originally, the bridge comprised 84 pontoons to allow flexibility for boats to pass, though today only about 15 remain. Guangji Bridge is still functional, representing the world’s oldest open-and-close pontoon bridge . The bridge was not just a structural marvel but a central location for trade, as Chaozhou was a vital hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Crossing the bridge was an experience unlike any other. Traditional Chinese music played softly over speakers, enhancing the serene ambiance as I gazed at the ancient towers and the expansive Han River. On a clear day, the view from Guangji Bridge stretches over the city’s unique rooftops, flanked by lush greenery. This area’s cultural richness is not only present in its architecture but also in its deep-rooted Chaozhou opera, a form of Chinese opera with over 600 years of history that’s widely celebrated in the region .

Exploring the town itself, I walked along the bustling Pai Fang Street (牌坊街), a pedestrian area lined with traditional archways and known for its array of shops and tea houses. Extending over two miles, Pai Fang Street is a central artery for visitors, offering everything from street food to intricate handcrafted items. I was able to sample Chaozhou cuisine, which has its own celebrated style within Chinese cooking, known for delicate and light flavors focused on seafood, marinated meats, and an array of teas. The area is famous for its beef hotpot, oyster omelets, fish balls, and braised goose—dishes with nuanced flavors that embody the Chaoshan culinary tradition .

One of Chaozhou’s most intriguing aspects is its ancestral halls and clan homes, many of which are well-preserved and open for exploration. Walking down narrow lanes branching off Pai Fang Street, I found myself surrounded by historic temples, each with striking gates and beautifully decorated eaves. A few alleyways revealed grand ancestral halls with ornate carvings and ancient calligraphy. The Kaiyuan Temple and Han Wen Gong Temple are just two of Chaozhou’s most important spiritual sites, each dedicated to local heroes and cultural deities.

As the afternoon wore on, I ventured into quieter alleys, where everyday life in Chaozhou unfolded at a leisurely pace. I was able to see old women preparing traditional tea for their families, children playing in courtyards, and families selling home-cooked snacks. Tea culture is deeply integrated into Chaozhou’s social life, and it’s common to find families gathered around a table preparing gongfu tea, a ceremonial tea practice emphasizing the quality of tea and the skill of the brewer.

Beyond its well-known tourist areas, Chaozhou’s hidden gems add layers of intrigue to the town’s story. Ancient workshops, calligraphy studios, and small markets selling Chaozhou wood carvings and porcelain line the streets. The wood carvings, known for their meticulous detail and intricacy, are a renowned local craft that has been passed down for centuries. Chaozhou porcelain, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is admired for its quality and unique designs, often decorated with bold colors and intricate patterns .

By the end of the day, I found myself immersed not only in the architectural beauty of Chaozhou but also in its living heritage. As I strolled back along Guangji Bridge, now illuminated under the soft evening lights, I could see why locals cherish this ancient town. The preservation of Chaozhou’s old streets and its timeless traditions felt like a tribute to China’s rich and enduring legacy, making Chaozhou Ancient Town a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and the heart of Chaoshan’s identity.