November, with its mild breeze and pleasant temperatures, is just the right time for a family trip to escape the hustle of daily life. This year, I seized the chance to embark on a lovely journey to Guangzhou and Foshan with my family, two cities brimming with Lingnan culture, delicious food, and unique charm. Below are the detailed summaries of our memorable days together, capturing every sweet and wonderful moment we shared.

Day 1 / 07 Nov: Zhengzhou - Guangzhou (Flight CZ5746, 16:00-18:30)

We took Flight from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou, which took 2.5 hours – the journey was on time and smooth! As soon as we stepped off the plane, we were greeted by Guangzhou’s warm air – a stark contrast to Zhengzhou’s cooler climate, with the temperature hovering around 28°C. It felt like a lovely escape to mild, pleasant weather. We took a taxi directly to our hotel, and the ride took approximately 1 hour with smooth traffic, making the transfer convenient and hassle-free.

We firstly had a great dinner in Four Seasons Hotel, and by the time we finished, dusk had fully turned to night – the iconic Canton Tower (affectionately nicknamed "Xiaoman Yao" or "Little Waist") lit up in a dazzling display right before our eyes! From the hotel’s dining area, we had an unobstructed view of this architectural marvel: its unique twisted silhouette glowed with vibrant, shifting hues of red, green, blue, purple, and gold, casting a magical glow over the city skyline. The lights danced along its curves, sometimes forming dynamic patterns that mirrored the energy of Guangzhou, while other moments softened into gentle gradients that reflected beautifully on the nearby Pearl River. I snapped countless photos, trying to capture every stunning angle – the tower stood tall and proud against the dark night sky, a true symbol of the city’s modern charm. It was the most perfect first impression of Guangzhou, blending luxury, beauty, and warmth all in one view. 

After dinner, we wandered to Huacheng Square, getting up close to the Canton Tower. Up close, the "Little Waist" dazzled with changing colors (reds, greens, blues, golds) on its twisted shape. The skyline shines with Four Seasons Hotel, Rosewood Hotel, Guangdong Museum and Guangzhou Opera House—luxury meets culture. We snapped photos of this glamorous scene, then continued strolling along the Pearl River, soaking in the lively vibe before heading back to our hotel.

Day 2 / 08 Nov.: Guangzhou - Foshan-Guangzhou (by taxi)

My son and I have always loved Cantonese cuisine — especially morning tea (Yum Cha). Back home, we’d go to Yuecai Restaurant for it, but some dishes weren’t authentic. So we jumped at the chance to try real Guangzhou-style Yum Cha. After getting dressed, we hurried to a busy local teahouse near our hotel; my son chattered about shrimp dumplings the whole way, eyes lighting up at the thought of the real deal.

Once seated, we ordered our favorite dim sum right away: steamy shrimp dumplings (Ha gow, plump and juicy — my son leaned in to check on them often), savory pork and shrimp siu mai (steamed to tender perfection), fluffy char siu buns (with oozing sweet-savory sauce), soft shrimp rice rolls (Cheung fun, silky with soy and sesame oil), crispy spring rolls, and warm congee. Sipping fragrant jasmine tea and passing plates, my son grinned as he dipped a dumpling in soy sauce. We both agreed this was far more flavorful than Yuecai’s version — a slow, joyful moment that let us soak up Guangzhou’s food culture, and one we knew would be a beloved trip memory. As we finished, my son even said, “Mom, I want to have Cantonese morning tea again tomorrow!”

After finishing our satisfying morning tea, we took a taxi to Foshan City, with 1-hour ride offering glimpses of Lingnan’s rural-urban scenery along the way. First, we visited Foshan Zumiao (Ancestral Temple) — a national key cultural relics protection unit that’s a treasure trove of Lingnan culture. Its red-brick walls, curved wok-ear gables, and intricate ceramic roof ridges (adorned with mythical figure motifs) were stunning; even the wooden beams inside had delicate carvings of historical stories. Lucky for us, we just caught the famous lion dance performance (a signature of Foshan’s folk art)! The dancers in bright lion costumes leaped and twisted nimbly, stepping on wooden stakes with precision, and even "blessed" the audience with small red envelopes — my son clapped excitedly the whole time, his eyes fixed on the lively lions. 

Then we headed to Lingnan Tiandi for lunch. This renovated historical block keeps the charm of old Foshan: gray-brick lanes, black-tiled roofs, and vintage door knockers, while blending in trendy cafes, local snack shops, and boutique stores. We picked a restaurant with a courtyard seat, enjoying classic Foshan dishes like braised pork ribs with taro and fish balls in clear soup, surrounded by the cozy mix of old and new.

Finally, we explored Nanfeng Guzao — the world’s best-preserved ancient dragon kiln, with 500 years of unbroken kiln fire. We walked along the long, sloping kiln body (shaped like a flying dragon) and visited the pottery exhibition hall to see delicate Shiwan ceramics. For a deeper dive into local culture, people can also try a simple pottery-making experience here: pinching clay into small bowls under the guidance of a craftsman, getting a hands-on feel for the "Pottery Capital" Shiwan’s profound ceramic heritage. 

Day 3 / 09 Nov.: Guangzhou - Zhengzhou (Flight HU7283, 17:00-19:25)

The morning of our departure was filled with gentle relaxation. We started by wandering around Shamian Island — a peaceful enclave dotted with well-preserved European-style buildings, lush banyan trees, and quiet riverside paths. The old stone streets, pastel-colored villas, and occasional street artists added a romantic, nostalgic vibe; we stopped to snap photos of the iconic Gothic and Baroque-style structures, savoring the last moments of Guangzhou’s mild morning air.

Next, we visited Chenjiaci (Chen Family Ancestral Hall), a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture that felt distinct from Foshan Zumiao we’d seen the day before. While both showcase Lingnan craftsmanship, Chenjiaci leans into family legacy — it was built to honor the Chen clan, so its elaborate carvings (intricate wood, stone, and brick works depicting historical tales, mythical creatures, and floral motifs) feel more focused on storytelling and clan pride, adorning every corner from roof ridges to doorframes. Unlike Foshan Zumiao’s red-brick wok-ear gables and focus on folk rituals (like the lion dance), Chenjiaci’s courtyards and exhibition halls highlight traditional Lingnan arts — we even spotted displays of local embroidery and pottery alongside its architectural wonders. Walking through it, we got a vivid sense of ancestral respect and Lingnan’s artistic heritage, making it a perfect cultural finale to our trip, and a nice contrast to the temple’s ritualistic charm.

In the afternoon, we headed to the airport for our return flight. As we wrapped up this three-day trip, what made it even lovelier was my husband and son’s thoughtful care the whole time — carrying luggage, holding my bag, buying water, getting tickets, and keeping our documents safe. They took all the hassle out, turning every moment (even the trip back) into sweet memories I’ll cherish. This trip wasn’t just about new places; it was about feeling loved daily — the best souvenir of all.

Yours Truly 

Sunny Qiao - Charmission Travel