Jiangmen's Hidden Landscapes: Xiachuan Island to Enping Stone Village

When people think of Jiangmen, the Kaiping Diaolou (watchtowers) and the Bird Paradise often come to mind. However, as one of the largest cities in Guangdong, Jiangmen hides an incredible wealth of island resources and peculiar ancient villages. Today, we step off the typical overseas Chinese heritage route and take you deep into Jiangmen's coastline and mountains to find the purest hidden landscapes.

Guangdong's Hawaii: Xiachuan Island

Our journey begins in the Chuanshan Archipelago in southern Taishan. We take a ferry to the famous Xiachuan Island, hailed as "Guangdong's Hawaii" for its crystal-clear waters and endless white sandy beaches. The core attraction is Wangfuzhou Beach, where coconut palms and sea breezes create a strong tropical vacation vibe. During the day, you can surf the waves or drive an ATV on the sand; at sunset, sit at a seaside food stall, order freshly caught mantis shrimp and grouper, and feast while watching a stunning ocean sunset. It is the ultimate coastal escape.

Legend of the Song Dynasty Royal Descendants: Fushi Village

Returning to the mainland, we drive to Fushi Village in Doushan Town, Taishan. This is the only "Royal Village" in the Greater Bay Area, as most of its villagers are descendants of the Zhao family, the royal house of the Southern Song Dynasty. Walking into the village, you will see beautifully preserved grey-brick mansions and ancestral halls. Fushi Village is most proud of its century-old national intangible cultural heritage: "Fushi Piaose" (a traditional parade where children dressed as mythical figures appear to float in mid-air). Here, you can feel the deep cultural heritage of traditional Chinese villages.

An Ancient Stone Labyrinth: Enping Naji Stone Village

On the second day, we continue west into Naji Town, Enping, to visit a peculiar Stone Village. Unlike traditional brick-and-wood architecture, everything in this ancient village—the houses, walls, alleys, and even bridges—is built entirely out of cobblestones and mountain rocks collected from local streams. Walking through the stone alleys feels like wandering into a primeval stone labyrinth, full of rustic charm. This locally adapted building method not only keeps the houses warm in winter and cool in summer but also represents the wisdom of Lingnan ancestors living in harmony with nature.

A Forest Trail Above the City: Jianghai Cloud Trail

For the final part of our trip, we return to the Jianghai District in downtown Jiangmen to experience a highly modern piece of urban infrastructure: the Jianghai Cloud Trail. This is a 20-kilometer elevated walkway that cleverly connects the forest of the Baishuidai Scenic Area with the downtown Children's Park. Painted in bright red and blue, the trail weaves through the dense tree canopy. On a weekend afternoon, renting a bike or hiking here with children, breathing the fresh air, and looking down at the city's greenery is the most popular way for locals to enjoy a slow life.