In the heart of Guangdong’s Shunde District, three ancient villages – Yang’e, Bijiang, and Fengjian Water Town – are capturing global attention as models of cultural preservation meeting modern vitality. As part of CGTN’s Village Voyage series in March 2026, journalist Julian Waghann and Namibian explorer Absalom Absalom reveal how these Lingnan communities balance heritage with innovation.
The journey begins in bustling markets where Shunde’s culinary reputation comes alive through steaming fish congee and delicate milk desserts. ‘This isn’t just food,’ Absalom notes, ‘it’s edible history preserved through thirty generations.’
Artisans demonstrate Lingnan’s signature ‘culture-martial mastery’ through intricate woodcarving and traditional lion dance rituals. At Fengjian’s waterways, visitors in 2026 can still board wooden sampans past Ming-era bridges, while smart irrigation systems maintain centuries-old farming practices.
Local officials report a 40% increase in cultural tourism this year, attributing it to sustainable development strategies. As Waghann observes: ‘These villages aren’t museum pieces – they’re living blueprints for rural revitalization.’
With new high-speed rail connections making Shunde accessible from Guangzhou in 18 minutes, 2026 marks a pivotal year for experiencing Lingnan’s unique fusion of waterway ecology, architectural legacy, and community-driven innovation.
