China’s Village Voyage Strengthens Global Travel Appeal with 21.33 Million International Visitors
FOSHAN, CHINA – As global travelers increasingly seek diverse destinations, China has emerged as a leading choice. In the first quarter of 2026, the country recorded 21.33 million border entries and exit checks involving international visitors. Among the growing array of destinations, China’s villages have become particularly appealing. The series “Village Voyage,” hosted by American Julian Waghann and Namibian traveler Absalom Absalom, explores these hidden gems in Guangdong Province, situated in the Pearl River Delta, north of Hong Kong. For Absalom, this journey exemplifies a model for how villages can thrive while retaining their cultural essence.
Ancestral Halls and Scholarly Heritage
In Yang’e Village, Shunde, Julian and Absalom visit the historic Lu Ancestral Hall, where scholar Lu Cang established an academy after his retirement. This small village has produced 14 civil and military jinshi scholars during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, showcasing its long-standing commitment to education. The jinshi title was the highest rank in China’s imperial civil service examination system, awarded to those who passed the final court-administered exam. The village’s living heritage extends beyond academia; the lion dance, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage item, is passed down from master to child. Lion dance coach Feng Jianhua stated that they provide opportunities for children to learn, ensuring the continuation of their millennia-old culture.
The Birthplace of Kung Fu
Jun’an, Shunde, is known as the ancestral home of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Guangdong has long been recognized as the heartland of southern Chinese martial arts. Locals often greet each other with “Have you had your night porridge?” a phrase that implies, “Have you been practicing kung fu?” Luo Dezhi, a fifth-generation inheritor of Shaolin Wing Chun and a disciple of Bruce Lee, has dedicated over 50 years to martial arts training. He emphasized that for a martial artist, virtue is paramount, followed by physical strength. He noted that kung fu embodies traditional Chinese culture, aiming to strengthen the body, protect oneself, and assist others.
Crafting “Soft Gold” from Village Waterways
A century ago, merchant He Mingshi transported xiangyunsha, or gambiered Canton gauze—often referred to as “soft gold”—from Shunde’s villages down the Pearl River Delta to international markets, including Malaysia. The saying “A tael of gold for a tael of silk” reflects the value placed on this craft. Today, this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage is still created by hand. Absalom remarked on the complexity of the process as he attempted it himself, while craft inheritor Chen Hongfa observed with a smile. From Shunde, this traditional craft continues to reach global audiences.
UNESCO Gastronomy in Shunde
Shunde is one of the few UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy worldwide and is widely regarded as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. A local vendor recounted that about ten years ago, the area was transformed into a food street. Visitors now flock to sample dishes such as crispy African crucian carp skin, fried milk—whose recipe has remained unchanged since 2002—and Shunde raw fish slices. Absalom expressed his delight, stating it was one of the best culinary experiences he had encountered this year, highlighting the unexpected quality of food available in a village setting.
More Than a Series: A Travel Companion
“Village Voyage” serves as more than just a television feature; it acts as a living travel guide. The series maps Shunde’s hidden gems through detailed itineraries, rich photo essays, and short-form videos. It extends beyond the screen with guest vlogs and first-person POV footage, immersing viewers in the village’s daily life, from the tranquil boat rides to the vibrant food streets. This series offers an immersive, replicable vision of rural development, appealing to both tourists and policymakers. It captures the essence of cultural roots, martial arts heritage, merchant wisdom, and the warmth of village hospitality through the simple rituals of daily life.
An open and confident rural China is not a relic of the past; it is accessible and vibrant, just a flight or train ride away.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-31 16:43:00 • By the Editorial Desk
