Guangzhou historic district comes into focus through films, food

A historic district in south China's Guangzhou not only harbors a rich heritage, but also forms a curious intersection of cinema and culinary delights.

The city's Liwan District holds no shortage of treasures pertaining to Cantonese art and tradition. It is home to iron and copper casting, Cantonese opera guild halls, lion dance heritage shops, herbal medicine and traditional tea shops. Recently, Lara Parpan, an editor at China Global Television Network, set out to explore these cultural heirlooms and more.

Parpan visited Wong Chun Loong, an unassuming shop that stands as one of Guangzhou's outstanding tea shops. The city's herbal tea shops date back to 1,700 years, reflecting the long-held belief that many teas may have medicinal value.

As an editor for CGTN's "Reel Views, Real Journeys," Parpan often finds connections between the delights of her travels and films in her collection. She tried the shop's bestseller, bansha, a bitter and complex tea that contains 28 herbal ingredients. The drink brought to mind "24 Flavors," a Chinese film directed by Elaine Huang from Guangzhou.

According to Huang, the name of "24 Flavors" is an analogy for life's experiences that can range from bitter to sweet.

Parpan also visited Lianxianglou, a popular traditional Cantonese restaurant right across from the herbal tea shop. The restaurant opened as a pastry shop in 1889 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The 2009 Chinese spy thriller "Qiuxi" sets a crucial scene in Lianxianglou. This was Guangzhou in the days before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Parpan sampled several of the restaurant's dishes, including Winter Melon Pot, Pantang Water Chestnut Cake, Lily Buds and Steamed Lotus Seeds and their Signature Lotus Paste Bun with Salted Egg Yolk.

Because Guangzhou's climate is humid, most dishes at Lianxianglou are made with ingredients to alleviate dampness and detoxify the body.

At the end of her journey, Parpan encouraged travelers to visit Guangzhou's Liwan District.

"So here's my take: Visit Old Guangzhou, come to Liwan District. Have a meal at Lianxianglou, grab a bottle of Ban Sha herbal bitter tea and savor bitter and sweet. Because that's Guangzhou's all about: historical, cinematic and delightful," she said.

Guangzhou historic district comes into focus through films, food

Holiday celebrations with strong festive vibes in southwest China's Yunnan Province are attracting crowds of visitors thanks to the rich local traditions, cuisine, and culture.

Mojiang County is home to the Hani ethnic group. On Saturday, the second day of the May Day holiday, the Hani people were celebrating one of their most vibrant traditions, the Long-Street Banquet.

There was a grand open-air feast -- a hallmark of Hani culture. During major festivals, local families would line the streets with long rows of tables, and gather together to share food and music in celebration. This year, more than 100 tables have been set up, welcoming both residents and visitors to join in. And among the many dishes on offer, purple rice stands out as a local favorite, prized not only for its rich flavor but also for its deep cultural significance.

But this banquet is just one part of the county's 20th International Twins Festival. Located along the Tropic of Cancer, Mojiang is widely known as China's "Town of Twins", with a twin birth rate significantly higher than the global average.

This year, more than 1,000 pairs of twins have gathered here, including participants from nearly 20 countries. Earlier today, they took part in a vibrant parade through the town, greeting residents and visitors along the route. It's a rare sight, and one that truly brings the festival to life.

There is no shortage of experiences for visitors. Visitors can join traditional circle dances around a bonfire, while live performances by local singers add even more energy to the festive atmosphere. Another well-known tradition sees people exchange blessings by smearing an edible black powder on each other's faces, symbolizing good luck.

Unique traditions, culture in Yunnan boost holiday economy