In the first of a new series D J Clark travels to the three villages of Li Cha, Cheng Hu and Cha Tang in the Zhaoqing district. they all have classical Lingnan architecture from the Song dynasty with ancestral temples and classical wok-handle shaped roofs. Li Cha is the crown jewel with it's octagon shape layout surrounded by water.
To get to the starting point of the three villages walk take bus 315 from railway station bus station. The ride takes about 50 minutes, costs 10 RMB and leaves every half an hour. Tell the driver to stop and notify you at Li Cha. There is a 20 RMB charge to enter the village.
It's fun to explore Li Cha on foot, and difficult to get lost as it's surrounded by water. Outside the village their are many restaurants with local country cooking, if it's too early to eat don't worry there are other places along the way.
Once you are done exploring look for the village road out to Cha Tang and set off on foot. It takes less than an hour to reach and has lots of people and farmwife to see along the way. As with Li Cha - Cha Tong has typical Lingnan architecture from the Song dynasty with ancestral temples and classical wok-handle shaped roofs.
To get to the third village of Cheng Hu again look for the path on a map or ask around, it will take about another hour to reach. Finally walk back to Li Cha (it's a triangle so find the direct route) from where you can find the 315 bus on the other side of the road to get back to Zhaoqing.
If you need an English speaking guide try,
Jason Deng, 8613556528500
Jacky Jian, 13602985801
Vicky Zhou,17181378861
