Xiaozhou Village(1)The Last Water Village Of Guangzhou

iWalk 23 November 2009 22 Comments

Last weekend, I went to XiaoZhou Village(小洲村), The last water village of Guangzhou. It’s the second time I visited there. Last time was 8 years ago. XiaoZhou Village changed a lot these years. The former national ecological village is disappearing!

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Xiaozhou Village lies in Yingzhou Ecological Park(瀛洲生态园), Haizhu District of Guangzhou. It’s named as the most beautiful village in Guangzhou because it’s special water village environment and unsophisticated folkway.

XiaoZhou Village has more than 600 years history. Villagers there are the offspring of Tanka people(蜑家). Tanka people also called “the Boat people”, It’s a special group of people that has traditionally lived on boats in coastal parts of south china. They mostly worked as fishermen, But some built markets or villages on the shore and started new life on shore.

The net of Rivulets and stone bridges make the village so different compares to other villages in Guangdong, remind you the water towns of Southern Yangtze River. Those stone bridges were made in different dynasties, Every bridge has it’s own story.

But since the government decided to change this quiet village into a highlight of travel sites, Xiaozhou changed a lot. More and more people visit there, more and more traditional old houses are disappearing, some stupid look new houses are taking their place.

The water is dry and the boats are beat-up this winter afternoon. Only the bluestone road remind me the old XiaoZhou.

(To be continued)

I will travel to Sichuan tomorrow. Maybe I can’t connect Internet for some days. I will publish my XiaoZhou Village posts automatically these days, Sorry I can’t reply all the comments in time. Best wishes, My friends!

Tags: China Travel, GuangDong, Guangzhou, national ecological village, Southern Yangtze River, Travel, Xiaozhou

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22 Comments »

Heather Dugan ("Footsteps") said:

I’ll check back for the next installment. Nicely written.

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 5:26 pm:

So I am back,my friend, And I will post more if you like.
iWalk´s last blog ..Traditional Chinese Painting Series About Sichuan Folk Customs

# 23 November 2009 at 8:30 am

jam said:

So sad to hear that the water is drying. What’s a water village for if there is no more water? You will be in Sichuan until early next year? If only I get a cheap ticket to Chengdu, then I will ask you to become my guide. But very unlikely…
jam´s last blog ..Environment Protection, Begins from Shopping

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 5:31 pm:

Never worries,Jam. I am glad to be your guide to Sichuan next time. That’s my second hometown, And I must thank you for give me the chance to visit there one more time.

# 23 November 2009 at 12:08 pm

景晖 said:

很可惜，一个又有历史和文化的地方，会变成跟以前不一样！希望会保留这个水镇，象我那时去江苏和上海的时侯，那些水镇都被保留！

我好想去中国拍照！太多美丽的美丽风景！

景晖
http://www.photojournalist-tgh.tv
景晖´s last blog ..Bloggers Invitation to Visit S’pore Discovery Centre

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 5:39 pm:

嗯，好好养伤快快康复，好多好地方在等你呢！

# 24 November 2009 at 1:22 am

harley davidson rentals miami said:

Xiaozhou Village must be a fantastic place to see. Those pictures show how outstanding is this village. I would like to see it someday using my own eyes.

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 5:50 pm:

I hope they can protect it well for people like you.

# 11 December 2009 at 9:27 pm

Infiniti of Montclair said:

I have never heard of a water village before! I’ve never even seen one… its a shame that the water is drying up but do you, or anyone, know why?

Can’t wait to see what your next post will read..

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 6:04 pm:

I think it mostly because the fast growing of the city in this country. People always do something wrong to nature during this period.:(

# 16 December 2009 at 4:35 am

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iWalk reply on April 14th, 2010 11:41 pm:

Thanks Sarah!

Yeah, I am interested in your suggestion. Looking for more detail.

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# 19 December 2009 at 5:34 pm

Metz said:

I have a xmas message for you over at my personal blog Merry Xmas http://metzsecret.blogspot.com/2009/12/merry-xmas.html
Metz´s last blog ..Travel Thursday: Elicon House Cebu

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 6:08 pm:

Hi Metz, Sorry to replay so late! I couldn’t connect to internet during last 4 months, So I miss your xmas message.
And I still can’t visit your blog! Yeah,Blogspot.com is still blocked!
iWalk´s last blog ..Traditional Chinese Painting Series About Sichuan Folk Customs

# 26 December 2009 at 12:55 am

asmaliana said:

Where the waters goes? Is it because of the new Damp? Such a beautiful places like Venice of China…
asmaliana´s last blog ..Melaka 12 Premier Event 2010

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 6:52 pm:

The river was destroyed during the process of city growing. We knew it happened at many place, But I hope think kind of things can never happen again.

# 2 January 2010 at 12:50 pm

Goran | Web Marketing said:

It is sad to see that modern houses are replacing history. Unfortunately this is one of the prices that get paid for progress. Most people reallly are not sentimental, and only wants what suits them best, and to hell with the rest.

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 6:55 pm:

Yeah,Goran, Big price for progress.:(

# 7 January 2010 at 7:56 pm

Net Age | Internet Marketing said:

Hallo there everybody! I’m checking in and am sad to see that thaere has been nor recent updates. Is winter bad your side? Spring is on its way, and hopefully you’ll be blessing us with fresh news and sights of your part of the world.

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 7:09 pm:

Sorry for the long time leaving, my friend. I couldn’t connect to the internet and update my post these 4 months. But, Finally, I am back!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, That’s so important to me!

# 23 March 2010 at 9:49 pm

RennyBA's Terella said:

Just want you to know I’m thinking of you and hope all is well – take care and stay strong
RennyBA’s Terella´s last blog ..RennyBA presenting OsloBG at the VisitOSLO Conference

iWalk reply on April 5th, 2010 7:14 pm:

So glad to know that, Renny! Miss you and your blog so much these days!
iWalk´s last blog ..Traditional Chinese Painting Series About Sichuan Folk Customs

# 27 March 2010 at 11:25 am