Xinhui
新会
An ancient town famous for its tangerine peel, paper-cutting, and Buddhist temples set amidst scenic wetlands. It represents authentic Cantonese rural life and traditional craftsmanship.
Things to do
- Tangerine Peel Processing Workshop — Visit a traditional drying and storage facility to learn how Xinhui tangerine peel is harvested, dried, and aged into the prized Chen Pi (陈皮) that commands high prices in Chinese medicine and cuisine.
- Cheting Wetland Park — Explore the scenic wetlands with elevated boardwalks where you can observe migratory birds, water lilies, and reeds while experiencing the tranquil rural landscape that defines the region.
- Liyuan Temple Visit — Pay respects at this centuries-old Buddhist temple set among natural scenery, featuring ornate carved decorations and serving as a spiritual center for the local community.
- Paper-Cutting Craft Studio — Watch master artisans create intricate Xinhui paper-cuts (剪纸) and try your hand at this folk art tradition that uses simple scissors to produce delicate decorative designs.
- Kongmiao Village Exploration — Wander through this well-preserved traditional village with ancestral halls, narrow lanes, and vernacular architecture that reflects authentic Cantonese rural life over centuries.
- Tangerine Peel Tea Tasting — Sample aged Chen Pi steeped with Pu-erh tea at a local tea house to experience how this regional specialty enhances traditional Cantonese tea culture.
Food to try
- Chen Pi Duck (陈皮鸭) — Roasted duck infused with aged tangerine peel, creating a sophisticated blend of savory meat with citrus aromatics and subtle bitterness that is distinctly Xinhui.
- Chen Pi Pork Rib Soup (陈皮排骨汤) — A medicinal soup combining dried tangerine peel with tender pork ribs and supporting herbs, valued for its digestive and warming properties in Cantonese cuisine.
- Freshwater Fish from Local Wetlands — Grass carp or other locally-caught freshwater fish prepared steamed or in clay pot, showcasing the bounty of Xinhui's wetland ecosystem.
- Tangerine Peel Mooncakes (陈皮月饼) — Seasonal pastries filled with salted egg yolk and aged tangerine peel, combining traditional mooncake craftsmanship with Xinhui's signature ingredient.
- Preserved Vegetables with Chen Pi (陈皮咸菜) — Pickled mustard greens or radish enhanced with tangerine peel, offering a tangy, aromatic condiment typical of local home cooking and market stalls.
Local customs & good to know
- Chen Pi Grading & Age Matter — Understand that Xinhui tangerine peel quality and value increase dramatically with age—peel aged 20+ years commands premium prices, so ask vendors about provenance when purchasing.
- Temple Etiquette — Remove shoes or wear shoe covers when entering Buddhist temples, avoid pointing at statues, and make clockwise circuits around altars to show proper respect.
- Seasonal Tangerine Harvest Timing — Visit during autumn (September–November) to witness the tangerine harvest and fresh peel drying, when the region's agricultural rhythm is most visible and vibrant.
- Rural Hospitality & Pace — Embrace a slower rhythm typical of rural Guangdong—locals value lingering tea sessions and unhurried conversation, and many shops close during midday rest hours.