Old China

History buffs will find plenty to keep them occupied, whether visiting museums and historic libraries or sipping tea in the renovated Waterfront district

Jiangmen?s four counties offer stunning contrasts between different eras in China?s turbulent history. This really is the place to step back in time, and history students will find plenty to keep themselves occupied between visits to museums, former residences of famous figures, film studios, ?ghost towns? and the like.

Rolling on the River: Jiangmen?s Waterfront district

Jiangmen?s historic Waterfront district is home to some of the 2,000-year-old city?s finest architecture, including renovated shophouses selling everything from calligraphy to ladies? handbags. A stretch of Chang Di Middle Road, which faces the Peng River, is lined with these three- and four-storey buildings in the treaty port style.

Recognising their tourism potential, city officials have tastefully renovated these historic edifices, painting them delightful pastels and lighting them up at night. The shops sell everything from children?s toys to sportswear, artificial flowers to stationery. Several bars, discos, and karaoke lounges have opened here over the past two years.

Right on the river are several outdoor cafes, snack bars, beer gardens and restaurants. Some open for breakfast and close early while others open later in the day and remain open until late. Weeknights are pretty quiet, but things naturally pick up on Friday and Saturday nights.

Nearby streets feature more Western-style buildings. An adjoining neighborhood, however, is home to traditional Chinese grey-brick homes. Many still serve as residences but a growing number have been converted into restaurants and other small businesses. A modern plaza with an outdoor performance venue ties the area together.