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China Daily reporters leverage local expertise to devise diverse itineraries that showcase a blend of historical landmarks and natural wonders in highly recommended cities and sites, offering practical guidance to experience the country.

While northern China lies blanketed in snow and ice, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the south basks in its most pleasant season of the year. Now is the ideal time to embark on a fulfilling journey that delights your taste buds, immerses you in the rich heritage of Lingnan (southern China) culture, and unveils breathtaking coastal and mountainous vistas.

Start your day with a classic Cantonese dim sum experience in a teahouse packed with locals enjoying their first morning sip.

Savor the delicate chewiness of shrimp dumplings, the plumpness of siu mai, and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of braised chicken feet.

Amid the rising steam, step out to explore ancestral halls, old streets, martial temples, and classical gardens, where every corner tells a story and tradition lives in the rhythm of daily life.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge spans the sea, standing as an architectural marvel in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. (Photo provided to China Daily)

You can begin your journey in Guangzhou at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), where an extensive collection of Lingnan craft masterpieces awaits your appreciation.

Then, stroll over to the Yongqingfang historical neighborhood, wandering beneath the iconic qilou, or arcade buildings, which offer an up-close look at classic Lingnan urban design. You can also explore the preserved Xiguan mansions, including the former residence of Bruce Lee's family.

You will find not only ancient streets and architecture that blend Eastern and Western styles here, but also traditions that have been kept very much alive. Watching a powerful martial arts demonstration and attending a Cantonese Opera performance are meaningful ways to connect more deeply with this region.

If you're up for an outdoor adventure, the Greater Bay Area offers excellent half-day coastal hikes. Recommended routes include the trail from Dragon's Back to Cape D'Aguilar in Hong Kong, the coastal path along Coloane on the southern edge of Macao, and the scenic walk from Dongchong to Xichong in Shenzhen.

City walk

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Yongqingfang historical neighborhood in Guangzhou

• Ancestral Temple in Foshan

• Qinghui Garden in Shunde

Cuisine

• Cantonese dim sum

• Chaoshan delicacies in eastern Guangdong

• Multicultural blends in Hong Kong and Macao

Outdoor

• Hiking trail from Dragon's Back to Cape D'Aguilar in Hong Kong

• Coastal path along Coloane on the southern edge of Macao

• A walk from Dongchong to Xichong in Shenzhen