Guangzhou is the city that turned 'food as medicine' into a daily ritual. Start at the Qingping herbal medicine market in Liwan — one of China's first eight national herbal wholesale markets, established in 1979, where locals still buy the dried herbs that go into every pot of slow-cooked soup. Then follow the cooling-tea trail of Shangxiajiu and Beijing Road: liang cha is a national intangible cultural heritage, born in the Thirteen Hongs in 1828 with Wong Lo Kat. Finish at the Chen Liji Herbal Medicine Museum, a pharmacy founded in 1600 — 69 years older than Beijing's Tongrentang — and sit down to a bowl of the slow-cooked soup that defines Cantonese wellness.
Highlights
- Qingping herbal medicine market — one of China's first eight national herbal markets (est. 1979)
- Liang cha (cooling tea) — a national intangible cultural heritage, born 1828 in the Thirteen Hongs
- Chen Liji Herbal Medicine Museum — founded 1600, 69 years older than Tongrentang
- A bowl of lao huo tang (slow-cooked Cantonese soup) — food as medicine in its purest form
- Shangxiajiu & Beijing Road — the historic food streets of old Canton
What's included
- English-speaking TCM-trained guide
- Guided walk through the Qingping herbal market
- Cooling-tea tasting (2–3 traditional brews)
- Entry to the Chen Liji Herbal Medicine Museum
- A bowl of slow-cooked medicinal soup
Itinerary
- 09:00
Qingping herbal market
Wander the stalls where Cantonese families have bought soup herbs since 1979.
- 10:30
Cooling-tea trail
Taste traditional liang cha along Shangxiajiu and Beijing Road and learn what each brew balances.
- 11:30
Chen Liji Herbal Medicine Museum
Visit Guangdong's first TCM-industry museum, founded in 1600 and still running today.
- 12:30
Medicinal soup lunch
Sit down to a bowl of lao huo tang and learn the seasonal logic behind Cantonese soup.
Common questions
Is the market and museum visit suitable for families?
Yes — the market is a sensory highlight for all ages, and the museum is fully accessible.
Can you accommodate vegetarian guests?
Yes, vegetarian soup and tea options are available with advance notice.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
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