Pearl Village, formerly known as Shangdong Village, is located in the eastern suburbs of Guangzhou city, between the Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway and Zhongshan Avenue. It belongs to Dongbu Town. The village was established during the Southern Song Dynasty and named for the three small hills beside it, which were likened to ‘three pearls’. Initially called Bead Village, it was later simplified to Pearl Village.
Pearl Village in Guangzhou is situated within the Tianhe District of Guangzhou City and is a typical urban village. It is well-known in Guangdong for its Qiqiao Festival. Originating in the Southern Song Dynasty, the residents are primarily from the Pan and Zhong surnames. The village layout is centralized, with a prominent water town style, featuring historical buildings and famous ancient trees.
Pearl Village boasts a rich array of folk activities, including lion dancing, worshiping cats, paying homage to ancestors, dragon boat racing, celebrating the Seven Sisters, and performing grand operas. The village has also produced many talents, such as the upright Pan Yue and numerous navy generals.
In recent years, with economic development, the surrounding properties of Pearl Village have seen an increase in value, with high-rise buildings competing to be erected. However, the determination of the villagers has allowed the preservation of an 8,000 square meter historical building complex, which includes 44 cultural relics, 33 ancestral halls, 8 temples and altars, as well as the former site of the Pearl Village Farmers’ Association, the Navy Alley, and the former residence of Pan Wenzhi.
The village is open year-round from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
