How to visit a village outside Canton?

[geoff]

How do I visit my ancestor's village with a paid interpreter?

[NZBC]

Raymonds comments on the Si Yip board.

I think China has changed since to allow tourists much more freedom of movement and action. It is unfortunate that you may not be able to visit your village. For some outside assistance in your quest, you may ask the Overseas Chinese Affairs of Guongdong office. You may contact them online at their website: gocn.southcn.com/english/consult/ and see if they can help you.


and Henry's comments for Si Yip visit

From Hong Kong - go to the China Ferry Terminal ( 33 Canton Road - located at the northern terminus of the Harbour City Mall,which begins from the Star Ferry ). This terminal is very modern, clean, safe, with escalators and information booths. Go thru the HKG customs and take the ferry (catamaran - operated by Chu Kong Passenger Transport (CKS)) for about 3.5 hour ride to Sanbu - a major river port of Kaiping (Hoiping). Take a taxi to the only 5 star hotel in Kaiping for about $65 a night:

Tanjiang Peninsular Hotel
2 Zhong Yin Road, Kaiping City
Guangdong 529300
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-Mail£º[e-mail]

From this hotel, you can hire a car or just take a taxi to the village and negotiate a day rate - probably no more than $35 USD a day.

I have not personally taken this particular ferry ride or stayed at this hotel ( I had lunch there ). I have taken the 2 hour bus ride from Taishan to the Guangzhou rail station ( there are 2 stations ) - then China customs / immigration at the rail station - wait for the train - 2 hour train ride to the HKG station - HKG immigration and then another taxi to the hotel.

The China Ferry Terminal is probably the fastest, safest way to go from HKG to Kaiping - especially for older folks - like me.