A former market town on the Yōng River (邕江; Yōng Jiāng). Yángměi was founded a millennium ago and flourished in the 17th century, earning the nickname 'Little Nánníng'.
Spend a couple of hours wandering the cobbled streets, munching on fried fish (from ¥2), steamed rice rolls (¥4) and local starfruit (¥5 a catty) as you walk. The pace is slow and you’re free to peep into the musty Ming- and Qing-dynasty homes.
Most of Yángměi's early inhabitants were migrants from Shāndōng, with a small percentage from Guǎngdōng. Hybridity is reflected in its buildings, which feature both the sturdy solemnity of Shāndōng vernacular architecture, and the penchant for embellishment of the softer southern style.
Buses leave from behind Huátiān Guójì (华天国际), an office-block building at 202 Huaqiang Lu (华强路202号), just west of Nánníng’s train station. Departures and returns are from 8.30am to 4.30pm (¥15, two hours, hourly). The last bus gets packed so arrive early for a seat.
