The Changdi Historical and Cultural District in Jiangmen boasts a history of more than a century. Its architectural style—a blend of Chinese and Western elements—along with its weathered brick walls, reflects the rich overseas Chinese culture and history of Jiangmen. In the past, entertainment options were limited. People would gather beneath old banyan trees to listen to learned storytellers, a rare form of leisure deeply cherished by local residents that gradually evolved into Jiangmen’s unique storytelling culture.

Today, the old district has become a popular tourist attraction, but the storytellers remain. As volunteers, they carry on the age-old tradition, sharing the century-old stories of this overseas Chinese hometown with visitors. The storytelling team includes everyone from teenagers to elderly residents, each with their own distinctive style. Older storytellers, having witnessed the transformation of the old streets firsthand, speak as both narrators and guardians of local history. They vividly recount the evolution of the market streets—from bustling trading hubs to revitalized cultural quarters shaped by community-led renewal. Meanwhile, schoolchildren and teenagers promote local culture in Cantonese and other dialects.

Visitors say that through these vivid and heartfelt stories, they have come to truly understand Jiangmen and fallen in love with the city.