Day One Xiguan in Liwan District
Xiguan was the economic center of Guangzhou during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Prior to that, it was located outside for the city's west gate, thus the name. This area of Guangzhou offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the city with some buildings over a century old.
Xiguan was the economic center of Guangzhou during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Prior to that, it was located outside for the city's west gate, thus the name. This area of Guangzhou offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the city with some buildings over a century old.
Lizhiwan Brook ( )
The Lizhiwan canal was one of many old canals running though Liwan and covered-up in the middle of the 20th century for sanitary reasons. Today, it is regarded as a masterpiece amongst Asian Games renovation projects and a new destination for tourists in Guangzhou.
The small canal offers a highly idealized version of what Guangzhou might have resembled in the 19th century, with lychee trees growing along the waterfront. The 668-meter waterway has won praise from nearby residents and the authorities plan to continue developing such canals "in the hope to rival Paris or Venice."
Transportation: Take Bus No.2, 66, stop at Terminal Pantang Station ( )
Tips: Boat cruise is 38 yuan/person; snacks and souvenirs are sold along the brook
Lizhiwan
Chen Clan Academy ( )
The Chen Clan Academy is home to the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts. Located in the west of the old town, the museum displays an interesting selection of traditional crafts. The building presents typical Lingnan architectural features with a balanced layout and exquisite and richly-decorated interior. It is now the biggest, best preserved and decorated complex in Guangdong.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 at Chen Clan Academy station
Tips: 10 yuan for admission
Chen Clan Academy
Hualin Temple ( )
Hualin temple was constructed during the Southern Dynasties. Legend has it that the temple was built soon after the arrival of Dharma, the Indian monk, hence its original name is Xilai (literally "visitor from the west") Temple.
In the year 1654, the temple was expanded and renamed Hualin Temple. It was then one of the five largest Buddhist temples in Guangzhou.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 at Changshou Lu Station ( )
Take Bus No.181, 251, 3,552, 82, 6 at Hualin Temple Station
Shamian Island ( )
This small island is a reminder of Guangzhou's colonial past with numerous European-style buildings, most of which were used by foreign companies and consulates.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 at Huangsha station ( )
Take Bus No. 823
Tips: The national famous Chinese herbal medicine, dry marine food and pet wholesale markets are on the opposite side of the island.
European-style buildings on Shamian Island
Shang Xiajiu Pedestrian Street ( )
One of the three major shopping streets of Guangzhou, Shangxiajiu ( ) starts at Shangjiu Street, then moves westward through Xiajiu Lu ( ) to Dishifu Lu ( ).
Shangxiajiu is mainly known for its low prices and great bargains with about 250 shops and malls spanning over 800 meters.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 at Changshou Lu Station
Tips: The national jade wholesale market is located nearby. Traditional restaurants can also be found.
Shang Xiajiu Pedestrian Street
Thirteen Hongs ( )
The Thirteen Hongs Business Circle is composed of Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Jade Street, Curio Street, Crystal Street, Precious Stone Street and Food Street.
Transportation: Take Bus No. 4,31, 38, 61,102, 103,106, 110,128, 134,186, 209,217, 556, stop at Renmin Nan Lu Station ( )
Take bus No.114, 25,181, 226,238,239, 251,288, 297,308, 308A, 521, 530,552, 79,79A, stop at Kangwang Nan Lu Station ( )
Jade Street and Curio Street on Kangwang Nan Lu
Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com
