The Secret Code of Shangxiajiu: The Shouts and Chats in the Shadows of the Arcade Buildings.

1. Overview of Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street Lingnan Arcade Buildings, Time-honored Delicacies, Xiguan Culture, Local Life Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is located in Liwan District, Guangzhou, with a total length of about 1.2 kilometers. It is one of the three traditional commercial streets in Guangzhou. The street is lined with numerous arcade buildings from the Republic of China period, blending Chinese and Western styles, and is known as the "Faded Xiguan Lady, Faded Dongshan Gentleman." It was once one of the starting points of the Maritime Silk Road and remains the best window to experience the local life of old Guangzhou. 2. Must-Do Experiences 1. Arcade Building Tour • Features: The arcades of Shangxiajiu are marked by Baroque-style carved pillars and glazed tile roofs, once a bustling "ten-mile foreign market." • Recommended Route: Start from Changshou Road Metro Station, walk along Shangjiu Road → Baohua Road → Xiajiu Road, focusing on landmarks such as Lianxianglou, Taotaoju, and Nanfang Building. • Photo Spots: The colorful arcade in front of Baohua Noodle Shop, the retro signs on Dishifu Road. 2. Time-Honored Xiguan Delicacies Shangxiajiu is the center of Guangzhou's snack universe, and the following time-honored brands are not to be missed: • Nanxin Milk Dessert Expert: Double-skin milk, mango sago, beef offal soup (average 20 yuan). • Chen Tianji Fish Skin: Cold fish skin is crispy and chewy, paired with peanut and cilantro sauce (average 35 yuan). • Yinjichang Rice Rolls: The rice rolls are fragrant and rich, the shrimp rice rolls are a must-try (average 15 yuan). • Shunji Ice Room: Coconut ice cream, red bean ice, a century-old taste (average 25 yuan). 3. Boating in Liwan Lake Park • Highlights: The Lingnan garden next to the pedestrian street, you can rent a small boat (30 yuan/hour) to cruise the lake and experience the Xiguan style of "a bay of green water, two banks of red lychees." • Tips: The lake reflects the arcade lights in the evening, perfect for atmospheric photos. 4. Exploring Xiguan Mansions • Yaohua Street: The most complete Xiguan mansion area near the pedestrian street, with blue brick walls and sliding doors telling century-old stories. • Li Wentian's Residence: The residence of a Qing Dynasty scholar, free to visit but requires reservation. 3. Shopping Guide • Traditional Souvenirs: ◦ Lianxianglou: Freshly baked chicken biscuits, wife cakes (watch the master bake with charcoal on-site). ◦ Shisanhang Road: Wholesale clothing and accessories (recommended to go in the evening for lower prices). • Creative Shops: ◦ Yongqingfang on Enning Road (15 minutes walk): Cantonese Opera Museum, Zhongshuge Bookstore, Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop. 4. Transportation and Route Planning • Metro: Changshou Road Station (Line 1/Line 6) Exit D directly to Shangjiu Road. • Bus: Take routes 2, 3, 61 to "Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street" station. • Recommended Walking Route: Morning: Liwan Lake Park → Panxi Restaurant (garden morning tea) → Yaohua Street → Baohua Road (eat double-skin milk). Afternoon: Stroll along the main street of Shangxiajiu → Dishifu Road → Shamian Island (European-style buildings). Evening: Take photos of the arcade night view → Return to Lizhiwan Creek to enjoy the lights. 5. Tips and Avoiding Pitfalls 1. Avoid peak crowds: Weekends and holidays are crowded, it is recommended to visit on weekdays in the afternoon. 2. Food queue strategy: Nanxin Milk Dessert Expert can buy pre-made packs to go, try to avoid peak times at Chen Tianji Fish Skin. 3. Beware of low-price traps: Some shops on the pedestrian street sell "Guang Embroidery" and "Ivory Carvings" which are mostly imitations, buy with caution. 4. Alternative transportation: If you are tired, you can take the "Water Bus" (Huangsha Wharf → Yongxing Street Wharf, 5 yuan/person) to enjoy the arcade scenery from the water. 6. Nearby Attractions • Yongqingfang + Cantonese Opera Museum: 10 minutes walk, experience the collision of intangible cultural heritage and modern creativity. • Shamian Island: European-style buildings, perfect for "pretending to be abroad" photos. • Hualin Temple: 8 minutes walk, a Tang Dynasty temple, a gathering place for jade and vegetarian culture. 7. Cultural Insights Walking on the stone-paved roads of Shangxiajiu, listening to the Cantonese-speaking grandmothers selling "chicken biscuits, bowl cakes," and seeing the uncles under the arcades fanning themselves and sipping herbal tea, it feels like traveling back in time. This place is not only a shopping paradise but also a living museum of old Guangzhou culture—where the shadows of the arcades and the neon lights intertwine, hiding the most authentic soul of Guangzhou. Before you go, remember to check the weather forecast, prepare sun protection in summer, and wish you a double feast of Lingnan flavors and visuals under the arcades of Shangxiajiu! 🍜🏮