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Ask a QuestionAddress：Shangxiajiu Street Liwan Guangzhou, China
What to buy: Local snacks, Guangzhou clothes
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a showcase of traditional Cantonese architecture, especially pretty at night when it's lit up. Prices here are generally lower than Beijing Road, but be prepared to bargain. Remember to visit Liwan Plaza located at 9 Dexing Road on the east end of the street. You will find a good selection of crystal there.
It is the first pedestrian mall approved by the ministry of commerce of china in Guangzhou. Its daily traffic is as high as 600000 person-times. You’d better not look down on this small street, for it is a collection of lingnan architectural culture, lingnan dietary culture and lingnan folk customs. It is the first business street in Guangzhou City. Shangxiajiu consists of much unique and historical architecture, featuring the characteristics of Chinese and European styles. Also, there are a group of old famous stores, such as the Guangzhou Garment Store, Qingping traditional Chinese medicine market, and the Dalu Clock and Watch Store, Huangsha Agricultural Products Market.
Here is also home to many well-known restaurants and street food with local flavour, including the Guangzhou Restaurant, the Tao Tao Ju Restaurant, Lian Xiang Restaurant, Wenchang Chicken, Qing Ping Chicken and Taotao Ginger and Onion Chicken, Wonton Noodles, custard wiht double crème, etc. The street is about 2 to 3 km wide, and is open until 10:30 am, some shops until 11:00 am. At around 10:00 am - 10:30am, the street gets very busy with street vendors selling amazing local food, but also some gifts, electronic stuff, etc.
Visitors can see numerous bronze statues along the road, most of which are famous people of Canton or reflects the culture of the city. It's a good experience to walk into one of the unknown side streets within 10 meters; you will get to see the real China streets. It's safe, don't worry, and always perfect for some great pictures. The street is about 4 blocks/15 minute walk from Shamian Island which is a famous scenic spot in Guangzhou city, and about the same distance from the subway station. You can take a rickshaw or taxi to get to Shamian Island to have a leisure stroll there. However, it is highly suggested tourists to walk through the unknown side streets until you get there. It would be an interesting experience.
Shangxiajiu’s story traces back to the late Qing Dynasty (1636–1912), when it emerged as a bustling commercial hub for local merchants. Over the decades, it evolved from a cluster of small shops selling silk, tea, and handicrafts into an iconic pedestrian street that now embodies Guangzhou’s "old-town charm" amid the city’s rapid modernization.
Unlike Beijing Road (Guangzhou’s other famous commercial street, which leans more toward international brands and modern malls), Shangxiajiu retains a strong sense of locality. Its low-rise buildings, colorful facades, and street-side stalls hark back to a slower pace of life. In 1995, its official designation as a pedestrian mall solidified its role as a cultural landmark, ensuring its historical architecture and traditional businesses were protected. Today, walking here feels like stepping into a time capsule—you can buy handcrafted dim sum from a 100-year-old shop, admire 1920s European-style balconies, and watch street performers showcase Cantonese opera excerpts.
One of Shangxiajiu’s most striking features is its architecture—a unique fusion of Lingnan’s traditional "Qilou" (arcade buildings) and European colonial influences, a legacy of Guangzhou’s history as a major port city.
The street is lined with Qilou structures, designed to adapt to Guangzhou’s hot, humid climate and frequent rain. Their covered ground-floor arcades let pedestrians walk, shop, and dine sheltered from sun and rain. Facades are adorned with colorful ceramic tiles, carved wooden windows, and Chinese motifs (dragons, peonies), mixed with Western geometric patterns. Many have been restored with modern LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere at night.
Interspersed among Qilou are buildings with Baroque or Neoclassical styles—reminders of Guangzhou’s 19th–20th century role as a treaty port. Some have curved iron balconies; others feature columns and domes. Once home to foreign banks and luxury stores, they now house local boutiques, tea shops, and restaurants.
Dozens of bronze statues line the street, depicting real-life scenes: a vendor selling "sugar painting," an elderly man sipping chrysanthemum tea, and famous Cantonese figures. Each has a bilingual (Chinese-English) plaque explaining its significance, making them both photo spots and educational tools.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a food lover’s paradise, filled with stalls and restaurants offering a wide range of Cantonese snacks and street food. Here are some must-try dishes:
Dim Sum (点心)
steamed shrimp dumplings
Roast Meat (烧味)
Guangzhou is famous for its roast meats, including roast duck (烧鸭), BBQ pork (叉烧), and roast goose (烧鹅). These savory treats are often served with rice or noodles and are a must-try.You’ll find many small shops serving roast meat along the street, where you can watch the chefs slice the crispy meats fresh from the rotisserie.Cantonese Street Snacks
Wonton Noodles (云吞面): A classic Cantonese noodle dish made with thin egg noodles and filled wontons, often served with a savory broth.Shamian Island Sweets:
A short walk from Shangxiajiu, Shamian Island is home to some of the best Cantonese desserts. Try local favorites like Mango Pudding (芒果布丁) or Tapioca Coconut Milk (椰汁西米露) for a refreshing treat.Cantonese Soup (炖汤)
Cantonese soup is often regarded as a healthy, flavorful option. Try Double-boiled Soup (炖汤), which is slow-cooked to extract all the nutrients from ingredients like herbs, chicken, and pork bones.
Traditional Crafts
You can find Cantonese-style porcelain items, embroidered silk, and lacquerware in the many souvenir shops along the street. These make for great gifts or mementos of your visit to Guangzhou.Tea and Tea Accessories
Guangzhou is known for its tea culture, so look for tea shops offering Oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, and Jasmine tea. Many of these shops also sell tea sets, which are beautifully designed and perfect for tea lovers.Fashion and Accessories
While Shangxiajiu has its share of traditional goods, you'll also find trendy fashion stores selling local fashion and accessories at affordable prices, including handbags, shoes, and jewelry.Souvenir Shops
There are plenty of souvenir stores where you can pick up traditional Chinese fans, Cantonese opera masks, and Chinese calligraphy items as unique souvenirs.By Metro
Line 1 (Green Line): The easiest way to reach Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is by taking Line 1 of the Guangzhou Metro. Get off at Changshou Road Station (长寿路站) or Ximenkou Station (西门口站), which are both just a short walk from the street.
Once you exit the station, you'll immediately find the pedestrian street bustling with activity.
By Bus
Several buses pass through this area. You can take bus routes like 15, 34, 85, or 533, and get off at Shangxiajiu Station (上下九站).
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
You can also use Didi or a taxi to get directly to the pedestrian street. Just tell the driver "Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street" (上下九步行街) and they will drop you off at the entrance.
From on request
From on request
From $ 364
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