Explore Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: Authentic Guangzhou on a Budget

Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a Chinese traveler passionate about independent journeys. Rather than popular tourist spots, I prefer exploring authentic locales hidden within city corners. If you’re like me and enjoy experiencing a city’s genuine essence on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I invite you to delve into one of Guangzhou’s most culturally rich streets—Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. Despite multiple visits to Guangzhou, I find myself repeatedly drawn to this area, captivated by its vintage arcades, bustling alleys, delectable local snacks, and enduring traditional shops. Let’s explore how to experience the most authentic side of Guangzhou through independent travel.

Introduction to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street stands as one of Guangzhou’s top three traditional commercial hubs. Stretching over 1,237 meters, this street is lined with more than 300 shops. It has evolved into a unique pedestrian street that blends Chinese and Western styles, showcasing the distinctive charm of the Xiguan area.

• Address: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; most shops operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
• Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
• Admission: Free

Historical Background

As early as the 620s, the area around Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street had become a commercial gathering spot. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the establishment of the Huaiyuan Courier Station (located on the south side of today’s Xiajiu Road) to receive foreign envoys and merchants, the opening of the Daguan River, and the rise of the Thirteen Factories as a significant port for Guangzhou’s foreign trade, wealthy merchants began building residences in Xiguan. Subsequently, various Suzhou-Hangzhou general stores, foreign goods shops, and tea houses emerged. At that time, Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road, and the Thirteen Factories area saw many merchants settling and conducting business. This prosperity continued until the late Qing dynasty, making it an essential window for Guangzhou’s domestic and international trade.

Why You Should Visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street?

Rich Historical and Cultural Significance with Unique Architectural Style

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is one of Guangzhou’s three traditional commercial centers. With over 1,300 years of history, it has been a bustling commercial hub since the Tang dynasty, witnessing the economic development and cultural changes of Guangzhou and the entire Lingnan region. The street’s architecture primarily features traditional Lingnan arcade-style buildings. These structures are not only practical—providing shade and shelter from rain—but also hold significant artistic value. The design of these arcades combines Chinese and Western architectural elements, reflecting the openness and inclusiveness of Lingnan culture.

Vibrant Commercial Activities and Diverse Products

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street attracts countless visitors with its unique Xiguan charm. The street is lined with over 300 shops, ranging from traditional time-honored brands to trendy boutiques. Renowned establishments like Taotaoju and Lianxianglou embody Guangzhou’s traditional craftsmanship and culture. Visitors can savor authentic Guangzhou delicacies here, such as Pantang Water Chestnut Cake and Chentianji Fish Skin.

Top Things to Do in Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

What to Buy on Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street?

Dongji Xintiandi Shopping Mall

• Recommendation: This mall offers clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and more. The clothing is affordable, with prices for tops under 50 CNY. The quality is average, and styles are relatively mainstream.
• Address: No. 90-92 Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Huangshanghuang Cured Meat Shop (Xiajiu Branch)

• Recommendation: A great place to buy cured meats, including various sausages and cured pork of excellent quality. Vacuum packaging makes it convenient to carry, suitable for personal consumption or as gifts.
• Address: No. 3 Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Recommended Restaurants on Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Chentianji Fish Skin

• Recommendation: A third-generation Xiguan specialty snack! The fish skin is crispier than chips, paired with peanuts and a secret sauce—absolutely delicious.
• Address: No. 2-2, 3rd Alley, No. 15 Baohua Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Average Price: 30 CNY

Nanxin Milk Desserts Expert

• Recommendation: Highly recommend the double-skin milk! Made from buffalo milk, the milk skin is silky smooth. The red beans are cooked to perfection, and the mango in the mango pomelo sago is abundant.
• Address: No. 47 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Average Price: 13 CNY

Li De Noodle House

• Recommendation: Highly recommend the wonton noodles. The bamboo-pressed noodles are so springy they could dance, and the fresh shrimp wontons contain three whole shrimp. The broth is rich with the aroma of dried flounder.
• Address: No. 296-298 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Average Price: 48 CNY

Cheap Hotel Recommendation

If you want to explore Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in depth, consider staying in the Liwan District. This area is suitable for most travelers, and I recommend staying near the “Chen Clan Academy” metro station. This location offers access to Metro Line 1 and Line 8, and it’s surrounded by popular attractions and local food. It is also very close to places like Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqingfang, and Shamian Island. Additionally, it’s convenient to travel to the Canton Tower, Guangzhou Opera House, the Guangdong Provincial Museum, and the Guangzhou Zoo. Getting to and from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is also relatively convenient.

Feifan International Hotel (Guangzhou Zhongshan 8th Subway Station Yongqingfang Branch)

• Location: 10 minutes walk from Chen Clan Academy Metro Station, 9 minutes walk from Changshou Road Metro Station
• Price Range: 297 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: 4.6 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service, triple rooms

The hotel is ideally located with various dining options just outside. Attractions like Chen Clan Academy and Lychee Bay are just a short walk of over ten minutes away. There are bus services right downstairs, and the metro station is only a ten-minute walk.

The rooms are luxuriously simple and comfortable with well-separated dry and wet areas in the bathrooms. The rooms are spacious and bright, exceptionally clean, with fresh, odor-free bedding. The staff is enthusiastic and attentive.

Liangyou Departure Hotel (Guangzhou Ximenkou Subway Station Beijing Road Pedestrian Street)

• Location: 10 minutes walk from Ximenkou Metro Station, 14 minutes walk from Chen Clan Academy Metro Station
• Price Range: 315 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials
• Rating: 4.7 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room

Excellent location with plenty of dining options on Xihua Road just downstairs. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Ximenkou Metro Station, where Lines 1 and 2 offer easy access to numerous attractions. A taxi ride from Shamian Island back to the hotel costs only 14 RMB, making it extremely convenient and highly recommended.

Great service, clean, tidy, and comfortable rooms with good soundproofing. The rooms are well-equipped with large projection screens that provide excellent viewing quality. The breakfast is abundant. The laundry facilities on the 15th floor are conveniently accessible.

Yizhi Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road Chen Clan Academy Metro Station)

• Location: 3 minutes walk from Chen Clan Academy Metro Station
• Price Range: 429 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: 4.5 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service

Excellently located next to the metro station and major bus hubs, providing convenient access to Chen Clan Academy, Tianhe CBD, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, and the Pearl River night cruise.

The rooms are designed with simplicity and elegance, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ample natural light. The bedding is soft and skin-friendly. The bathrooms are well designed with wet and dry separation and equipped with smart toilets. The daily cleaning service is meticulous, ensuring even the corners are spotless.

How to Get to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street from Downtown Guangzhou

Taking the metro is the most convenient way. Once you get off at Huangsha Station, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street.

Metro

Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 and get off at Huangsha Station. Exit from Exit B, walk through the Link Plaza Mall, and cross Datong Road. You will reach the pedestrian street within 10 minutes.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Taking a ride-hailing service or taxi from the downtown area to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street takes about 20 minutes and costs around 15 CNY.

FAQ