Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: the Earliest Pedestrian Street Opened in China
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street comprises three streets: Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road, and Dishifu Road. It has a total length of 1,218 meters.
The buildings on both sides of the street are mainly in the qilou style. It is a commercial street that combines dining, entertainment, and shopping. The shops sell clothing, shoes, jewelry, and snacks.
- Location: No. 59-60, Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
- Opening Hours: all day
- Ticket Price: free
Best Time to Visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Guangzhou is a city with no cold weather. Except for summer, which is hot and brings many rainstorms and typhoons, the rest of the year is almost always warm and pleasant. So, it is suitable for going out and shopping all year round.
However, you should still avoid traveling in summer to keep bad weather from affecting your plans. Also, try to avoid China's public holidays, such as Labor Day and National Day. These are peak travel periods, and the scenic spots in Guangzhou will be more crowded than usual.
Related Reading: Guangzhou Weather
Best Local Food at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
The main reason Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street attracts both locals and tourists is the food. This is where many of the culinary traditions of Canton originated.
Double-Skin Milk Pudding
Double-Skin Milk Pudding has a smooth, silky texture. Under its pure white skin lies a rich, creamy milk flavor. The traditional method uses fresh water buffalo milk and a complex cooling process to form a thick milk skin. You can try the warm version with red beans or lotus seeds, or enjoy a refreshing cold bowl of double‑layer milk custard in the summer.
Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls
As the soul of Guangzhou's morning tea and late‑night meals, rice noodle rolls are known for their paper‑thin, translucent, and springy noodle sheets. Whether you choose shrimp rice noodle rolls or beef ones, they are served with a special sweet soy sauce and a few pieces of crisp lettuce. Every bite gives you the light fragrance of rice and the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Wonton Noodles
Authentic Xiguan wonton noodles are known for their goldfish tail-shaped wontons and bamboo‑pressed noodles made with duck eggs, which give the noodles a firm and chewy texture.
The soup base is made by simmering dried flounder, dried shrimp, and pork bones for several hours, resulting in a clear, fresh, and rich broth. When eating the noodles, don't forget to add a little vinegar to enhance the flavor.
Traditional Cantonese Pastries
As you walk down the street, you will often be drawn by the smell of baking. You can find wife cakes with a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy filling, as well as sweet and savory chicken cookies. These snacks are usually made with the most traditional recipes and are perfect for a small afternoon treat.
Shopping at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Shopping at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a unique experience that mixes fast fashion with traditional market vibes. Unlike the luxury shopping malls in Zhujiang New Town, this is a better place for shoppers who like to hunt for bargains.
Trendy Fashion and Accessories
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a real treasure hunt for young people in Guangzhou. There are hundreds of small boutiques selling the latest casual clothing, shoes, hats, and trendy backpacks. Prices are usually affordable. If you have some bargaining skills, you can often get amazing deals on items you like.
Local Specialties and Dried Goods
Both sides of the street are lined with shops selling Guangdong specialty products. You can find everything from dried tangerine peel and preserved fruits to beautifully packaged gift boxes of pastries. In addition, near the seafood market area, you can buy good‑quality dried seafood, which makes an ideal gift to bring back home.
Jade and Traditional Handicrafts
Around Shangxiajiu, there are also many stalls selling jade, crystal, and traditional handmade artworks. From delicate bracelets to small home decorations in the Lingnan style, these items all showcase the fine craftsmanship of old Guangzhou.
Related Reading: Shopping in Guangzhou
Highlight of Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
What makes Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street more than just a place to shop is its deep connection to the history of Lingnan. The architecture, sculptures, and night views here all display the traditional way of life in old Guangdong.
The Magnificent Qilou Architecture
The most striking feature of Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is the continuous rows of qilou buildings. This traditional commercial‑residential building type has a ground‑floor pedestrian walkway supported by pillars.
It was inspired by the arcade buildings in Southeast Asian colonies and cleverly adapted to the local climate and the bamboo tube house structure, with the aim of sheltering pedestrians from rain and the hot sun.
As you walk beneath them, look up to see delicate Manchu windows and decorative carvings. These blend Baroque and Gothic elements with traditional Chinese patterns, showing the architectural beauty of a Chinese‑Western fusion.
Bronze Sculptures of Old Xiguan Life
Along the street, many life‑size bronze statues act like windows to the past. These sculptures vividly recreate scenes of old Guangzhou life: a barber giving a haircut, a rickshaw puller, and street vendors selling snacks.
They are not only popular spots for taking photos but also tell the daily stories of Xiguan residents a hundred years ago, adding a warm and nostalgic feeling to the street that you can almost touch.
The Attractive Night View
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is full of energy during the day, but its real transformation happens after sunset. When neon signs and traditional lanterns light up against the old qilou buildings, the whole street takes on a unique aesthetic of cyberpunk meets the old world.
The bright, flowing colors of modern advertisements blend with the weathered stone walls, creating one of the most photogenic night views in Guangzhou.
How to Get to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Take a Taxi: After getting in the taxi, show the driver 请带我去上下九步行街 (Please take me to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in English).
By Subway: Take Line 8, get off at Hualin Temple Station, and take Exit B.
By Bus: Take Bus 503 or 61, and get off at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street Bus Stop.
From Guangzhou South Railway Station to the Shangxiajiu
Take a Taxi: It takes 40 minutes and costs CNY60.
By Subway: Take Line 2 from Guangzhou South Station to Changgang Station, then transfer to Line 8 and get off at Wenhua Park Station. Take Exit D, then walk 630 meters. It takes 50 minutes and costs CNY5.
By Bus: Take Bus 312 from Guangzhou South Station to Dachongkou Stop, transfer to Bus 102 to Jinghong Road 1 Stop, then transfer to Bus 288 and get off at Kangwang Nanlu Stop. Finally, walk 500 meters. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs CNY3
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Shangxiajiu
Take a Taxi: It takes 1 hour and costs CNY140.
By Subway: Take the S4943 from Baiyun Airport to Longdong Station, then transfer to Line 6 and get off at Wenhua Park Station. Take Exit D, then walk 820 meters. It takes 2 hours and costs CNY9.
By Bus: Take the S4943 from Baiyun Airport to Keyun Road Station, then transfer to Bus 541 and get off at Longjin Zhonglu Stop. Finally, walk 1 kilometer. It takes 3 hours and costs CNY23.
Related Reading: Guangzhou Transportation
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street vs. Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Although Shangxiajiu Walking Street is as crowded with shops and people as Beijing Road Walking Street. But it has a stronger historical and traditional feel than the more modern Beijing Road.
| Aspect | Shangxiajiu | Beijing Road |
|---|---|---|
| Main Business Types | Time-honored snack shops, affordable clothing, and traditional gold jewelry stores | International brands, large shopping malls |
| Price Level | Low to mid-range | Mid to high-range |
| Visitor Experience | Down-to-earth | More modern |
| Best For | Budget travelers and Guangzhou culture lovers | The young and travelers with a generous budget |
Booking Your Guangzhou Tour
Whether you are visiting Guangzhou for the first time or have been many times, or if you are a business traveler coming for the Canton Fair, China Travel can tailor a satisfying trip based on your interests.
This trip will not only fit your schedule but will also allow you to experience both the modern energy and the historical depth of Guangzhou. Share your ideas with us.
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