Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is one of the most famous commercial streets in Guangzhou with a history spanning over 1,200 years. Located in the historic Liwan District, this 1,237-meter-long pedestrian street preserves the traditional Lingnan architectural style with its iconic arcaded buildings featuring continuous covered walkways that protect pedestrians from both rain and sun. The street gets its name from the combination of Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road, and Dishifu Road. It represents the heart of old Guangzhou's commercial district and serves as a living museum of Cantonese culture, architecture, and commerce. The area flourished during the Qing Dynasty as a major trading hub and continues to be a bustling center for traditional Cantonese businesses, including herbal medicine shops, silk stores, tea houses, and local snack vendors. The architecture features Western-style arcades combined with traditional Chinese elements, creating a unique blend that reflects Guangzhou's history as a major port city and its interactions with foreign traders.