Old Guangzhou Left Behind in Eaves and Alleys

Xiguan, the heart of old Guangzhou, features the Qilou arcade for sheltering from rain and sun, the spacious Deyue with its deep courtyard, and a lifestyle interwoven with Cantonese opera and crafts. Starting from the regenerated alleys of Yongqingfang to the Yaning Road and Liwan Museum, you'll see the residential structures left behind by new shops. In Shangxia Jiu, you can also observe the upper floor windows and the continuous columns of the commercial street.

Samundao showcases Western-style architecture and the Lourdes Cathedral, gathering eight real locations. This itinerary does not just focus on architectural styles but also reads the context of trade, concessions, residential areas, and urban regeneration. Please refrain from entering home doors or photographing faces in alleys and religious facilities. The schedule includes etiquette for mobility and sightseeing, advising you to walk in divided sections of Liwan and Dongshankou.

Starting the Xiguan exploration from Tianzi Station or Huangsha Station is recommended, with the option to shorten the route based on individual interests to visit Liwan Museum, Yaning Road, Yongqingfang, and Shangxia Jiu. You can allocate another half day for Samundao to appreciate the architecture without hurrying. Since Dongshankou belongs to the opposite lifestyle area, avoid cramming it into the same day; instead, focus on a schedule that highlights Western-style architecture and alley culture.

Under the Qilou, not only tourists but also residents and merchants use the passageways. Avoid blocking paths with tripods and long shots, and don’t take close photos of houses, windows, or laundry. Let’s observe not just the new signs in the regenerated alleys but also the thresholds, courtyards, ventilation, and shading structures. If we can find architectural elements that have developed in response to rain and heat, old Guangzhou will be seen not as a mummified past but as a space still alive with activity.