A Taste of Old Canton: A Walk Through Guangzhou's Xiguan District
Long before Guangzhou became a modern trade behemoth, its cultural heart beat in the western district of Xiguan. This was the historic home of the city's wealthy merchants and intellectuals, and a walk through its old lanes today is a delicious journey into the soul of old Canton.
Your route should begin in the beautifully restored Lychee Bay area, with its gentle canals, ancient banyan trees, and graceful stone bridges. From there, wander into the Yongqing Fang historical block, a vibrant area where traditional "Qilou" architecture—buildings with distinctive covered arcades over the sidewalk—has been given a new life with trendy cafes, bookstores, and craft shops. You can visit the Cantonese Opera Museum to learn about this dramatic art form, and even see the former home of martial arts legend Bruce Lee's father.
Insider Tip:
This area is a food lover's paradise, famous for traditional Cantonese snacks known as xī guān xiǎo chī. As you walk, be sure to seek out local specialties from generations-old shops. Don't miss trying a bowl of sweet, warming ginger milk curd (jiāng zhuàng nǎi) or a plate of silky rice noodle rolls (cháng fěn).
