Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Overview

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街) is a 1.2-km-long commercial strip in the Liwan District, famous for its beautifully preserved Qilou (arcade) architecture — shophouses with covered colonnades that shelter pedestrians from sun and rain.

Highlights

• Qilou Architecture: Rows of early 20th-century arcade buildings blending Cantonese, Western, and Southeast Asian design motifs.
• Street Food: Legendary Cantonese bites including shrimp dumplings, egg tarts, and roast goose from century-old stalls.
• Night Market: After dark the street transforms into a bustling food and souvenir market.

History

The Qilou arcades were built in the 1920s–1930s by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia. The pedestrian zone was formalized in 1995, making it one of China's earliest car-free shopping streets.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Late afternoon through evening for peak atmosphere.
• Combine: Walk from Shangxiajiu south to Shamian Island; the two are 10 minutes apart on foot.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.