With the Canton Fair underway in Guangzhou, visitors can step away from the exhibition halls and explore the city's historic neighborhoods. From traditional homes to arcaded streets and ancestral halls, these places offer a closer look at living Lingnan culture.
Traditional residence: Wok-ear house
The wok-ear house (镬耳屋) is a signature of Lingnan architecture, named after its curved gables that resemble the handles of a traditional wok. Designed for ventilation and fire prevention, it also symbolizes prosperity and well-being in local tradition.
Shawan Ancient Town (沙湾古镇)
With a history of more than 800 years, Shawan Ancient Town remains one of the best-preserved historic settlements in Guangzhou. Stone lanes wind through clusters of wok-ear houses and oyster-shell walls, with the original village layout largely intact. Walking through the narrow alleys, you can see the craftsmanship up close, including wood, brick and stone carvings.
(Photo: Guangzhou Panyu Release)
Address: No. 64 Daxiangchong Road, Shawan Subdistrict, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区沙湾街道大巷涌路64号)
Traditional residence: Xiguan Mansion
Built by merchants in the late Qing Dynasty in Xiguan, now part of Liwan District, Xiguan Mansions (西关大屋) are known for their spacious layouts and understated elegance. Grey brick walls, carved details and symmetrical structures reflect both wealth and taste.
Yaohua Street Historic and Cultural Block (耀华大街历史文化街区)
This 110-meter-long street preserves the character of traditional Xiguan neighborhoods. Most of its buildings are now listed as historic architecture. Recent restoration has brought new energy to the area. Along the granite-paved lane, rows of traditional sliding doors line the street, offering a glimpse into old Guangzhou.
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Release)
Address: Yaohua East Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区耀华东街)
Liwan Museum (荔湾博物馆)
Liwan Museum houses the Xiguan Folk Customs Hall (西关民俗馆), which offers a close look at everyday life in old Guangzhou, including household interiors, local customs, seasonal festivals, and wedding rituals. One of the highlights of the hall is the Manchurian window. The stained-glass panels soften the light indoors, showing how local architecture once absorbed outside influences and made them its own.
(Photo: GZphotos)
Address: No.82 Fengyuan North Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区逢源北街82号)
Arcaded building: Qilou
The Qilou (arcade buildings, 骑楼) are a defining feature of Guangzhou's historic streets. Designed with covered walkways, they provide shade and shelter from sudden rain—an urban form well suited to Guangzhou's climate.
Yongqing Fang (永庆坊)
Yongqing Fang, a revitalized historic block in the Xiguan area, showcases some of the finest restored Qilou architecture. Under the arcades, long-established eateries sit alongside newer spots.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Release)
The area also brings intangible cultural heritage into daily life, with artisans presenting Cantonese embroidery, enamel work, and traditional skills like wood carving and pottery in workshops and storefronts.
Address: No.99 Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区恩宁路99号)
Nanhua West Historic and Cultural Block (南华西街历史文化街区)
With more than two centuries of history, this area reflects Guangzhou's urban past. Qilou buildings line Tongfu West Road, Nanhua West Road, and Hongde Road. Deep alleys, old houses and stone-paved streets still shape the rhythm of daily life here.
(Photo: Guangzhou Haizhu Release)
Address: Nanhua West Subdistrict, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区南华西街道)
Ancestral Hall
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠)
Also known as the Chen Clan Academy, this is one of the largest and best-preserved ancestral hall complexes in Guangdong. Its layout is precise and symmetrical, while the decorative works, including wood carvings, brick carvings, and pottery sculptures, show a high level of craftsmanship. The site now also houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.
(Photo: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall)
Address: No.34 Enlongli, Zhongshan 7th Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区中山七路恩龙里34号)
Guangyu Ancestral Hall (广裕祠)
With a history of over 600 years, Guangyu Ancestral Hall reflects the migration of Lingnan families over generations. Built along the natural terrain, it features a distinctive screen wall in the shape of the Chinese character "八", a rare sight in the region.
(Photo: Guangzhou Daily)
Address: Qiangang Ancient Village, Taiping Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou (广州市从化区太平镇钱岗古村)
Lingnan Garden
Lingnan gardens are one of the three major styles of classical Chinese garden design. With their compact layouts, intricate carvings, elegant bridges, and picturesque landscapes, they reflect a distinct regional charm.
Yuyin Shanfang Garden (余荫山房)
With a history of more than 150 years, Yuyin Shanfang is one of the four famous classical gardens in Guangdong. It brings together pavilions, halls, and bridges in a poetic setting. The iconic corridor bridge offers rain-sheltered views, while the octagonal Linglong Shuixie pavilion frames classical garden scenery through delicate windows.
(Photo: Yuyin Shanfang)
Address: North Street, Nancun Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区南村镇北大街)
From traditional residences to arcaded streets and classical gardens, these sites offer a vivid glimpse into Lingnan architecture and everyday life in Guangzhou.
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
