Sometimes the best way to explore a city on foot is to simply wander. As in Guangzhou's city center for more than 2,000 years, Yuexiu District is given both an ancient vibe and modern touch. Come take a city walk in Yuexiu's old buildings and communities to sip at the history and culture here.
Overseas Chinese Village (华侨新村)
Established in 1958, the Overseas Chinese Village is a large-scale overseas Chinese residential area inlaid on Huanshi Dong Road and near Huanghuagang Park. Returned overseas Chinese and their families from more than 20 countries and regions have taken root here.
In this area, two-to-three-story yellow and white buildings with courtyards stand along tree-lined streets. The street wall and even the electrical boxes are painted with images of Cantonese cuisine, flowers, cartoon characters, and cute animals, becoming a riot of color.
Ming Yuan (明园)
Dongshankou, an old neighborhood of Yuexiu District, preserves a cluster of nearly 500 old western-style foreign buildings built by overseas Chinese during the Republic of China period, including Ming Yuan (Ming Garden).
Walking along the winding path of the bamboo forest, you can see two three-story red brick buildings of Ming Yuan, which combine both Chinese and Western architectural elements such as European-style iron window grills, cunninghamia lanceolata-made wooden doors and windows, as well as Shanghai Plaster.
Xin Yuan (馨园)
Xin Yuan, designed by a French designer, used to be the residence of the first police chief of the period of the Republic of China. The colorful glass, old-fashioned gramophones as well as tile patterns there will bring you back to the old days. Furthermore, during the blooming season of Yulan magnolia, the fragrance will fill the courtyard.
Kui Yuan (逵园)
Strolling through the Xinhepu historical and cultural block of the Dongshankou area, you may be drawn to Kui Yuan, a century-old red-brick establishment built by overseas Chinese Ma Zhuowen in 1922.
In 2012, the long-vacant building was transformed into the Kui Yuan Gallery, an innovative art space integrating galleries, cafes, and cultural activities, which has become a representative of the revitalization of Guangzhou's cultural relics.
Jian Yuan (简园)
Jian Yuan is a villa built between 1918 and 1920, and it was once the Consular Office of Germany in Guangzhou. With creamy exterior walls, a garden with a fountain at the center, and a traditional Chinese hexagonal pavilion, this garden has attracted lots of passers-by to pause and admire.
Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu
Reporter: Holly
Editor: Olivia, Nan, Monica, Jerry
