"Of all the things in the world, only good food and love are not to be missed." Food provides not just the necessary energy for our bodies but also a deep sense of satisfaction for our souls. Liwan is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich array of traditional Cantonese cuisine and unique snacks that leave a lasting impression.
To further enable tourists to savor the flavors of old Xiguan and experience Guangzhou's unique culinary culture, Liwan District has meticulously developed six major food clusters. Today, let's follow the footsteps of the Xiguan food ambassador, "Huishi Cat," and first visit the Shangxiajiu-Yongqing Fang: a "Classic Culinary Heritage District" embodying Lingnan cultural features. Let's embark on this spontaneous food journey together!
Huishi Cat
The charm of everyday life soothes the soul. Stepping into the Shangxiajiu-Yongqing Fang "Classic Culinary Heritage District," you'll first notice the exquisite and elegant arcade buildings and the neatly arranged signs hanging on both sides of the street, guiding every foodie.
The air is filled with tantalizing aromas, an orchestration of various delicacies that compel you to take deep breaths, wanting to absorb all the goodness. Born of water, flourishing with commerce, and renowned for its streets, Liwan's Shangxiajiu is a testament to Guangzhou's history of foreign trade sparking local business growth.
It's a vibrant link that extends and converges the millennium-old commercial culture of the southern capital. It is a typical example of a traditional Lingnan arcade commercial street, as well as a gathering place for Xiguan cuisine. Walking on this colorful arcade street, every step is a beat of happiness.
Located on Enning Road in Guangzhou's Liwan District, Yongqing Fang is a historic cultural area that combines tradition with modernity, exuding Cantonese charm, and highlighting Lingnan culture. The area meticulously adopts "embroidery" techniques to improve the living environment, preserving the city's memory and nostalgia.
Yongqing Fang emphasizes the integration of "new" and "old" by implementing facade restorations that maintain the traditional historical appearance of old buildings. The internal structures are first assessed and then reinforced to better retain the old architectural style, preserving features like arcade streets, cobblestone roads, and unique Lingnan architectural elements, making it a model for "embroidery-style" micro-renovations.
Featured eateries
Tao Tao Ju: Famous for its shrimp dumplings and century-old roast goose.
Tao Tao Ju: Known for its crispy skin water buffalo milk pineapple bun and sticky rice chicken with cheese.
Lian Xiang Lou: Renowned for its double-yolk lotus seed mooncakes and rose soy sauce chicken.
Lian Xiang Lou: Famous for its king shrimp dumplings and eight-treasure winter melon soup.
Imagine the air filled with various enticing food aromas, from street corners to alleyways, with every bite being an ultimate treat for the taste buds. The golden, crispy roast goose paired with special sauce bursts with juice at the first bite, providing immense satisfaction! Entering a snack shop, you’ll find steaming clay pot porridge, aromatic red rice sausage, and soft sticky rice chicken—each dish embodies authentic Xiguan flavors, leaving a lingering taste!
The dessert area is even more popular, offering colorful ice creams, creamy double-skin milk, and unique trending beverages—each bite a perfect representation of a sweet life!
Not just about food, Yongqing Fang's street signs and guide systems incorporate elements of "Xiguan copper beating" and Lingnan floral windows, recreating the atmosphere of a thousand-year-old commercial capital. It successfully creates a provincial Cantonese opera cultural ecological protection experimental zone and has been declared a national 4A-level scenic spot. Streets and alleys are planted with greenery, with harbor parking lots and star-rated public restrooms added.
Taste the delicious dishes and fill your heart with joy. Bring your family and friends to experience the culinary journey of Shangxiajiu and Yongqing Fang! Remember, every dish carries a story, and every tasting is a love for life!
As "Huishi Cat" delves deeper into the six major food clusters, the aromas of various delicacies become even richer. To know what happens next, please follow the "Taste Xiguan" mini program for the next issue's guide to the "European Style Culinary District" of Shamian Island!
Taste Xiguan mini program QR Code
Reporter | Clarice
Photo provided to GDToday
Editor | Will, James
