Haizhu South Road in Yuexiu District is steeped in the commercial legacy of old Guangzhou. Named after the ancient Haizhu Rock, it served as a trading hub for foreign vessels as early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and later developed into a top wholesale hub for dried seafood and cured meats during the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912). In 1932, arcade buildings rose here, making it one of the city's early commercial business districts.
By day, the street bustles with wholesale trade. When night falls, the bustling crowds fade, leaving warm streetlights to glow against its time-worn arcades. Linji Congee Shop, in operation since 1978, still serves slow-simmered savory congee and crispy fried snacks, while nearby eateries offer time-honored soups. Against the backdrop of glittering skyscrapers in the distance, this old street preserves the gentle, authentic charm of old Guangzhou. Its stone paving slabs, faded shop signs, and quiet alleys hold precious memories rarely found in guidebooks. Locals who left long ago often return, not just for familiar flavors, but for the bygone days tucked away in these lanes.
Author | Jiang Chang
Video Source | IP Guangdong Creator 叶文浩
