If you are looking for retail therapy after a full day of sightseeing in Guangzhou, don’t miss out on the shopping thoroughfare of Beijing Lu. A historical Guangzhou shopping street with lively atmosphere, glittering arrays of trendy shops housed in traditional Xiguan architectures and a section of old stone road was showcased under glass that can date back to the Song dynasty (960 – 1279 A.D).
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is easily accessible from Beijing Lu subway station, line 6. The vibrant shopping paradise is always bustling with charm: huge crowds, music blaring, sales clapping hands, dancing, offering free goodies…going out of their ways to entice customers into their shops.
Unlike the chaotic, dirty wholesale markets in Guangzhou, both sides of the exceptionally clean shopping street in Guangzhou is lined with big shade trees, an incredible rows of trendy fashion shops, most are local brands, eateries shops from snacks to cafes to restaurants. It has everything you can imagine: clothes, shoes, hats, scarves, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, ice cream, street food, McDonald, cafes, restaurants offering Chinese cuisine, Southeast Asia Cuisine or western food. However, if you are looking for a fine dining experience Beijing Road Pedestrian Street fails coz there are usually long queues in some restaurants.
It’s a nice place to buy souvenirs from China at wallet-friendly rates. For shopaholics the best deals are usually found in the small alleys.
The Xinhua book store in the central of Beijing Road is a good place to grasp an English version Map of Guangzhou or English Maps of other places in China.
Lanterns in traditional Chinese red color are hanging on the tree, adding festive atmosphere. If you want to share on facebook or instagram that you are unmistakably shopping in China, this is the go-to-place for selfies.
It’s an interesting place to browse and soak in the atmosphere if you are not planning to buy anything. At the end of Beijing Road you can also hop-on Guangzhou Sightseeing Bus that will take you through major tourist attractions in Guangzhou.
Tips:
- Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Be prepared to haggle.
- Bring cash.
- Stay away from people who are luring you into buying cheap knockoffs or massages.
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