Beijing Road
Beijing Road, located in the heart of Guangzhou, is a historic pedestrian mall and cultural hub blending 2,000 years of history with modern commerce. Originating as a bustling market during the Qin Dynasty (214 BCE), it evolved into a political and economic center under the Tang and Song Dynasties. Today, it serves as a UNESCO-recognized "Memory of the World" site, preserving layers of ancient pavements, Qing Dynasty shop houses, and Republican-era architecture. Stretching 1.4 kilometers, the street attracts over 400,000 daily visitors with its mix of shopping, street food, and archaeological wonders.
Historical Overview
Founded in 214 BCE as Panyu City’s main thoroughfare, Beijing Road witnessed the Silk Road’s maritime trade boom during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), it became China’s first "Royal Road," lined with government offices and foreign embassies. The Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) Dynasties saw the rise of guildhalls and traditional pharmacies. In 1920, it transformed into a modern commercial street, featuring the iconic Sun Yat-sen Memorial Library. Archaeological excavations in 2002 uncovered 11 layers of pavements dating from the Qin to the Qing Dynasties, now displayed in situ beneath glass floors.
Structural Layout
The street is divided into three zones:
- Northern Section: Ancient architectural relics, including the Qing Dynasty Liwan Gate Archway and the Ming Dynasty City God Temple.
- Central Section: Modern shopping malls (e.g., Beijinglu Pedestrian Mall) interspersed with historic sites like the 1920s Guangdong Provincial Bank Headquarters.
- Southern Section: Cultural landmarks such as the Guangzhou起义 Memorial Hall (1927) and the Millennium Ancient Pavement Exhibition Hall.
Key structures include the Glass-Floor Archaeological Site (revealing Tang-era streets) and the Double-Decker Bus Stop (a 1960s Soviet-style relic).
Major Attractions
Millennium Ancient Pavement: A 40-meter-long glass walkway showcasing excavated roads from the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.
Great Buddha Temple: A 1,400-year-old Buddhist sanctuary housing a 15-meter-tall seated Buddha and a 900-year-old iron Sengqi statue.
Beijinglu Cultural Tourist Zone: A 1.2km pedestrian zone with 700+ shops, including time-honored brands like Lianxunlou (1840) and Panxifeng (1736).
Guangzhou Uprising Memorial Hall: A 1927 neoclassical building commemorating China’s first urban uprising against the Kuomintang.
Yuexiu Financial Building: A 1937 Art Deco skyscraper, once China’s tallest, now housing a boutique hotel.
Night Market: Open 6 PM–12 AM, featuring Cantonese street snacks like roujiamo (meat burgers) and cheongfun (rice noodles).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Northern Entrance → Millennium Pavement → City God Temple → Great Buddha Temple → Central Shopping District → Memorial Hall → Exit.
Highlights: Archaeological wonders, temple serenity, and shopping.
- Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Add the Guangdong Literature Museum (Qing Dynasty manuscripts), Panxifeng Herbal Tea Shop (traditional medicine workshop), and a 1-hour Cantonese Opera performance at the Lychee Bay Theater.
Highlights: Cultural immersion and culinary heritage.
- Nightlife Route (Full Day):
Morning: Ancient sites and museums. Afternoon: Shopping and herbal tea tasting. Evening: Night market and riverfront cruises along Pearl River.
Highlights: Day-to-night energy shift with river views.
Ticket Purchase
Free Access: The pedestrian street and archaeological site are open to the public.
Nearby Attractions: Dafo Temple (free). Guangzhou Uprising Memorial Hall (free)
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/2: Gongyuanqian Station (Exit D), 5-minute walk. Line 6: Beijing Road Station (Exit A), direct access to the northern section.
By Bus: Routes 1, 3, 10, 66, 183, or 541 to Beijinglu Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to "Beijinglu Pedestrian Street" (¥15–20 from Tianhe District).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 4–7 PM; visit early (9 AM opening) or after 8 PM for night markets.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer calmer shopping.
Weather: Winter (December–February) is mild; summer (June–August) requires hydration.
Essentials: Wear breathable clothing, carry a portable fan, and sample double-skin milk desserts.
Pro Tip: Combine with a Pearl River Cruise (¥68–128) for sunset views of Guangzhou Tower.
