In this city where history and modernity converge, new journeys are constantly unfolding. Every neighborhood that embodies the vitality of the city, every corner hidden between bustling and tranquil, and every dish that is either traditional or innovative, all seem to be growing with a fresh new atmosphere. New journeys are constantly unfolding, and we are exploring Guangzhou with a fresh perspective – this unique modern Lingnan capital. We discover the unusual amidst the ordinary in the old city’s life, trace the trajectory of the ‘future tense’ in the veins of history, and reveal the unique temperament of this city that is both relaxed and full of tension.
Guangzhou’s old city best reflects the historical genes and cultural depth of this city, and it is a destination that no visitor will miss. The Xi Guan area in Liwan District, which holds the representative of Lingnan culture and historical traces, was also the symbol of capital in ancient Guangzhou. It is naturally the best starting point to understand Guangzhou from the beginning. During the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China period, Xi Guan was to Guangzhou what the Upper East Side was to New York.
Arcade buildings carry the memories of Guangzhou’s citizens, narrating the story of the city from the past to the present.
Having explored the charm of ‘Western Ladies’, one must then experience the elegance of ‘Eastern Gentlemen’. The allusion to ‘Western Ladies, Eastern Gentlemen’ not only represents the cultural characteristics of different areas in old Guangzhou but also reflects the diverse social landscape. Walking from the bustling Western District to Dongshankou, the scenery along the road gradually becomes tranquil and elegant. The continuous arcade buildings transform into standalone houses with Western styles. Besides the increasing area occupied by moss on the exterior walls, the charm remains unchanged over the years. Dongshankou, which blends Chinese and Western cultural philosophies of life, showcases a transition from traditional elegance to modern refinement, and is a must-visit to understand modern Guangzhou. Dongshankou, once a gathering place for Guangzhou’s prestigious families, has been infused with a new vitality of Sino-Western fusion due to its modern historical traces and unique development trajectory. From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, the opening of Guangzhou Port made Dongshankou one of the earliest areas in Guangzhou to be exposed to Western culture, attracting a large number of intellectuals, merchants, and foreigners. The Western influences in education, art, and religion collided and merged with Chinese traditional culture, giving birth to a unique Dongshan culture. During this period, many European-style buildings were constructed here, including consulates, churches, and chambers of commerce, bringing a series of Western-style architecture. The overseas Chinese of that time can be said to be the earliest group in Guangzhou to play with ‘New Chinese Style’. They integrated Western aesthetics into the Lingnan houses, creating the red-brick buildings that are still in use today. Behind each small building, there may be a heart-wrenching or sigh-inducing story. The former mansions and Western-style houses have now become cultural, trendy, and artistic hubs. Dongshankou, in its unique way, is propelling the city forward. Continuing to move eastward, the modern texture of Zhujiang New Town gradually becomes clear, symbolizing the new world with its skyscrapers standing in orderly ranks. However, Guangzhou’s urban temperament has softened some of the sharpness of the metropolis. In this CBD with towering buildings, there are endless business topics, as well as cultural and artistic landmarks scattered among the steel forest, bringing a unique warmth and depth to the city. The Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Museum, and Guangzhou Library are interestingly located, forming a tripartite base of the CBD’s central axis. It seems as if they are supporting the future of Guangzhou, replacing the hustle and bustle of the city with the tranquility of a book, the profundity of a painting, and the passion of a play, even showing a sense of detachment from the world.Guangzhou Opera House, the first work by Zaha Hadid in China, is envisioned by her as two pebbles washed by the Pearl River. To many, it resembles a space ark docked in the city center, bringing avant-garde art into the everyday life of Guangzhou.
Directly opposite the Opera House is the Guangdong Museum, a square-shaped ‘traditional treasure box’ that houses cultural and historical crystallizations radiating from the local area to the world. Its internal spaces are superimposed, unfolding like boxes within boxes, inviting exploration.
Adjacent to this is the Guangzhou Library, which, with its transparent and open demeanor, constructs a mountain range that embraces knowledge.
