Beijing Road is not just the main pedestrian and commercial artery of Guangzhou, but also a fascinating historical layer where, beneath the feet of modern shoppers, one can glimpse the ancient city. It is an essential destination for any tourist wishing to feel the city`s pulse and touch its 2,000-year history.
General View and Atmosphere: The street is a lively, always crowded pedestrian zone. Its appearance is a harmonious, though contrasting, blend of shiny storefronts of international brands (Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, H&M) and old facades in colonial or traditional Cantonese styles. The sounds of modern music from shops mix with the aromas of fried stinky tofu and bubble tea. The main pedestrian section stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers from north to south, from Zhongshan Square to the Tianhe district. However, the most historical and bustling stretch is about 440 meters long.
The Main Uniqueness: Archaeological Excavations Underfoot
The most interesting attraction on Beijing Road is located under pedestrians` feet. In the center of the pedestrian zone on Beijing Road, approximately 100 meters south of the intersection with Zhongshan Si Road, there is a fascinating historical site. This is a section about 20 meters long, covered with sturdy glass panels embedded directly into the modern pavement.
What tourists see under the glass: Beneath the glass lies a single, well-preserved stone-paved road. Archaeological excavations and research have confirmed that this pavement dates to the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. This is approximately the 17th–18th centuries AD. Thus, it is not the most ancient, but one of the later historical streets, yet its age is still impressive—about 300-400 years.
Model of Old Guangzhou
Next to the ancient pavement is another historical object—a model of the ancient city of Guangzhou from the Ming and Qing dynasties (approximately the 14th–19th centuries). What is depicted on the model?
• The clear layout of city walls and gates.
• A labyrinth of narrow streets and canals.
• Key historical buildings: towers, temples, government institutions.
• The port on the Pearl River with numerous junks.
The model helps visualize what Guangzhou looked like during its heyday as the most important trading port of the Maritime Silk Road. This was the time when the city (then known as Canton) was the "Gateway to China" for foreign merchants.
Beijing Road - A Paradise for Shoppers and Foodies
Shopping: Hundreds of stores are represented here—from global fast-fashion giants to popular Chinese brands (Li-Ning, Anta) and huge multi-story shopping malls (e.g., Grandbuy Boutique Plaza). Prices are affordable, and sales are frequent. It`s an excellent place to buy clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Restaurants and Food: Numerous alleyways serving as "food courts" branch off from the main street. Here you can find everything:
• Cantonese cuisine: from exquisite dim sum in restaurants to street-style steamed rice noodle rolls (cheong fun).
• Street fast food: fried squid on a stick, crab sticks, caramelized fruit.
• Modern trends: bubble tea, fried cheese tofu, cake shops.
• The famous Cantonese pastry chain "Taihao" (Taotaoju) also has a representative here.
The Magic of Evening: The Lighting Lanterns
As dusk falls, Beijing Road transforms. The evening lighting is switched on. On shops and restaurants, there are neon signs, as well as stylized Chinese red lanterns hung on trees. They create a warm, cozy, almost festive illumination, tinting the building facades in golden-scarlet tones. Under this soft light, the stroll becomes especially romantic and atmospheric.
Visiting Beijing Road is "two-in-one." You combine intensive and accessible shopping with an interesting immersion into the city`s history. It is the perfect spot to buy souvenirs and new items, try local street food, and see what Canton looked like several centuries ago.
