Nestled on the southwestern side of the expansive Liwan Lake Park, the Yongqing Fang historical quarter is more than just a neighbor—it is the cultural and historical heart of the park, an organic part of its landscape. It is not strictly an open-air museum, but a meticulously revived, living neighborhood where every alleyway and canal breathes the history of old Guangzhou.
The Past of Yongqing Fang Quarter
In the 19th century, during the heyday of Canton (Guangzhou) as China`s sole port open to foreign trade, this area was the heart of the prestigious Xiguan residential district. It was home to the wealthiest "Hong" merchants (co-hongs) who held the exclusive right to trade with the West, high-ranking officials, and influential families. Their wealth was built on silk, porcelain, and, of course, tea.
The district was a labyrinth of narrow lanes ("alleys"), behind whose high walls lay luxurious mansions with inner courtyards—classic Xiguan architecture that adapted traditional Cantonese style to urban conditions and demonstrated the owner`s status.
The Present of Yongqing Fang Quarter: What Tourists See Today
Today, after extensive and delicate restoration, Yongqing Fang presents itself to visitors in all its renewed splendor.
Ancient Xiguan Houses: Tourists can see and even step inside restored traditional mansions ("Xiguan Dawu"). Their distinctive features include grey brick walls, intricately carved blackwood doors with latticework ("manhua"), elegant pointed gables adorned with stucco, and cozy inner courtyard patios.
Liwan Museum: This is a key attraction for understanding the context. Housed within one of the restored complexes, the museum consists of several buildings. In one, visitors can examine in detail the interiors and layout of an old house; in another, they can immerse themselves in the history of 19th-century Canton through exhibits on maritime trade, merchant life, Western influence, and unique local culture.
The Jewel of the District is the picturesque canal, stylistically reminiscent of the famous canals of Suzhou. Leisure boats glide along its calm waters, offering the best views. The canal banks are paved with old stone, and the beautifully restored facades of the houses reflect in the water. In several places, mighty banyan trees bend over the water, their aerial roots creating magical, almost mystical landscapes.
Architectural Accents: Wen Pagoda
Wen Pagoda: Also known as Yunjin Pavilion or Wenbi Pagoda, this elegant hexagonal, three-tiered pagoda was built in 1865 (Qing Dynasty). Its construction was not purely a religious act. It served the function of a "Literature Pagoda" (Wen Ta), which, according to Feng Shui, was intended to enhance the literary and cultural aura of the area, bring success in imperial examinations, and foster the emergence of talented individuals. Its slender silhouette has become the architectural focal point and symbol of the district.
Lychee Bay Stone: At one of the entrances to the quarter stands a large stone engraved with the characters "Lychee Bay". This is the historical name for the entire area, officially recognized as a National-Level Tourist Attraction. The stone marks the entrance to the scenic zone, which is part of the Xiguan Yongqing Fang Tourist Area.
The Yongqing Fang Historical Quarter today is a brilliant example of urban revitalization. It is a place where history is not preserved in aspic but integrated into the modern urban fabric. Here, you can drink tea in a café housed in an ancient building, browse shops selling local crafts, take a boat ride, and, most importantly, feel the atmosphere of the very "Canton of the Thirteen Factories," where the fate of world trade was once decided.
