[PLACE] 20141223 Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街 @ Liwan, Guangzhou

22:11 4-Star Attraction , Attractions , Buildings , China , Food , Guangzhou , Guide , Liwan , Pedestrian Street , Place , Shangxiajiu , Shopping , Street , Street Food , Street Market , Travel 0 Comments

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街 or also known as Xiguan (西关) consists of upper nine street and lower nine street, hence the name "shang xia jiu" which literally mean upper and lower nine (streets).

Similar to Dongmen that I went in Shenzhen, Shangxiajiu is the centre of attraction for various commercial activities. You can find things to buy or to eat here and the merchandise here are usually to cater for the middle-lower class groups.

You will notice the unique architecture of the surrounding buildings that have a slight European shadow.

The pedestrian street is most accessible via public bus.

广州市荔湾区西关的上九路
Nearest Metro Station: Yide Lu Station
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Daily

TO GO

Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Unfortunately, there's no direct access of Guangzhou Metro line to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. However, the area is very accessible via public mini buses. I particularly like their bus because it goes through many small alleys where you are able to see the hustle and bustle of local lifestyle.

Dexing Road Terminal: Take Bus No. 17, 79 or 79A

Shangxiajiu: Take Bus 530

Baohua Road: Take Bus 5, 6, 15, 61 or 530

ATTRACTION

I took the Bus 17A (A for Air conditioned) after my visit at Chen Clan Monastery at the opposite side of the road to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. I got off at the Dexing Lu Terminal where you are welcomed with rows of shops and street food.

Competition is stiff in China if you want to get noticed by the population in billions here. The bigger the signboard, the better; the more also the better; the popularity of the ambassador is also directly correlated with the popularity of your products.

Rows and rows of street food, some of which selling "imported" street food from Taiwan and Korea. However, nothing here beats those in Dongmen, especially the one I tried in Kiyomi. However, I could be wrong as I didn't try every single stall here.

There's a square located right at the middle of the road, which is known as the Shangxiajiu Square (obviously). 

There are various offerings here with majority in fashion and accessories (the fashion and clothing street is just next to the pedestrian street). Other than that, toys and handicraft items are also available here.

There's also this very old cinema (research after trip to find it was built back in the 1951) that is still operating. Very interesting building indeed as Shangxiajiu was the main centre of commercial activity back in the older days. Just notice the hint of European architecture.

SUMMARY

Overall Shangxiajiu pedestrian street has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and food, but street food lacks authenticity. Do come in night time as the streets will be filled with neon lamp sign boards.

Attraction	☆☆☆☆ very busy pedestrian street with lots of activity
Cleanliness	☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee	Nil
Opening Hours	Daily
Wifi	N/A
Parking	N/A
Website	N/A

GPS: 23.114951, 113.248861