Beijing Road: A Journey Through Time of the Ancient City's Ecosystem and the Commercial Hub of Lingnan

The Name of the Central Axis - An Unwavering Central Line
The name "Beijing Road" may be modern, but the city's backbone it carries is astonishingly ancient. Since the 214th year BC when the Qin general Ren Xiu built "Ren Xiu City" to lay the foundation for Guangzhou, this place has been the core of the city. For over 2,200 years, despite the changes of dynasties and the expansion and contraction of the city walls, the city center of Guangzhou has stubbornly remained fixed here, never deviating. It was once the palace and forbidden area of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Nanzhao Kingdom, and also the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road where merchants gathered. This street is the genetic code that explains why Guangzhou is what it is. 

The Road to Renewal - From Traditional Market to Cultural Tourism Landmark
The modern transformation of Beijing Road is a model of urban renewal that focuses on protection, revitalization and innovation.
- Centuries of Accumulation: Before becoming a modern pedestrian street, this place had already been a centuries-old trade route. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were numerous shops here. Forty years ago, it even gave birth to the first specialized small commodity street in the country - Gao Di Street Industrial Products Market, standing at the forefront of the reform and opening-up movement.
- Masterful Reconstruction: In recent years, the government has followed the principle of "one building, one plan, restoring as it was" to conduct detailed renovations on over 1,000 arcade buildings along the pedestrian street, restoring its historical features of "Lingnan style and民国fashion"， and striving to create a "Lingnan Architecture Museum".
- Stunning Debut： After the renovation， Beijing Road has resonated with its cultural core and commercial vitality. In 2024， the number of visitors reached 134 million， and during the New Year's Eve New Year's Day period， the single-day visitor peak was astonishing. It has successively been awarded titles such as a national 4A-level tourist attraction， a national model pedestrian street， and a national night-time cultural tourism consumption cluster， becoming a vivid illustration of Guangzhou's "old city with new vitality". 

Deep Understanding: Discover More Urban Renewal Wonders in China >> [Shanghai Bund Historical District] | [Chengdu Kuandian Alley]

The charm of Beijing Road lies in the fact that it offers an "immersive" experience that transcends time and space. The wonders here are half hidden beneath the ground and within the bricks and stones, and half flowing in the hustle and bustle of the bustling city life. 

The thousand-year epic beneath the ground - the shock of the archaeological site
Walking along Beijing Road, you are standing on a thick history book.
- Ancient Road Site: Located beneath the glass cover in the middle of the pedestrian street, it is the most impressive sight of Beijing Road. Layer upon layer clearly display the road surface from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China, including Song Dynasty blue bricks and Ming Dynasty stone railings, etc. It directly proves the continuous prosperity of this street and the stability of the city center.
- Nanyue Kingdom Palace Site (Palace Exhibition Area): On one side of the pedestrian street is the palace ruins of the Western Han Dynasty of Nanyue Kingdom. Here are the relics of 12 historical dynasties from the Qin and Han periods to the Republic of China, which can be regarded as the essence of Guangzhou's historical and cultural city. Here, you can imagine the grandeur of the kings of Lingnan two thousand years ago.
- Western Han Water Gate Site (Level -1 of Guangming Square): Hidden beneath the modern shopping mall is the water conservancy project of the Nanyue Kingdom from the 2nd century BC. This is the earliest and most complete wooden water gate in the world, using a sophisticated mortise and tenon structure, demonstrating the outstanding engineering technology of the ancients. 

The Time Museum within the Buildings - A Symphony of Archways and Old Brands
The buildings along the streets are the frozen notes of an era.
- Lingnan Archway Corridor: Over a thousand archways, renovated and connected together, form a corridor that not only provides shelter from the sun and rain but also showcases the concentrated beauty of Lingnan architectural aesthetics. When the lights are turned on at night, the outlines of the archways are beautifully outlined, creating a charming night scene with great charm.
- Matrix of Old Brands: Beijing Road gathers over 50 old brands, among which the Chinese old brands account for one-third of the total in Guangzhou. From Liangxiang Pavilion, Emperor Huanghuang to Chen Li Ji, these golden brands are not only stores but also the inheritors of Guangdong's lifestyle.
- Scattered Historical Pearls:
- Dafa Temple: Built during the Southern Han Dynasty and reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty. The temple houses three giant 6-meter-tall and 10-ton bronze Buddha statues, solemn and magnificent, standing guard in a peaceful corner amidst the bustling commercial area.
- Yuezhou Site (Jiuyao Garden): Hidden in the alley beside Education Road, this is the relic of the royal garden "Xian Lake" of the Southern Han Dynasty in the Five Dynasties period. The garden creates a classical garden atmosphere with hidden beauty in the midst of the bustling city, offering a rare tranquility in the midst of the noise.
- Former Site of the Guangdong Finance Department: A building constructed in 1915 in the style of European classicism, solemn and elegant. Its location has been an important administrative office since the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 

Photography Tips:
The best vantage point for creating a contrast between the past and the present is beside the ancient road site. A wide-angle lens can capture the ancient road and the bustling crowd.
The night view of the Great Buddha Temple is magnificent and ideal for shooting buildings and light and shadow.
The bird's-eye view of the Arcade Street can showcase the depth of the architectural corridor, and the shooting effect is even better at night.
The garden scenes at the Yechao Ruins are suitable for capturing still life with Chinese aesthetics.

How to get there: Accessible to all parts of the city
Beijing Road is located right in the heart of Guangzhou, with an extremely well-developed transportation network.
- Subway (most recommended): Take Guangzhou Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Park Front Station, or Line 6 to Beijing Road Station. Exit the station and you'll be there.
- Bus: There are 27 bus stops nearby, and the routes cover the entire city.
- Driving or taking a taxi: Just navigate to "Beijing Road Pedestrian Street". However, note that the surrounding business districts tend to be congested during peak hours, and the parking lots (with 34 locations and nearly 9,000 parking spaces) may be tight on holidays. 

Best Touring Period
Autumn (early September to mid-October) is the best time to visit. During this period, Guangzhou has clear weather and reduced humidity, making it the most comfortable.
- Golden Season for Spring and Autumn (September - November, March - April): The climate is pleasant, suitable for long outdoor walks. In spring, you can combine with special festival activities such as the Chongyang Flower Market and Guangfu Temple Fair.
- Summer (May - August): Hot and rainy (rainfall is the highest in June), but the pedestrian streets with arcades can provide shade and shelter from the rain. There are many indoor shopping malls and museums, and there are many night activities. It is still a good choice. Be sure to take precautions for heatstroke and cooling.
- Winter (December - February): Relatively mild, the average temperature in the coldest month is also around 7°C. During the New Year's Eve New Year's Day period, it is extremely popular and the atmosphere is lively, but you need to be mentally prepared for the crowds. 

Accommodation and Dining Options
- Accommodation suggestions:
- Hotels in and around the commercial area: Stay in hotels near Beijing Road and Park Front, which will maximize your convenience for sightseeing and allow you to return easily even late at night. There are a wide range of options, from high-end international chains to unique boutique guesthouses.
- Hotels in Zhongshan New Town or Tianhe Commercial Area: Suitable for tourists who have higher requirements for the modern urban environment. It takes about 20-30 minutes by subway to get to Beijing Road, allowing you to experience both the old and new core features of Guangzhou.
- Food Map:
- Established Restaurants: Beijing Road and its neighboring areas, such as Wenming Road and Huifude East Road, feature numerous famous Cantonese restaurants like Guangzhou Restaurant and Taotuaji.
- Snack Street: Education Road and Huifude East Road are the paradise for affordable snacks, offering everything from beef soup, stewed dishes to desserts.
- Innovative Dining: The renovated arcades also introduce many trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars to meet different taste preferences. 

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Reservation Suggestions:
We can help you select hotels or unique homestays located in the best areas based on your budget and preferences, and assist with the reservations. Especially during major events such as the Guangfu Temple Fair and New Year's Eve, popular accommodations are in high demand. Planning in advance through us can ensure a smooth trip. >> [Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel advisor]

Starting from the thousand-year-old commercial port of Guangzhou, travel northward and then westward, you will embark on a visual and spiritual feast that spans the Lingnan culture and the spectacular scenes of the southwest. This route allows you to experience the vitality of Guangdong's urban life within seven days, the wonder of the Zhangjiajie peak forest, and the magic of Chongqing's mountain city, while immersing yourself in the extremely rich natural and cultural layers of China from the coast to the interior. 

7-day Magnificent Scenery Tour: Day 1 Guangzhou (Beijing Road, Yongqing Fang) → Day 2 Guangzhou (Chen Jia Si, Night Cruise on the Pearl River) → Day 3 Zhangjiajie (National Forest Park, Jinbianxi) → Day 4 Zhangjiajie (Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Charm Xiangxi Performance) → Day 5 Chongqing (Jiefangbei, Hongya Dian, Two Rivers Night Cruise) → Day 6 Chongqing (Shan Cheng Xiang, Li Ziba, Ceramic Mouth Ancient Town) → Day 7 Return. This journey combines urban experience, fairyland experience and magical experience. Check the 7-day Magnificent Scenery Tour route.

The story of Beijing Road is about the unchanging ambition of a city, the inheritance of its commercial spirit, and the warmth of daily life. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized, and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can offer you:
- Customized itineraries: Design a perfect route that includes Beijing Road and the essence of Guangdong culture based on your interests and time.
- One-stop services: Handle special accommodations, transportation connections, local food guides, and cultural experience reservations.
- Exclusive experiences: Arrange tastings of traditional restaurants, in-depth experiences at intangible cultural heritage workshops, and off-the-beaten-path tour times that avoid crowds. 

Make your journey along Beijing Road not just about shopping, but also a discovery journey of communicating with the ancient city of Guangzhou.
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