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Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street(上下九步行街)
District: Liwan
Nearest Metro: Changshou Lu, Line 1
Why go: Classic Lingnan-style arcades with hundreds of fashion shops, snack stalls, and old Cantonese eateries along a lively 1 km stretch.
Best time: Late afternoon to evening for the full lights and street food vibe.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes and try local bites like double-skin milk and wonton noodles.
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Beijing Road Pedestrian Street(北京路步行街)
District: Yuexiu
Nearest Metro: Beijing Lu, Lines 6 and 8
Why go: Big brand stores plus side alleys with souvenirs and snacks. Glass-covered archaeological ruins of ancient road layers right under your feet.
Best time: Evening and weekends when street shows often pop up.
Tip: Check out nearby Wende Road Book Market for calligraphy sets and Chinese art paper.
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Qingping Market(清平市场)
District: Liwan
Nearest Metro: Huangsha, Lines 1 and 6
Why go: Historic lanes with dried seafood, herbs, spices, and traditional medicinal ingredients that reveal everyday Cantonese life.
Best time: Morning when deliveries are fresh and stalls are fully stocked.
Tip: Buy sealed and labeled packages. Ask before taking close-up photos of stalls.
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Yide Road Dried Seafood and Snacks Market(一德路海味干货圈)
District: Yuexiu near Haizhu Square
Nearest Metro: Haizhu Square, Lines 2 and 6
Why go: Longtime trading street for nuts, candies, dried fruits, and seafood. Great for edible souvenirs.
Best time: Late morning for easy browsing without delivery traffic.
Tip: Prices can drop when buying multiple packs. Check production and expiry dates.
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Onelink International Plaza(万菱广场)
District: Yuexiu near Haizhu Square
Nearest Metro: Haizhu Square, Lines 2 and 6
Why go: Huge wholesale-style mall for gifts, toys, home decor, party items, and gadgets. Many shops sell single items too.
Best time: Weekdays for fewer crowds and more attentive bargaining.
Tip: Some floors prefer cash or local mobile payments. Keep small bills handy.
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Baima Clothing Market(白马服装批发市场)
District: Yuexiu by Guangzhou Railway Station
Nearest Metro: Guangzhou Railway Station, Lines 2 and 5
Why go: One of the city’s best known fashion wholesale buildings with current-season styles and accessories.
Best time: Early morning for the widest selection before popular sizes go.
Tip: Try on if possible and confirm return policies since many stalls are wholesale oriented.
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Zhanxi and Sanyuanli Leather Markets(站西 三元里皮具圈)
District: Yuexiu and Baiyun fringe
Nearest Metro: Sanyuanli, Line 2 or Guangzhou Railway Station
Why go: Cluster of buildings focused on bags, belts, small leather goods, and luggage.
Best time: Weekdays. Saturdays can be very busy with traders.
Tip: Inspect zippers and stitching. Ask about material composition and whether repairs are available.
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Haizhu Wholesale Zone around Haizhu Square(海珠广场批发圈)
District: Yuexiu and Haizhu riverside
Nearest Metro: Haizhu Square, Lines 2 and 6
Why go: Dense area of multi-story bazaars selling homeware, small electronics, accessories, and souvenirs.
Best time: Late morning to mid afternoon when most shops are open.
Tip: Many stalls favor bulk. If buying one piece, politely ask for a retail price.
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Hualin Jade Street and Antique Lanes(华林玉器街)
District: Liwan near Hualin Temple
Nearest Metro: Changshou Lu, Line 1 or Ximenkou, Line 1
Why go: Rows of shops for jade jewelry, stones, and traditional crafts. A long-standing trading area with temple atmosphere nearby.
Best time: Daytime hours to see colors clearly in natural light.
Tip: For higher priced pieces ask for certificates, and buy from reputable stores.
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Huangsha Aquatic Products Market(黄沙水产市场)
District: Liwan by the Pearl River
Nearest Metro: Huangsha, Lines 1 and 6
Why go: Bustling seafood hub with live fish, shellfish, and river crabs. A slice of real wholesale Guangzhou.
Best time: Early morning for peak action and freshest stock.
Tip: It can be wet and slippery. Wear closed shoes and watch for carts moving fast.
Markets usually open daily but hours vary. Most accept cash and local mobile payments. Keep valuables secure and confirm prices before packing. For the most local feel, visit earlier in the day on weekdays.