Today, that old part of Guangzhou not only has the sound of the aforementioned story but also the heaviness of Lingnan culture. Yongqing Fang has developed as a cultural destination where history, architecture, food and creativity converge. In this article, you will read practical hacks to visit its arcades, museums and food streets; especially advice for foreign tourists on what to do and not do. May this guide motivate you to actually visit Yongqing Fang on your trip in Guangzhou, so that you can meet the legends and active legacy of the people there yourself.
How to Reach Yongqing Fang
Yongqing Fang
I sought the easiest way to get there on a visit I made to Yongqing Fang in Guangzhou. It’s popular with many travelers for its speed and affordability. I like entering from the Huangsha Station, Exit B because it was less than a 5 minute walk to the main archway. Buses were also an easy option, and taxis weren’t expensive. Yongqing Fang is situated in Liwan District, about Enning Road so it's convenient to stick this with other heritage sites. Here is a simple breakdown for easier viewing for other visitors:
| 🚇 Transport | 🚏 Metro/Bus No. | 📍 Stop Name | 💴 Cost (RMB) | 🚶 Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Line 1 or 6 | Huangsha, Exit B | 3–5 RMB | 5 min |
| Bus | 82, 86, 105 | Huangsha Stop | 2 RMB | 6–8 min |
| Taxi | – | Central Guangzhou | 25–40 RMB | Direct drop-off |
Cultural Icons That Define Yongqing Fang
Enning Road Arcade Street: Guangzhou’s Most Beautiful Historic Arcade
Upon my first stroll down Enning Road, I felt as if I were in the distant past. The street is close to 90 years old; granite paving stones lie underfoot, and there are fine Manchuria-style windows above. Many locals call it “Guangzhou’s most beautiful arcade street,” and I agree. It is highly regarded by travelers on TripAdvisor, who rave about its retro look and photographic arcades. Every few steps, I saw guests pausing to take photos, especially in front of the bronze statues that depict scenes of daily living. It was living and nostalgic, which I can rarely see anywhere else. Street is also known for its combination of traditional Lingnan style and trendy, modern creative shops, catering to both history buffs and casual tourists.
Quick info: Enning Road Arcade Street at a glance
📍 Address: Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
⏰ Hours: Open all day (recommended 10 AM – 6 PM)
🎟 Ticket Info: Free access, no reservation required
💰 Price: Free to explore
🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 1–2 hours
Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home: From Family Story to Martial Arts Legend
I had goose bumps walking through Bruce Lee’s ancestral home on Yongqing Fang. The house is a common Republican-era Xiguan building, consisting of brick and wood with carved designs on the beams. Inside, there were exhibits on Bruce Lee’s family history, movie posters and kung fu junk. Trip. com readers describe it as a small but significant site that’s great for fans. On TripAdvisor, visitors mention that they are inspired by his journey from Guangzhou to international fame. As I wandered through his rooms, I could feel the story in the walls like traces of a ghost of martial arts past haunting those spaces. The venue also featured local Xiguan architectural style, reflecting the deep rooted cultural legacy of Wushu.
Quick info: Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home at a glance
📍 Address: Yongqing Fang, Liwan District, Guangzhou
⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
🎟 Ticket Info: Purchase on-site at the entrance, cash and mobile payment accepted
💰 Price: Around 20 RMB per person
🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Cantonese Opera Art Museum: A Garden of Lingnan Culture
Yongqing Fang and the Cantonese Opera Art Museum proved to be one of the more peaceful places I visited. It matches Lingnan garden architecture and Cantonese opera culture, and shows graceful of picturesque and lively meaning. The admission is free: You just need to book ahead on the official WeChat account and present your ID card. “An opera in the afternoon is something that repeatedly appears in fantastic TripAdvisor reviews. I was watching the show by to water-town stage from 2pm until 5 and I watched dancers sing with powerful voices as they donned elaborate costumes. It was a nice ice breaker and an introduction to Lingnan culture. Guangzhou Museum, China In a town with not much competition when it comes to cultural places of interest this looks and sounds stunning new dinosaur museum.
Quick info: Cantonese Opera Art Museum at a glance
📍 Address: Yongqing Fang, Liwan District, Guangzhou
⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
🎟 Ticket Info: Reserve via the official WeChat account with valid ID, confirmation required at entrance
💰 Price: Free entry
🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 1–1.5 hours
Moon Bridge: A Nighttime Landmark
The Moon Bridge completely entranced me, as I walked in the evening at Yongqing Fang. At about 7:30 lights started shining, and were later observed reflecting on the water—resembling a full moon.” Couples and friends queued up for photos, children gamboled around the stone steps. I struck a pose under the Hongyue Bridge’s red arch and understood how this place has become a social-media darling. So it was that lighted history provided me with one of the most romantic views in Guangzhou.
Quick info: Moon Bridge at a glance
📍 Address: Yongqing Fang, near Hongyue Bridge, Liwan District, Guangzhou
⏰ Hours: Evening visits, lights on from 7:30 PM
🎟 Ticket Info: Free access, no tickets required
💰 Price: Free to visit
🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 30–45 minutes
Zhongshuge Bookstore: A Dreamlike Reading Space
To walk inside Zhongshuge Bookstore was to enter a dream. The walls lined with books, the mirrored ceilings and the spiral staircases created illusions that I was lost among endless stories. The design seemed like a European manor house injected with Guangzhou’s creative — or perhaps, perverse — spirit. I also saw tourists and locals snapping photos, and others soundlessly flipping through books. It’s an establishment beloved of young artists and readers, and I quickly figured out why.
Quick info: Zhongshuge Bookstore at a glance
📍 Address: Yongqing Fang, Liwan District, Guangzhou
⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM daily
🎟 Ticket Info: Free entry, books available for purchase in-store
💰 Price: Books from 50–100 RMB
🕒 Suggested Visit Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
First time in Guangzhou and not sure where to start? See 7 Unmissable Things to Do in Guangzhou: Food, Markets & History
Taste Guangzhou in Yongqing Fang
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- Chen Tian Ji
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- Wen Ji Yi Xin Chicken
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- Baihua Traditional Desserts
Chen Tian Ji: Crispy Fish Skin and Hearty Congee
I will always recall the first bite of crispy fish skin at Chen Tian Ji in Yongqing Fang. It was slathered on both sides of each slice and sprinkled with peanuts and sesame, the crunch was memorable. Their signature boat congee, a bowl of the stuff brimming with seafood and slivers of pork, helped me keep warm on a marshy Guangzhou evening. The prices are friendly, a meal will cost about 25-40 RMB and make you a happy budget traveler. I observed students, families and even a few curious foreigners waiting in line to sample the local favorite. If you enjoy big flavors, and want a real Cantonese snack, this is worth a detour.
Wen Ji Yi Xin Chicken: Legendary White Cut Chicken
Finally, I understood why white cut chicken is a Guangzhou treasure at Wen Ji Yi Xin Chicken. The skin had a jelly-like spring, and the meat was fresh and juicy without much greasy seasoning. I got there before 16:00, because local friends warned me that it sells out quickly. Half a chicken is 70 RMB or so, which you’d think is splendid value for two people. The small dining room was filled with chatter, and when I went there in early May, I even encountered a group of visitors from Hong Kong who were making the trip specifically for this dish. If you like plain food and authentic cooking or, for that matter, good trotters, it is worth scheduling this in your day.
Baihua Traditional Desserts: A Lingnan Sweet Haven
Stepping into Baihua Traditional Desserts was like a trip to a nostalgic corner of Guangzhou. The wooden tables and Lingnan-style decor helped to slow me down, inspiring a deep breath before I took in the sweet, delicate scent. I had their signature double-skin milk for 18 RMB, silky and rich with dairy flavor that just melted in your mouth. Ginger milk pudding and mung bean soup were as well, both soothing options after spicy Cantonese plates. Families with children and bands of young travelers were drawn by the shop, where they huddled over bowls of dessert. If you need a break and would like to sample a cultural sweet, this is it.
Tao Tao Ju Restaurant: Timeless Cantonese Dim Sum
I had a new favorite spot for old-school Cantonese dim sum in Yongqing Fang: Tao Tao Ju. As I sipped tea, the restaurant’s Xiguan-style architecture transported me to old Guangzhou. I had the shrimp dumplings（ 28 RMB)、the red rice rolls（32 RMB） and crispy pigeon (68 RMB), everything was better than I thought. The place was bustling, with local people reading newspapers and tourists taking pictures of bamboo baskets. For about 100 RMB/person, an affordable, hearty meal is not hard to find. If you want to experience Guangzhou’s morning tea culture in the most genuine location, then Tao Tao Ju is a definite stop.
Wondering what locals actually eat in Guangzhou? Read Guangzhou Food: 12 Dishes for an Unforgettable Trip
Handicrafts and Creative Finds in Yongqing Fang
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- Yu Tong Hao Pastry Mold Shop
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- Read Old Bookstore
Yu Tong Hao Pastry Mold Shop: Traditional Wooden Craft
When I entered Yu Tong Hao on Yongqing Fang’s heritage street, I was greeted by shelves of ornate molds, carved out of wood for making pastries. The owner, Yu Zhaoji, is considered in Guangzhou to be a master inheritor of the craft, and his molds included symbolic designs like flowers and fish. I purchased a small one for 50 RMB (ideal as a cultural gift) while larger ones started at 200 RMB. The shop was an inviting place for collectors and curious tourists alike, and I walked away feeling as though I carried a piece of old Guangzhou back home.
Guang Embroidery Studios: Threads of Lingnan Heritage
I stumbled into one of the Guang Embroidery studios and immediately loved the bold colors. In Guangzhou, embroidery is more than a methodology of craft — it’s a heritage. Wang Xinyuan’s studio sold embroidered speakers, sachets and magnets, every stitch packed with detail. Small tokens began at 30 RMB, and framed works surpassed 500 RMB, catering to travelers with a range of budgets. I picked out a flimsy sachet that cost 60 RMB held the faint scent of flowers long after. The studio attracted heaps of young shoppers and design lovers, so I personally also felt proud to support local heritage.
DIMOND Creative Shop: Playful Modern Designs
DIMOND caught my attention with the curious shelves loaded with mantis figurines, vegetable dolls and food-shaped magnets. I liked the Guangzhou ways in the crafts; it made me smile, and I bought a radish doll for 35 RMB. They all cost 20–100 RMB, so not that expensive for travelers who are in the mood for some fun souvenir shopping. Families with children were laughing and making selections, and students were pile-driving into baskets of whimsical designs. For me, it was the most light-hearted shopping detour along Yongqing Fang and a wonderful combination of tradition and modern creativity.
Read Old Bookstore: Books and Cultural Souvenirs
Read Old Bookstore was like a little hidden paradise in bustling Guangzhou. Its shelves mingled classics with secondhand finds, and the store also featured cultural crafts. I purchased a travel book on Lingnan architecture for 40 RMB, and the staff was selling hand-made bookmarks for 15 RMB each. The mood was serene, good for travelers who like to take things slow. Couples looked together; solo tourists like myself drank tea and leafed through the merch. If you're looking for a bookshop souvenir and cultural break during your trip to Yongqing Fang, this is it.
Yongqing Fang One-Day Itinerary
Yongqing Fang Layout Map
Afternoon: Explore History and Heritage
1.Take the Metro (Line 1 or 6), Exit at B, Huangsha Station.
2.Coffee break at Enning Coffee (28 RMB)
3.Take a leisurely walk along Enning Road Arcade Street and marvel at traditional Lingnan architecture
4.Pick up a free map at the Yongqing Fang archway
5.Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home (20 RMB entry): Explore kung fu culture with a visit to Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home
6.Walk the intangible heritage street and take embroidery or enamel workshops (30-100 RMB souvenirs).
Evening: Books and Cultural Highlights
1.Stop off at the Zhongshuge Bookstore to check out art or culture books by local authors (50-100 RMB)
2.Pause at Nostalgia Square for a few photo ops
3.Visit the third-floor rooftop terrace for a view of the Cantonese Opera Art Museum
Night: Food and Riverside Romance
1.Dinner from Bao Hua Noodle Shop with wonton noodles and (25 RMB)
2.Sample crunchy fish skin at Chen Tian Ji (35 RMB)
3.Eat coconut, shush your tastebuds with Shun Ji Ice Room (20 RMB)
4.Stroll to Moon Bridge at 19:30 for the night lights on the water 4.
5.Wind down the day at Hong Bridge to watch Litchi Bay boats glide under the arches
Wondering how to fill your Guangzhou itinerary? Explore Top Experiences in Guangzhou: 16 Things to Do for an Unforgettable Trip
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Tips for Visiting Yongqing Fang
Cultural Customs and Etiquette
There are numerous historical architecture and cultural relics in Yongqing Fang. Visitors should not touch decorative components in arcade structures, nor should they deliberately destroy cultural relics. You cannot use flash photography in museums. If Yongqing in Fang is to show the Lingnan culture, we need to respect traditional forms such as Cantos Opera and Wing Chun. Appreciative watching keeps things real and maintains the vibe.
Shopping and Spending
There are also many specialized shops selling souvenirs as well as novelty goods. Prices can be on higher side relative to other markets, hence its better to compare prices and then buy. This helps not paxking inflated prices for something. For penny-budgeted travelers, you may want to shop around before making a purchase. Using reliable platforms like Trip. com or Dianping can help direct you toward average prices and good shops in Guangzhou.
Language and Communication
Not all of the staff and store owners in Yongqing Fang are fluent in English. Some basic Mandarin phrases like “你好” (hello), “谢谢” (thank you) and “多少钱” (how much) are handy to know. Visitors, however, can rely on translation tools for smoother communication. Useful apps include Google Translate, Pleco, and iTranslate; they handle Chinese characters as well. These instruments guarantee smooth contact, thus making the visit easier.
FAQ about Visiting Yongqing Fang
Q: If I have half a day in Guangzhou, is Yongqing Fang worth visiting?
Yes, ½ day is typically sufficient to see the main points of interest, as long as you have a route in mind. You can take a stroll down Enning Road, an historic arcade street and visit Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home to learn about Guangzhou’s kung fu scene. Moon Bridge is simple to add on, especially in the evening. A safe bet, according to most travelers: 3–4 hours for a taste of culture, food and sight-seeing.
Q: What is the average cost of a day in Yongqing Fang?
Altogether, with food, drink and a couple of souvenirs thrown in, expect to spend 150-250 RMB all in. A noodles shop or dessert café meal is generally 20–50 RMB each, and snacks like crispy fish skin average an additional 30–40 RMB. Souvenirs, such as colourful embroidery sachets or artistic pieces may vary from 30 RMB for small ones to 100 RMB and above for bigger ones. There are free museums, so generally speaking the costs will be food and shopping.
Q: Can foreign tourists purchase tickets into culture spots in Yongqing Fang?
Most attractions are free to enter, including the Cantonese Opera Art Museum and heritage streets. Ticketed destinations like Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home can be paid for on-site by foreigners with relative ease. There is usually a fee of around 20 RMB and they will often help with simple transactions. Some travelers advise bringing cash for backup, but mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay can work for foreigners if they’ve already set one up.
Q: Is Yongqing Fang family-friendly?
A. Yes, Yongqing Fang is well suited for families as it mixes cultural activities and fun stops specifically for kids. Many children like to tour artsy shops and eat double-skin milk or coconut ice cream. Parents can enjoy Cantonese Opera performances or heritage workshops introducing Lingnan culture. The streets are quite walkable, so walking together is safe and easy. Families typically stay for 2–3 hours, with break times spent in bookstores or coffee shops.
Q: When is the best time to visit Yongqing Fang if I want to take photos?
Late afternoon is a popular choice as the softer light accentuates the character and details of arcade buildings and cultural landmarks. After dark from 19;00 the Moon Bridge is painted up prettily with its light being reflected off, making it a popular photo subject. Weekdays may also be preferable to weekend crowds, many photographers say. Seasonal variations matter, too: Spring and fall offer mild weather and skies that we’re told are clearer, while summer evenings capture the unencumbered vitality of street life.
Q: Do there have the English sign in Yongqing Fang?
Bilingual signage is available in a few places, including the main archway and at attractions like Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home. Small heritage shops and food stalls generally don’t, making communication difficult. Visitors typically get by using simple Mandarin phrases and hand signals. *It could be handy to bring translation apps like Google Translate, iTranslate or Pleco that allow you scan Chinese characters on the fly.
Q: How safe is Yongqing Fang at night for visitors from overseas?
Yongqing Fang is safe to visit at night as well: The space draws families, couples and tourists. The streets are well lit and security is stationed around popular spots like Moon Bridge. Impressions of the night views are mixed; foreign visitors generally have no qualms, but see to your security. Keeping wallets and phones concealed can also prevent petty theft, particularly in areas with large crowds.
