Antique Xiguan Street

Antique Xiguan Street [Photo/VCG]

Antique Xiguan Street covers an area of approximately 8,553 square meters, consisting of more than 100 shops. It has been the center of collection and distribution of antiques in Guangdong province and even in south China since it opened in December 1997. This is the only approved relic artifacts antiques market operators and among the top ten antique markets in the whole country. There are also many people peddling their items from their windows or the back of their trucks. The one-kilometer-long street mainly engages in ancient and old ceramics, famous calligraphy and paintings, four treasures of study, jade, and different types of old works of art. Apart from antiques and paintings, there are also several shops that sell everything from Tibetan rugs to ceramic teapots.

Antique Xiguan Street is not only a place for selling antiques, but also a tourism area of antiques exchange, trading, exhibition and more. Standing at the south side is the gathering place of Xiguan Ancient Grand House (Xiguan Dawu) of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. 

A typical Xiguan Dawu is comprised of three beautiful courtyards with narrow lanes separating them with each courtyard designated for a specific function. Traditionally, a Xiguan Dawu also has three doors. The first door is made out of wood and adorned with carved ornaments. The second door is in fact a wooden fence and is there to prevent people from entering without the owner's permission. The third is the 'official' door and only closed at night. 

Beautiful traditional architecture with Lingnan characteristics are present here, protected by the government. Visitors interested in seeing these traditional residences can head to Liwan Museum, the former residence of Jiang Guang-nai, Renwei Temple, etc.

Visitors can go to Antique Xiguan Street by subway line 1 and getting off at Changshou Road station.