1. Historical Significance
- Ancient Roots: Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), Beijing Road was part of Guangzhou’s original commercial center. Archaeological excavations reveal 11 layers of ancient roads (Song to Qing dynasties) preserved under glass panels.
- Colonial & Modern Eras: Named "Beijing Road" in 1960, it became a pedestrian zone in 1997 and expanded to 3.5 km by 2020, integrating Qilou arcades and Lingnan architecture.
2. Architectural & Cultural Highlights
- Archaeological Displays: Walk over transparent glass pavements showcasing Song Dynasty stone roads and Ming Dynasty拱北楼 ruins.
- Landmarks:
- Nanyue King’s Palace Museum: 2,000-year-old royal site.
- Dafo Temple: 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple.
- Taipingguan: Guangzhou’s first Western restaurant (1885).
3. Shopping & Dining
- Retail Diversity:
- Global brands: Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, and NBA’s largest flagship store.
- Local treasures: Cantonese embroidery, jade, and "Three Carvings" artisans.
- Food Scene:
- Street snacks: Wonton noodles, clay pot rice, and Baihua Tangshui desserts.
- Iconic eateries: Guangzhou Restaurant (dim sum) and Yinji Changfen (rice noodles).
4. Modern Upgrades & Events
- Tech Integration: AI robots, and smart payment systems.
- Festivals: Guangzhou Light Festival, Cantonese Opera performances, and Lunar New Year markets.
5. Visitor Information
- Location: Yuexiu District, stretching from Zhongshan 5th Road to Nanning Road.
- Transport:
- Metro: Line 1/2 (Gongyuanqian Station) or Line 6 (Beijing Road Station).
- Bus: Routes 1, 10, 183, 541.
- Hours: 10:00–22:00 (shops); archaeological sites 24/7.
6. Global Recognition
- Awards: National 4A Scenic Spot, "World’s Top 10 Shopping Streets" (CNN).
- Tourism Impact: 82M+ annual visitors (2021), generating ¥13.78B revenue.
