Lychee Bay

Overview

Lychee Bay (荔枝湾涌) is a revitalized historic waterway in Liwan District, named for the lychee orchards that once lined its banks. The creek and surrounding lanes preserve Lingnan-style courtyard houses, Cantonese opera stages, and traditional snack vendors — a living glimpse of old Guangzhou.

Highlights

• Waterway Walk: A 1-km promenade along the restored creek, lined with weeping willows and classical stone bridges.
• Cantonese Opera Performances: Amateur troupes perform nightly at open-air stages along the water.
• Street Food: Sample local specialties like Xiguan-style rice noodle rolls, sesame balls, and double-skin milk pudding.

History

Lychee Bay has been an important waterway since the Han dynasty. By the 20th century it was covered over and forgotten until a 2009 urban renewal project uncovered and restored the original canal.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Late afternoon into evening when the opera stages come alive and the lanterns glow.
• Getting There: Walk from Zhongshanba metro (Line 5); look for the arched gateway.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.