Xiaozhou Village
Xiaozhou Village
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A centuries old now revitalized district with restaurants, galleries and shops about one hour from Sun Yat Sen University by bus. For nearly half a century, Xiaozhou People's Hall has been a national landmark. This community center for cultural activities has hosted local folk artists and their works, attracting many young artists to share their creative passions.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.0
106 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
41
Average
28
Poor
3
Terrible
3
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributions
Aug 2019
I have seen over 25 ancient villages in China. From a sightseers perspective, I rank this in the bottom 50%. Thus, the highest rating I could give is "Average." The most significant things to see in the village are the two oyster shell houses (which are said to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer), the narrow streets and waterway (looks very polluted). some of the buildings, works of some village artists, and some sculptures.
Written 25 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InnaYYZ
Toronto, Canada1,496 contributions
Aug 2019
this is not a replica, but an actual ancient village, not overly comercialized. There is an oyster shell house here. Nice ancient bridges, narrow walkways, statues, an much more.
Written 19 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExpatDaze
Bangkok, Thailand714 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Xiaozhou village is a fantastic activity for anyone interested in wondering around a smaller artsy/bohemian type village filled with cafes & artisans shops – it’s actually a village within the more modern part of a local town; actually a part of south GZ city and, it’s so easy to get to by bus, you’ll want to go back for more.
Much of the village is under construction because apparently the local government is spending a boatload of money on restoration/construction of the traditional buildings/canals etc., and it’s quite evident from the construction we saw when there that that is the case. Don’t let the noise or scaffolding sway you away you from going, it’s still a pleasure and just wait a few years and this old village will have new life – along with the pros and cons of what that can mean for the locals and tourists alike.
We spent about 1.5 hours weaving our way around the small alleyways and canals etc., but only saw about 50% of the village area. Cafés and shops were abundant, people were extremely friendly and welcoming and, for a westerner, many locals spoke English and were very eager and happy to have us. We made a stop in a former communist’s assembly hall, which is now an art gallery; artist’s co-op/office and a café (I think it’s Wei Cafe or Wei Coffee) – see pictures – great milk shake and café latte and super nice people and cool cats - real cats – see images. Some shops/cafes were not open but I suspect they open at nighttime.
The one thing I was looking for that I could not find were artists studios of the “fine art” type. I saw many but the doors were locked and we did manage to peek through some windows and door cracks. There were several shops selling jewelry, some pottery, T-Shirts and other craft type items – all well made and lovely. The many cafes/restaurants to visit were so darn beautiful because they were situated in the old buildings that I have no words to describe them – you just have to go, sit and enjoy. Also, on the main road, the bus route road adjacent to the inner area of the village, there are several well-stocked art supply stores. I am going back to get art supplies.
The Xiaozhou village is simply a lovely area to explore – I could spend a day there hanging out, looking for things, drinking coffee or a smart cocktail or even better go at night and catch a glimpse of the music scene that is happening. The village reminded me a lot of the Hu Tongs in Beijing, especially the older Hu Tongs sections – that crowd of hip/cool/artsy folks running amazing cafes, creating great local art and music.
Transportation? We took Bus #252 all the way to the Xiaozhou village (Xiaozhoucun stop) and then took bus #252 all the way back to GZ central. We live near Ersha Island so we caught the #252 bus from the Wuyangcun metro station Exit B bus stop on Guangzhou Dadoa heading toward Hai Zhu and then back again. I asked the bus driver if he goes there – showed him the Chinese name of Xiaozhou village – he nodded yes. I asked a local on the bus where the stop is for Xiaozhou village, she raised 2 fingers meaning 2 stops. There are other buses but I do not know about them. I do know that bus#252 leaves from Tian He Bus stn and makes a stop at Kecun Metro stn Exit D. There is no metro to Xiaozhou village. After 45 minutes, we got off at Xiaozhoucun stop but did not know which direction the actually arts village was located.
Then we asked around for the arts village, a few people pointed but we needed to wonder around a bit until we sort of stumbled into the right area. So, get of the bus at Xiaozhoucun stop, walk to the right, go across the street and keep walking until you see an art supplies stores/a local school with murals of the old village along a wall and from here make a right into one of the back alleys and keep going down and in toward the canals away from the more modern section of the town – there’s really is no way to instruct one to get to the core area than what I just wrote. We just followed our nose. It’s a bit tricky but if I found it by sheer persistence and walking around, most people can. It’s totally worth the search and once you do find it, spend some time wondering around the alleyways etc. Simply fantastic! I am going back at night to listen to music and hang out. People were incredibly friendly and I love that fact that it’s super easy to get to by bus.
I uploaded several pictures including the Xiaozhoucun stop. There is a clean free public toilet at the Wharf.
Much of the village is under construction because apparently the local government is spending a boatload of money on restoration/construction of the traditional buildings/canals etc., and it’s quite evident from the construction we saw when there that that is the case. Don’t let the noise or scaffolding sway you away you from going, it’s still a pleasure and just wait a few years and this old village will have new life – along with the pros and cons of what that can mean for the locals and tourists alike.
We spent about 1.5 hours weaving our way around the small alleyways and canals etc., but only saw about 50% of the village area. Cafés and shops were abundant, people were extremely friendly and welcoming and, for a westerner, many locals spoke English and were very eager and happy to have us. We made a stop in a former communist’s assembly hall, which is now an art gallery; artist’s co-op/office and a café (I think it’s Wei Cafe or Wei Coffee) – see pictures – great milk shake and café latte and super nice people and cool cats - real cats – see images. Some shops/cafes were not open but I suspect they open at nighttime.
The one thing I was looking for that I could not find were artists studios of the “fine art” type. I saw many but the doors were locked and we did manage to peek through some windows and door cracks. There were several shops selling jewelry, some pottery, T-Shirts and other craft type items – all well made and lovely. The many cafes/restaurants to visit were so darn beautiful because they were situated in the old buildings that I have no words to describe them – you just have to go, sit and enjoy. Also, on the main road, the bus route road adjacent to the inner area of the village, there are several well-stocked art supply stores. I am going back to get art supplies.
The Xiaozhou village is simply a lovely area to explore – I could spend a day there hanging out, looking for things, drinking coffee or a smart cocktail or even better go at night and catch a glimpse of the music scene that is happening. The village reminded me a lot of the Hu Tongs in Beijing, especially the older Hu Tongs sections – that crowd of hip/cool/artsy folks running amazing cafes, creating great local art and music.
Transportation? We took Bus #252 all the way to the Xiaozhou village (Xiaozhoucun stop) and then took bus #252 all the way back to GZ central. We live near Ersha Island so we caught the #252 bus from the Wuyangcun metro station Exit B bus stop on Guangzhou Dadoa heading toward Hai Zhu and then back again. I asked the bus driver if he goes there – showed him the Chinese name of Xiaozhou village – he nodded yes. I asked a local on the bus where the stop is for Xiaozhou village, she raised 2 fingers meaning 2 stops. There are other buses but I do not know about them. I do know that bus#252 leaves from Tian He Bus stn and makes a stop at Kecun Metro stn Exit D. There is no metro to Xiaozhou village. After 45 minutes, we got off at Xiaozhoucun stop but did not know which direction the actually arts village was located.
Then we asked around for the arts village, a few people pointed but we needed to wonder around a bit until we sort of stumbled into the right area. So, get of the bus at Xiaozhoucun stop, walk to the right, go across the street and keep walking until you see an art supplies stores/a local school with murals of the old village along a wall and from here make a right into one of the back alleys and keep going down and in toward the canals away from the more modern section of the town – there’s really is no way to instruct one to get to the core area than what I just wrote. We just followed our nose. It’s a bit tricky but if I found it by sheer persistence and walking around, most people can. It’s totally worth the search and once you do find it, spend some time wondering around the alleyways etc. Simply fantastic! I am going back at night to listen to music and hang out. People were incredibly friendly and I love that fact that it’s super easy to get to by bus.
I uploaded several pictures including the Xiaozhoucun stop. There is a clean free public toilet at the Wharf.
Written 30 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seigwailo
Paris, France243 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
Like: historic atmosphere, peaceful, authentic, original, surprising, local artistic workshops, good for a day out, some local authentic cuisine there, currently undergoing some renovation to preserve historical appearance of some paths and buildings (2013).
Dislike: not that easy to get to, possible but lengthy getting there by bus (not for non-Chinese speakers), bicycle (fun, f you like riding 2 hours there and 2 hours back with dangerous traffic conditions part of the way), by taxi (but a bit pricey for small pockets). Nthing else to dislike.
Defo worth it! You'll be surprised.
Good for couples, friends, families, with/without children, solo.
Dislike: not that easy to get to, possible but lengthy getting there by bus (not for non-Chinese speakers), bicycle (fun, f you like riding 2 hours there and 2 hours back with dangerous traffic conditions part of the way), by taxi (but a bit pricey for small pockets). Nthing else to dislike.
Defo worth it! You'll be surprised.
Good for couples, friends, families, with/without children, solo.
Written 25 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JESSIE Z
Guangzhou, China84 contributions
As a local ppl, ive been there many times. If u go during the weekday, it would be quite and peaceful, but not all the shops open; on weekends will be more people and shops open. Villagers are nice. Can meet many artist and art students drawing everywhere. Can also try some local light food there, say stick rice dumpling(zongzi), 3 flavors rice roll, sesame paste, and many kinds of fruits.
Written 27 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inasianow
Greenville, NH250 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
Depending on your interest and willingness to get lost you could probably spend 1/2-1 day here wandering around.
If you are coming from GZ East Station you can take bus number 45 directly to the last stop and you will be right at the entrance for Xiaozhou.
Signage is iffy, the friend I went with has been there twice now and still hasn't found the Tianhou Palace.
Items to take note of in the area: Oyster Shell House, Ming Well, Family Temples, Jian Clan Academy. Bridges. All the cool shops/restaurants.
If you are coming from GZ East Station you can take bus number 45 directly to the last stop and you will be right at the entrance for Xiaozhou.
Signage is iffy, the friend I went with has been there twice now and still hasn't found the Tianhou Palace.
Items to take note of in the area: Oyster Shell House, Ming Well, Family Temples, Jian Clan Academy. Bridges. All the cool shops/restaurants.
Written 8 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisenda A A
Barcelona, Spain35 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
This is one of the most beautiful places in Guangzhou. You can find artisans of all kind and its crooked streets are awesome. You truly have the feeling of walking through tradtional China. I suggest stopping by Pin Café. The owner, Lucy, is a very interesting woman with a lot of stories to tell about China. All food is so tasty and well-cooked.
Written 6 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilaria M
Guangzhou, China53 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
To get there: take bus n.35 to Ying Zhou Park or bus n.565 to Terminus. It will take more than 1 hour from the city centre of Guangzhou.
From the bus stop the entrance of the village is not visible nor clearly indicated - at least not in English. You will see some fruit sellers and a couple of restaurants. Just walk past them and you will find yourself in the nice little water village of Xiaozhou.
Note that the place has undergone some major renovations in the past few years and it is rapidly becoming a tourism attraction. It is home to lots of students from the University of Fine Arts who are running their own art shops and workshops, so you will find several opportunities for shopping (handmade bags, hats, jewelry and postcards). There are also some nice restaurants, pubs and bars. We had a good afternoon time there. The best thing is that the village is within the city but looks like another world. Totally worth a visit for escaping the noise of Guangzhou for a little while and relax.
From the bus stop the entrance of the village is not visible nor clearly indicated - at least not in English. You will see some fruit sellers and a couple of restaurants. Just walk past them and you will find yourself in the nice little water village of Xiaozhou.
Note that the place has undergone some major renovations in the past few years and it is rapidly becoming a tourism attraction. It is home to lots of students from the University of Fine Arts who are running their own art shops and workshops, so you will find several opportunities for shopping (handmade bags, hats, jewelry and postcards). There are also some nice restaurants, pubs and bars. We had a good afternoon time there. The best thing is that the village is within the city but looks like another world. Totally worth a visit for escaping the noise of Guangzhou for a little while and relax.
Written 13 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julia c
guangzhou8 contributions
Feb 2012 • Solo
Xiaozhou village is the only one southern china water town village which is still well preserved with 800 years.walking around & eating delicious typical Cantonese food is the main things we have to do.there are restaurants will serve you the typical Cantonese food.like grilled chicken wrapped by sand、sesame dessert、boating porridge、rice cooked in bamboo…… of course,you also can try the real fresh fruits which planted by village farmer.
The best time to come is on every Chinese traditional festival.on those special days,people living there still keep traditional celebrations.like dragon boating race & big meal for whole village people in their ancestral temple.
The best time to come is on every Chinese traditional festival.on those special days,people living there still keep traditional celebrations.like dragon boating race & big meal for whole village people in their ancestral temple.
Written 7 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galiyeo
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
May 2014 • Friends
A village in the Guangzhou Wan-Mu Orchard Conservation Zone (广州万亩果园保护区), Haizhu District (海珠区), is a well preserved cultural heritage. The most amazing things are the “oyster houses” (蚝壳屋) which was built with oyster shells that would not be damaged by rain or worms. It was designed to keep the residents cool during summer and warm during winter.
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i want to know if its got good local band made artisan products and the best hotel here. thanks
Written 29 September 2018
Not exactly sure what you mean. What’s your definition of good ‘brand’ or best hotel? It entirely depends on what you want as an artisan product.
Written 30 September 2018
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