A Tapestry of Xiguan Life – My Visit to Liwan Museum, Guangzhou

#gzonbudget Tucked beside scenic Litchi Bay in Yuexiu District, Liwan Museum (荔湾博物馆) was established in December 1996 as Guangdong’s first district-level museum dedicated to preserving the rich history, folklore, and vernacular architecture of old Guangzhou . I arrived mid-morning and spent about 1.5 hours exploring its “one museum, four districts” layout. The main building is the restored Chen Lianzhong Residence—a three‑story brick-and-wood villa combining Western columns, arched doors, and a flowing courtyard connected to Litchi Bay. Here, the permanent gallery displays local artifacts, traditional crafts, and rotating themed exhibitions . Adjacent, the Xiguan Folk Customs Museum—reconstructed from a traditional Xiguan mansion—immerses you in late Qing–Republican domestic life, from tile floors and carved windows to typical household furnishings . Next is the Jiang Guangnai Former Residence, the home of a famed anti-Japanese general, offering personal relics, military memorabilia, and a glimpse into his revolutionary life . A fourth zone in the Chen Lianbo Residence (opened 2023) showcases local handicrafts and features a stunning spiral staircase—dubbed “Guangzhou’s most beautiful”—set in a sunlit Western-style garden villa . Admission & Practical Info: • 🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun, 09:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00); closed Mondays except public holidays • 💴 Fees: RMB 5–10 (approx. ¥8–¥12); free or discounted for seniors, children, students—check onsite  • 🚉 Access: 82 Fengyuan North Street, Longjin West Road, Liwan District; nearest Metro: Changshou Road (Line 1); Bus: No. 2, 25, 55, 66 to Fengyuan stop  • ♿ Facilities: Fully accessible; multilingual signage; collector’s stamp available for your visit  • 🕰️ Suggested Visit Time: 1–2 hrs—ample for a full tour of indoor galleries and a courtyard stroll Why It’s Worth Visiting: • 🏛️ Architectural diversity: Four historic buildings—the former residences of local elites and a reconstructed Xiguan mansion—highlight Lingnan-Western eclectic design   • 🎎 Deep cultural immersion: From Cantonese folk customs and home-life scenographies to the revolutionary legacy of Jiang Guangnai, each zone tells a different Xiguan story  • 🎨 Picture-perfect charm: A lush courtyard by Litchi Bay, ornate archways, and that Instagram-famous spiral staircase make it beautiful and photogenic  • 🎟️ Affordable and serene: For only a few yuan, you get calm galleries, local stories, and a peek into everyday life in historic Guangzhou Final Thoughts: Liwan Museum is a compact, compelling chronicle of Xiguan culture—its homes, crafts, and characters—all set within timeworn architecture that feels alive. Ideal for an authentic taste of old Guangzhou, it’s an enriching, budget-friendly addition to any urban exploration, and a perfect match with a walk along Litchi Bay or a visit to nearby vernacular landmarks.