Lychee Bay

Introducing Lychee Bay
More than half of the total 66 rivers in downtown Guangzhou, come together in the Liwan District. The most profound cultural heritage sites in this area are hidden in the criss-cross water networks, such as Xiguan Ancient Houses, sotto poricos, Painted-Boat shaped house, Antique Street, former residence of Jiang Guangnai (last General and Statesman of Republic of China and People’s Republic of China), with tiny bridges over murmuring streams flowing by making their way to the Liwanhu Lakeside.The history of Guangzhou Lychee Bay can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-25 AD) and Guangzhou Lychee Bay was listed as one of the eight scenic spots in Guangzhou, the Ram City, as Fisherman Singing at Lizhiwan (Lychee Bay) in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Lychee Bay Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Lizhiwan 荔枝湾
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Boating
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: No. 94 Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

What to expect at Lychee Bay

Around the watercourse of Guangzhou Lychee Bay, is the Xiguan Ancient House, where the cultural essence of Guangzhou lies. Xiguan Museum has also been built. Like the Hutongs of Beijing and Shanghai, Li-Long, Xiguan Ancient Houses can be rated as model residences of the Lingnan building cultures of old. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the trade and commerce center used to be here, while the tall and bright Xiguan Ancient Houses beautifully decorated were residents for the rich business men of the district. Besides famous residents remaining like Painted-Boat Shaped House, and other authentic Xiguan folk houses are hidden in these small lanes.

It is better to visit the Guangzhou Lychee Bay on a rainy day. Strolling on the Longjing Bridge, you may lean against the rails in the drizzles to appreciate the boats swaying in the river, while your mind has already drifted away to earlier times. On sunny days brilliant flowers on both banks competing to bloom will make the stream filled with reflections of sunlight and colour. Though the painted boats decorated with flowers passing by look a little gawky,, the paddling boatman dipping their paddles, and the spray they makes you feel for a moment like you are living in the ancient Guangzhou Lychee Bay.

How to get to Lychee Bay

By Metro
• Take Metro Line 5 and get off at Zhongshan Balu Station (Exit B).
• Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Changshou Station (Exit B).

By Bus
• Take bus No. 8, 55, 61, 74, 226 or 541 and get off at Shisangong Station.
• Take bus No. 85, 104, 107, 125, 128, 193, 196, 204, 233, 250, 260, 286, 555, 705 or Tourist Line 2 and get off at Shiluji Station.

Additional travel advice on Lychee Bay
• Please take care when taking a boating tour.
• Many special activities and performances will be held in the scenic area on holidays, such as water flower market, Lantern Fair on Chinese Valentine’s Day, etc.