Shopping In Guangzhou
Don't expect the glitz and variety of goods available in Hong Kong to be on offer here, although Guangzhou does still have interesting shopping and good bargains. Among Chinese cities, Guangzhou is considered to have the widest range of goods, many of which are imported from other parts of the country.
The main shopping areas are Zhongshan Wulu, Beijing Lu, Renmin Nanlu, Zhongshan Silu and Xiajiu Lu-Shangjiu Lu. The main open-air market is at Quinping Lu, near Shamian Island.
There are several large department stores worth a visit for their wide array of foreign merchandise, at prices lower than in Hong Kong. Nanfang Dasha (49 Yanjiang Xilu) offers a good choice of local products. Xihu Lu Baihuo Dasha, on Xihu Lu, has a huge choice, especially foreign goods, at amazing prices. Xin Da Xin, at the corner of Beijing Lu and zhongshan Wulu, offers a good range of Chinese goods, including silk (and the rare Guangdong black-mud silk) , and a large musical instrument department. The Guangzhou Foreign Trade Center at the Guangzhou Fair Building, on Renmin Beilu, has a large arts and crafts department and a good choice of silk merchandise.
The government-owned Friendship Store, on the ground floor of the China Hotel, and the Kwangchow Friendship Store, at 369 Huanshi Donglu, opposite the Garden Hotel, offer a wide selection of goods.