Traditional Xiguan Residences

Traditional Xiguan Residences

The traditional Xiguan residences are protected cultural heritage sites of Guangzhou.

The term "Xiguan" refers to an area located in Liwan District, historically known to old-time Cantonese as the region west of the old Guangzhou city. It borders Xicun to the north, the Pearl River to the south, Renmin Road to the east, and Xiaobeijiang to the west. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area lay just outside the western city gates. The higher terrain to the north was called Upper Xiguan, while the lower terrain to the south was called Lower Xiguan. In the late Ming Dynasty, the Eighteen Shops (Shi Ba Fu) were built, and the Thirteen Hongs (foreign trading houses) were established. From the mid to late Qing Dynasty onward, residential neighborhoods such as Baohua Street, Fengyuan Street, and Duobao Street were developed in Xiguan. This gave rise to typical traditional Cantonese architecture such as Xiguan mansions and bamboo-tube houses. Since these buildings were mostly concentrated in the Xiguan area, they came to be known as "ancient Xiguan mansions." These old houses were once the residences of wealthy merchants and prominent families—tall, bright, and elegantly decorated, with interconnected halls. Each mansion had a “Qingyun Alley” on either side, symbolizing the hope of rising in status. The number of ancient Xiguan mansions has dwindled from over 800 at their peak during the late Qing and early Republican period to fewer than 100 today. Noteworthy examples include the mansion at No. 15, Zhengjie of Shisanfu.

Xiguan Mansion Cultural Exhibition Hall

Ancient Xiguan mansions were large residences built by wealthy and influential families in the past. These homes were tall and bright, combining courtyards with living spaces and featuring exquisite decorations. The central part was the main hall. Along the central axis from front to back were the porch, entrance hall (Gate Official Hall), sedan hall (Tea Hall), main hall (also called the Grand Hall or Ancestral Hall), elder’s room (First Room), dining hall (Second Hall), and rear room (Tail Room)—each constituting a “bay.” The bays were separated by light wells, which were covered with small roof structures and ventilated through high side windows (water windows) or skylights. Flanking the main rooms were studies, side halls, bedrooms, and stairwells, with the kitchen at the very back. The right side of the entrance hall often featured a small garden with plants, rocks, and fishponds for leisure. The back of the courtyard usually housed a study. Each side of the mansion had a Qingyun Alley, symbolizing the wish to rise in life. These alleys were also known as cool lanes, fire lanes, or water lanes, serving functions such as ventilation, fire prevention, drainage, lighting, drying clothes, access, and gardening.

Xiguan Mansion Cultural Exhibition Hall

The exterior of an ancient Xiguan mansion features low double doors, a middle layer of sliding lattice doors (tanglong), and inner wooden doors—all made of high-quality hardwood. The interior is exquisitely furnished with items such as furniture, lamps, scrolls, couplets, books, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, flower vases, potted plants, birdcages, dressing tables, and various artworks, along with rosewood furniture. The refined wood carvings, distinctive Manchurian-style and threshold windows with local characteristics, and the unique layout all contribute to a rich Lingnan (Guangdong and surrounding regions) aesthetic.

Xiguan Mansion Cultural Exhibition Hall

Former Residence of Jiang Guangnai in Guangzhou

Address: Along the streets and alleys in the old town area of Liwan District, Guangzhou, around Duobao Road, Fengyuan Road, and Longjin West Road

Xiguan Mansion Cluster

Xiguan Mansion Cluster

Type: Featured Neighborhood

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Opening Hours:

Open all day (Xiguan Mansions closed on Mondays)

Admission:

Free entry. Admission to Jiang Guangnai’s Former Residence is ¥3

Transportation:

Take the metro to Changshou Road Station, near the Liwan Museum

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Protection Units