Jingzili——A Hidden Gem of Cultural Creativity in Guangzhou, Turning Old Wonders into New Wonders

Amid the bustling, down-to-earth vibe of Old Xiguan lies a cultural and creative paradise converted from an old factory building — the Jingzili Cultural and Creative Community. Its mottled white walls and retro wooden roofs are mixed with vibrant illustrations and handmade crafts, with surprises waiting around every corner.Most shops operate on a self-service basis with cameras, so you can wander alone without feeling bothered — perfect for introverts. Phase Two is clearly converted from a traditional Xiguan mansion into a cultural and creative market, brimming with artistic charm.

📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots

🧩 Exclusive Date Souvenirs

Choose from a variety of scented candles, diffusers and hand creams. Every day of the 365-day year has its own unique fragrance. In other words, you can find your own exclusive scent here (also an ideal gift for friends!).

🧩 Graffiti Message Wall

A popular spot loved by fans of Ten of NCT,covered in countless messages from admirers. Feel free to bring a pen and leave your own mark. There’s also a mirror around the corner for great photos.

🧩 Pingu Polaroid Wall

A whole wall covered with Pingu penguins, full of retro vibes! Who wouldn’t want to take some beautiful polaroids here

🧩 Unattended Art Market

A dream for shy introverts! Browse creative merchandise from independent artists — all stylish and fun, with fully self-service shopping.

🧩 Budget Finds

You can find almost anything here: plush toys, stationery, accessories, and even cameras. There’s always something for you.

🚶‍♀️Walking & Dining Route + Experience

• Phase One: Small cultural and creative shops converted from former staff dormitories — a treasure trove for discovering local Guangzhou creativity.

  – The glitter polaroid shop captures moments instantly. Handmade bags and niche accessories are stylish, while journaling lovers can hunt for exclusive stationery. Retro corners make great photo backdrops with just a simple pose.

Phase Two: A four-and-a-half-storey factory transformed into a market, shops, studios and art exhibition area.

– Ground floor: Custom perfume blending and a fragrance lab; vintage stores with one-of-a-kind pieces. – Second floor: Polaroid printing and DIY craft workshops (book in advance). – Third floor: Artist booths and occasional niche special exhibitions (some ticketed), with new surprises every visit.

💡 Practical Tips

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 (market only open on weekends)

🎨 Photo Tip: Wear light-coloured clothing for better shots against the colourful illustration walls.

🕰 Zoned Opening: Spaces open differently on weekdays and weekends.Weekdays: Public exhibition areas & retail shops; the second floor is closed on weekdays — this secret spot is only accessible at specific times.

📍 Nearby Highlights

Xihua Road Food Street: Zhenzhen Snacks, Liyuan Restaurant, Diyin Rice Noodle Rolls and authentic Cantonese street food — fill up for just ¥20 per person!

Huiji West: A quiet area full of old Guangzhou charm, with red-brick walls, historic Western-style buildings and cafes, where you can experience the blend of old and new culture on a city walk.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Also known as the Chen Clan Academy, built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. A historic architectural complex showcasing a variety of intangible cultural heritage crafts.

Guangxiao Temple: The oldest existing Buddhist temple in Guangzhou and one of the most spiritually revered thousand-year-old monasteries.

Liurong Temple: A treasure of Lingnan’s thousand-year-old Zen forest with a history of over 1,500 years. Together with Guangxiao, Hualin and Haizhuang Temples, it is known as one of Guangzhou’s Four Great Buddhist Temples.

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