Guangzhou Haizhu Square is a bustling commercial and transportation hub in central Guangzhou, located along the Pearl River. While it functions as a major traffic circle, its real charm lies in the surrounding wholesale markets—some of the best in China for deals on everything from toys to dried seafood.
Apart from the usual toys, furnishings, and electronics, this is a great place to find many of those souvenirs found in tourist shops around the rest of the country, but here at wholesale prices. A short walk to the west along Yide Lu brings you to even more markets, with vast areas specializing in stationery, toys, and even dried foods. It is a shame that most people stop off in Guangzhou at the beginning of their trip into China, as this is the ultimate shopping stop and would be much more suitable on the return journey.
From Haizhu Square, it’s just a 15-30 minute walk to Beijing Road, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, and Gaodi Street (5 minutes walking, Household Merchandise Street).
🌟 Why Visit Haizhu Square?
Wholesale shopping at retail prices – Skip tourist markups and buy directly from suppliers.
Historic charm – The square itself is a relic of 1950s Guangzhou, with retro architecture.
Prime location – Walking distance to landmarks like the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Tianzi Pier (for Pearl River cruises).
🛍️ Must-Visit Wholesale Markets
📍 OneLink Plaza (万菱广场)
What to buy: Toys, gifts, and home decor (great for souvenirs!).
Guangzhou OneLink Plaza, known nationwide, is just one block away. This is a 7-8 floor wholesale market where you can find even more—and the best: all air-conditioned! There’s also a Kentucky Fried Chicken for those who stay too long. Rest assured, there’s much more to see here than at Haizhu Square.
Bonus: Air-conditioned (a rarity in wholesale markets!).
📍 Gaodi Street (高第街) – “Household Goods Street”
What to buy: Towels, slippers, socks, and home textiles at factory prices.
Why go: One of Guangzhou’s oldest shopping streets, dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
📍 Yide Road Seafood Market (一德路海味批发市场)
What to buy: Dried scallops, abalone, fish maw, and other premium seafood.
Pro tip: Bargain hard! Prices drop if you buy in bulk.
📍 Binfen Plaza (缤纷广场) – The Artificial Flower Wonderland
Just 3 minutes walk from Haizhu Square Metro Exit D
What Makes It Special?
Guangzhou’s largest wholesale hub for artificial flowers & decorations
Endless aisles of silk peonies, faux succulents, wedding centerpieces, and festive garlands
Wholesale prices: Bouquets from ¥8, wreaths from ¥25 (60-70% cheaper than retail)
Shopping Tips:
✂️ Custom orders: Many stalls allow mix-and-match bundles
🎨 UV-resistant options: Ask for “户外款” (outdoor-grade) flowers for balconies
💐 Hidden gem: 3rd-floor vendors specialize in European-style dried arrangements
Why Visit?
Perfect for event planners, hotel decorators, or anyone wanting Instagram-worthy home accents without the upkeep of real plants!
Nearby Attractions
📍 Sacred Heart Cathedral (石室圣心大教堂)
8min walk west on Yide Road – Asia’s largest Gothic-style Catholic church, built in 1863 with stunning stained glass.
📍 Tianzi Pier (天字码头)
12min walk north from Haizhu Square Station– The best departure point for Pearl River night cruises. Board at dusk for glittering skyline views.
📍 Great Hotels with Cantonese Dining
Guangzhou Hotel (广州宾馆) – Historic tower with a top-floor Cantonese restaurant overlooking the square.
Huaxia Hotel (华夏大酒店) – Classic Lingnan-style banquets
📍 Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (北京路步行街) – 15min walk north
Why Go:
✦ Ancient & modern fusion: Glass walkways reveal 2,000-year-old Song Dynasty road ruins beneath your feet
✦ Best for: Trendy fashion, Guangzhou’s first UNIQLO flagship, and late-night Cantonese snacks
✦ Must-Try: “Milk Crab Soup Dumplings” at 银记肠粉 (Yinji Changfen)
📍 Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街) – 30min walk west
Why Go:
✦ Qing Dynasty arcade architecture with pastel-colored骑楼 (qílóu)
✦ Best for: Traditional Cantonese souvenirs (embroidered slippers, jade trinkets)
✦ Must-Try: “Double-Skin Milk” at 南信牛奶甜品专家
Pro Tip: Take a shared bike (Meituan/Hellobike) between these streets to save time!
🚶♂️ Riverside Walk to History
From Haizhu Square Metro, take a 25-minute scenic stroll west along the Pearl River promenade to reach:
📍 Shamian Island (沙面)
- Why Go:
✦ European colonial architecture from 19th-century trading days
✦ Tree-lined boulevards perfect for photography
✦ Quirky cafes in former consulate buildings
Walking Route:
Cross Bridge No. 3 to enter Shamian
How to Get There
Start at Haizhu Square Exit D
Head west on Yanjiang Road (沿江西路)
Pass Yanjiang Park (great river views)
📍 Nanfang Mansion (南方大厦) – China’s first modern department store (1918)
Location: 5min west of Haizhu Square along Yanjiang Road
Architecture: Striking Neoclassical facade with arched colonnades
Fun Fact: Had Guangzhou’s first escalator in the 1980s!
Why Stop?
✦ Contrast its early-20th-century grandeur with nearby wholesale markets
✦ Snap photos of the clock tower overlooking the Pearl River
How to Get to Haizhu Square
🚇 Metro: Take Line 2 or Line 6 to Haizhu Square Station(Exit B leads directly to the square)
Shopping Tips
Cash Only – No USD accepted,Most vendors don’t accept cards.
Easy to Get Lost – Follow sunlight to find exits (but you might not rediscover favorite stalls!)
Market Layout – Cosmetics, fake flowers, and premium gifts are clustered in specific sections
Wear comfy shoes – You’ll walk a lot!