Xiangshan Dreams: Arcade Streets & Shiqi Pigeon in Zhongshan
From Nanyang-style architecture to the 800-year-old Chrysanthemum Town
Zhongshan (historically Xiangshan) is a slow-paced, warm city. It boasts perfectly preserved Nanyang arcade streets, the mouth-watering Shiqi roasted pigeon, and an 800-year-old chrysanthemum culture. This is a journey meant for a slow, savory pace.
Compared to the fast pace of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Zhongshan retains a unique, laid-back "overseas Chinese hometown" vibe. Named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the city was historically known as "Xiangshan" and was one of the first areas in China to embrace Western commerce. Today, this history is frozen in its architecture and cuisine.
Nanyang Romance: Sunwen West Road & Zhongshan Museum
The journey starts at the Sunwen West Road Pedestrian Street in the Shiqi District. This 500-meter street is flanked by Nanyang (Southeast Asian) style arcade buildings (Qilou) built in the late Qing and early Republic eras. The pink and pale yellow facades, exquisite stucco reliefs, and semi-circular arches exude a deep nostalgic romance under the sun. Walking along the street brings you to the newly expanded Zhongshan Museum. This museum complex cleverly integrates old buildings with modern exhibition spaces. Its "Xiangshan Commercial Culture" exhibit brilliantly reconstructs the legendary history of Xiangshan compradors who once dominated business in Shanghai and overseas.
A Legendary Bite: Shiqilao's Roasted Pigeon
When in Zhongshan, you absolutely cannot miss the signature dish: Shiqi Pigeon. We highly recommend dining at the Shiqilao Zhongshan Restaurant. The restaurant feels like a massive Zhongshan culinary theme park. Upon entering, you can see chefs making traditional dim sum live. Their signature roasted pigeon uses a special deep-frying technique; it arrives with crispy skin and tender meat, flavorful right down to the bone. One bite releases an explosion of juices that will leave you licking your fingers.
Heritage Trail: Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Town
After a satisfying meal, we drive north to Xiaolan Town. Xiaolan is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Chrysanthemum Culture and Art," with an 800-year history of cultivation. If you visit in autumn (Nov-Dec), you can attend the spectacular Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Festival. Even off-season, Xiaolan's food is worth a special trip. The local "Chrysanthemum Fried Fish Balls" are made from fresh dace fish paste mixed with chrysanthemum petals, deep-fried, and dipped in a special clam sauce—a proud piece of Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage.
Sunwen West Road and the Zhongshan Museum are close together in the city center and can be explored on foot. Take a taxi (about 15 mins) to the Shiqilao Restaurant. Xiaolan Town is about 25km away; you can take the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway to Xiaolan Station or take a taxi.
The Zhongshan Museum requires free advance booking via WeChat and is closed on Mondays. Shiqilao Restaurant has massive queues during peak meal times; arrive right at opening (11:00 AM or 5:00 PM). The exact dates of the Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Festival change yearly, so check official announcements before planning.