The qilou facades
Chinese and European.
Nyx Ning — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sevgonlernassau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sevgonlernassau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sevgonlernassau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sevgonlernassau — CC BY-SA 4.0
The historic heart of Beihai, a long street of about one and a half kilometres lined on both sides with southern-style qilou arcade buildings whose facades blend Chinese and European architecture with arches and carvings, earning it the nickname «a yearbook of modern architecture». The street flourished after Beihai became a treaty port open to foreign trade in 1876, filling with shops, offices and merchants' houses; today it is a pedestrian street full of sweet shops, cafés, seafood and gift stalls, at its best in the evening when the facades light up. The street is free to walk, with a few small museums charging entry, per visitor guides. Look for the halal sign before eating, as many local snacks here contain pork.
Chinese and European.
On both sides.
When the facades light up.
East Zhuhai Road, Haicheng District, Beihai
In the evening, when the facades light up and the heat eases; it is close to the city centre and an hour or two is enough.