Following a thorough and extensive upgrade, Longgang Qilou Street in Zhongluotan town, Baiyun district, Guangzhou, has recently been reopened to the public. This vitalized street has been transformed into a distinctive cultural and culinary destination for those seeking an immersive experience in Guangzhou's rich heritage and dynamic culinary scene.

Longgang Qilou Street. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Originally constructed during the early years following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, this historic street spans approximately 150 meters in length. It has been meticulously preserved to showcase its original architectural features, including traditional blue brick facades and grey tiled roofs, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the era.

The revitalization is a direct result of Guangdong province's "Hundred, Thousand and Ten Thousand Project", which directs resources toward rural infrastructure and the preservation of culture. Since 2023, Zhongluotan town has implemented this project through a town-street pairing mechanism, gathering over 4 million yuan ($588,000) from partnered communities, local entrepreneurs and enterprises to rescue its dilapidated yet historically significant buildings. 

In contemporary times, the street has evolved to accommodate a diverse array of businesses, such as vintage stationery shops, traditional barbershops, crochet handcraft stores, and health-oriented dessert shops. These new establishments not only pay homage to the street's historical legacy but also serve to revitalize its vibrant local culture and lively atmosphere.

"Our Longgang Village hasn't seen such lively nights in a long time. The old charm and bustle have finally returned," said Zeng, a senior villager.

A "90s" generation of young people open a hand-beaten lemon tea shop. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The upgraded street has sparked a wave of entrepreneurial enthusiasm among returning villagers. One of them is Mr Zeng, a "post-90s" youth who gave up a stable job downtown in June 2025 to open a hand-beaten lemon tea shop under the arcade.

"I used to see very few outsiders in Longgang village, but now tourists come regularly. I felt this street had real potential," he said.

Another returnee, Zeng Wuqing, is a retired woman who returned to her hometown to open a crochet handicraft store. She attended a free training course taught by a Baiyun district-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage — manual crochet weaving.

"I quickly learned to make crochet flowers, dolls, bags and even designs inspired by the local yellow wampee fruit. The upgraded Qilou Street was the perfect opportunity for me to return home, open a shop and offer free crochet lessons to the public," she said.

To commemorate the upcoming 2025 Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, Longgang village is proud to present the "Rural Autumn Market" from Sept 11 to 15. This festive event promises to be a vibrant celebration of agricultural bounty and cultural heritage. Attendees can enjoy spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the evening sky, as well as engaging traditional performances such as the intricate iron-flower performances, thrilling fire dance demonstrations — including fire pots, fire skirts, and fire knives — will be featured every day. The market will also host family-friendly entertainment options, an autumn produce market showcasing local harvests, and captivating stage performances. The festivities will take place daily from 10 am to 10:30 pm, around the Longgang Park basketball court.

The recently renovated street has been transformed into a vibrant commercial hub, now featuring more than 30 retail and service spaces.