Location & How to Get There

Lychee Bay (荔枝湾涌) sits in the heart of Liwan District, Guangzhou, near the famous Panjang Road. The exact address is No. 8, Lane 9, Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. To reach Lychee Bay, you can take the metro to Longjin Station (Line 1) or Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Station (Line 8). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Lychee Bay. Buses like 25, 74, or 233 also drop you nearby.

Natural Scenery: A Glimpse of Lingnan Water Town

Lychee Bay is all about water! Imagine narrow canals lined with old willows, wooden bridges, and traditional boats. You can stroll along the stone paths or hop on a Lychee Bay boat tour to see it all from the water. The area used to be called “the best view in Lingnan,” and even today, the peaceful canals and greenery make it feel like a mini version of江南 ( Jiangnan, China’s water town area). If you visit in summer, you’ll see lots of red lychees hanging—that’s how Lychee Bay got its name!

Cultural Highlights: Old Guangzhou Vibes

Walking around Lychee Bay, you’ll spot Lingnan-style buildings everywhere. These are old houses with curved roofs, wooden carvings, and colorful lanterns. Many were built in the Qing Dynasty! Did you know Lychee Bay is also the birthplace of Tongzhai Porridge (艇仔粥), a famous Guangzhou soup made on boats? You can still try it at stalls along the canal. At night, the lights reflect on the water, and there’s often traditional music or dance performances.

Things to Do: Relax & Explore

At Lychee Bay, there’s no rush. You can:

  • Walk slowly along the canals and take photos of the pretty bridges and flowers.
  • Rent a boat (like a gondola!) to see the area from the water. Boat tours last about 30 minutes.
  • Taste local food like Tongzai Porridge, egg tarts, or sugar candy near the water.
  • Visit the Guangyuyuan Museum next door, which shows old Guangzhou life.

Amenities: Comfort Without Crowds

Lychee Bay isn’t too touristy, so it’s easy to enjoy. You’ll find clean restrooms, benches to sit, and small shops selling drinks or snacks. If you get tired, there are cafes with lake views where you can relax. Just remember to bring sunscreen for daytime or a light jacket for evenings—it can get windy near the water!

My Visit: A Perfect Day

I went to Lychee Bay in the morning. The sunlight on the canals was amazing! I took a boat ride (so fun!) and later tried Tongzai Porridge for lunch. Strolling afterward felt like stepping back in time. The best part? Seeing old people chatting by the water and kids feeding fish—it’s what everyday life must have been like here decades ago. Lychee Bay isn’t huge, but it’s full of charm. If you’re in Guangzhou, don’t miss this hidden gem!