“Eight RMB please,” says the ticket vendor as he hands me our tickets to the Liwan Museum. Here before us stands a testament to Guangzhou’s vibrant history. The Liwan Museum is dedicated to Xiguan culture. It is located on the former residence of Mr. Chen Qianzhong. He was a comprador for the Guangzhou branch of the HSBC. That was in the early Republic of China period.
This residence is a perfect blend. It mixes a Lingnan-style courtyard with a western-style villa. Inside, a flying banyan tree sits atop a stone hill. People call it the quintessential work of Lingnan stone hill landscaping.
After 1949, the residence became an office. It was for the Liwan district government. Later, it served as a kindergarten. This was for children of government employees. It was converted into the Liwan Museum in 1996.
The Liwan Museum comprises two separate exhibitions. One is the partly-preserved Xiguan Dawu. That’s Xiguan grand mansions. It displays traditional Xiguan folk customs. The white western-style building is next to the Xiguan Dawu. It displays ancient and modern handicrafts. These handicrafts relate to Xiguan culture.
Let’s step inside one of the Xiguan Dawus. Here, you will see Canton-style furniture. These pieces date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You will catch a glimpse of Xiguan tradition. Wedding customs and festival customs are on display.
The museum has many displays. They showcase Liwan customs and artistic conceptions of Xiguan residences. It presents a substantial amount of documents. Precious pictures and material objects are available here, too. Visitors gain an understanding of Xiguan’s history. They also learn about its culture and folk customs. You’ll discover the erstwhile local lifestyle.
Chen Qianzhong’s former residence was declared a protected site in 1993. It was a Guangzhou municipal-level cultural heritage site. The Liwan Museum site covers 1,178 square meters.
You can reach the Liwan Museum by metro. Take Metro Line 1. Get off at the Changshou station. You can also take Bus No. 2, 25, 55, or 66. Get off at the Pantang station. The Pantang Restaurant is nearby.
The Liwan Museum is more than just a building. It is a portal. It transports you back in time. You experience the elegance and traditions of old Guangzhou. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details. Imagine life within these walls long ago. The Liwan Museum is a treasure. It preserves the spirit of Xiguan for generations to come.