“Why is it called White Egret Cave Street?” I often get asked that. Well let’s step back in time and uncover the story of this unique place in Guangzhou.
White Egret Cave Street is more than just a location. It is a living testament to Guangzhou’s evolution. It sits in the Liwan District in the southern part of Guangzhou. This area covers 3.1 square kilometers. About 34,000 people call White Egret Cave Street home.
Its name comes from the Qing Dynasty. The land here was fertile. Lush water plants attracted egrets. These birds flocked here for food and to live. The Qing government even built Egret attracting pavilions here. People gradually settled here.
Legend says that beautiful egret fairies lived here. White Egret Cave Street became known for its beauty and folklore.
The street is divided into several communities. These include Egret Cave Community and Egret Jianli Community. Also Guanyin Egret one community, Guanyin Egret two community, Shanding Community, Golden Light Community, Golden Reach Community, Egret Ping Community, Egret Xiang Community, and Guangzhou Ship Community.
Two famous schools stand side by side in White Egret Cave Street. They were both built in the 1870s. They are Guangzhou Peiying Middle School and Guangzhou True Light Middle School. Many other schools are located here including Guangzhou Shipyard Middle School.
Guangzhou Iron and Steel Factory was once located here. It had its own schools like Guangzhou Iron and Steel Middle School. Also it had Guangzhou Iron and Steel Primary School. The steel factory moved later. True Light Middle School took over Guangzhou Iron and Steel Middle School. It became True Light Experimental School. The former site of Guangzhou Iron and Steel Primary School was given to the YMCA.
Guangzhou Iron and Steel Group Co. once had a production base here. In 2008 it became part of Shanghai Baosteel.
The housing here is more affordable than in Haizhu District. Many people from Haizhu District come here to buy homes.
White Egret Cave Street has seen many changes. It was once a heavy industrial area. Now it is a residential area with a rich history. As you walk along White Egret Cave Street remember the egrets. Think of the legends and the factories. The spirit of Guangzhou lives on here.