Liwan District

Did Liwan District always have such a poetic name? No. It earned its name from the picturesque “Lizhi Wan,” meaning Lychee Bay. Imagine a bay brimming with green waters and framed by red lychees. This image, immortalized in poetry, gave Liwan District its current name. Liwan District sits in the western part of Guangzhou, nestled along the Pearl River. It’s a district of two halves, divided by the river itself. Xiguan lies to the northeast, and Fangcun to the southwest. Liwan’s history stretches back to the Qin dynasty, making it a treasure trove of historical sites. It covers an impressive 62.4 square kilometers and boasts a population of 1,113,000 as of 2023. Before it became Liwan District, this area was known as Xiguan, meaning “West Gate,” because it sat outside the western gates of Guangzhou. The district also encompasses the historical area of Huadi, located southwest of Guangzhou’s downtown and south of the Pearl River. In 1921, Liwan and Guangfu (now Yuexiu) merged into the newly formed city of Guangzhou. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Liwan underwent numerous administrative changes. It was Fangcun District, then absorbed Chongwen District. Later, it was split between Henan and Xinjiao Districts. After another brief stint as Fangcun District, it finally became Liwan District in 2005. Liwan District is home to many historical gems. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island, and the former site of the Thirteen Factories are just a few. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island hold the prestigious title of national key protected cultural relic units. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, opened in 1995, is another must-see. This vibrant street buzzes with activity and offers a taste of local life. Liwan’s culinary scene is equally impressive, with renowned restaurants like the White Swan Hotel and the Guangzhou Restaurant. Be sure to try local specialties like Shunji coconut ice cream and Wuzhanji Jidi congee. Liwan District isn’t just a place of history; it’s a vibrant, living district. It seamlessly blends its rich past with its modern present.