Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街), Guangzhou

Shangxiajiu is Guangzhou's historic shopping precinct in Liwan district, famous for its beautifully restored Republican-era (民国) arcade shophouses (騎樓). It is the best place in Greater China to buy authentic Cantonese specialties: sun-dried tangerine peel (陈皮), preserved fruits, Chinese medicine, and traditional pastries. Also has affordable Cantonese snack street food. A culturally rich contrast to Shenzhen's modern malls. 15 minutes by Metro from Guangzhou South HSR station.