Cultural Experiences
haikouQilou Old Street (骑楼老街)
A 100-year-old street with unique Chinese-Southeast Asian arcade architecture - unlike anything else in China.
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Cost
Free
Hours
24/7
Booking
No booking needed
Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街) is a 400-meter street lined with arcade-style buildings (骑楼) built by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia in the 1920s-30s. The architecture blends Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian styles.
What to See
The covered sidewalks protect pedestrians from sun and rain. The facades feature ornate carvings, pastel colors, and Chinese characters alongside Western architectural elements.
Food
The street is lined with local snack shops selling Hainan-style pastries, coconut candy, and tropical fruit juices.
Free to wander. Metro Line 2 to Qilou Old Street station.
Practical tips
- Visit at night when the street is lit up and street food stalls open. Try the local qilou snacks.