Beihai Old Street – Distinctive Building Styles

Beihai Old Street (北海老街), also known as Zhuhai Road, boasts nearly 200 years of history, originally established in 1821. Initially called Shengping Street, it was merely 200 meters long and 4 meters wide. Over various historical periods, it has developed into a commercial street now spanning 1.44 kilometers in length and 9 meters in width, lined with distinctive mixed Chinese and Western arcade-style buildings.

These structures are primarily two to three stories tall, influenced by Western colonnade-style architecture introduced by British, French, and German consulates in the late 19th century. The walls facing the street feature arched windows, with decorative lines and intricate craftsmanship on the arches and columns. The variety of decorations and reliefs on the façades create a striking aerial sculpture gallery. The arcades extend the road to the sides and the shop fronts outward, providing shelter from the wind, rain, and sun. The square columns of the arcades are robust and grand, reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture.

Today, Beihai Old Street has transformed into a bustling commercial hub. The street is dotted with historical sites such as the former British, French, and German consulates, the old German Semp Company, and a Catholic convent, all testaments to Beihai’s former glory. Along the street, you’ll find pharmacies, pubs, tea houses, and local delicacies such as spicy flower snails, shrimp cakes, and pork foot noodles. The faded signs and inscriptions on the arcades offer glimpses of the street’s illustrious past, while the vibrant shops, cafes, and snack bars reflect its current lively atmosphere.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Beihai Old Street is located on Zhuhai Road in the Haicheng District of Beihai City. To get there, you can take bus 5, 6, 23, Pudu Temple Dedicated Line, or Bamboo Forest Dedicated Line and get off at People’s Theater Stop (人民剧场站).