Taigucang Wharf (太古仓码头, Taikoo Wharf, Former Butterfield & Swire Godowns & Wharves) is located in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou, China. It was established in 1904 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty and was originally built as a wharf warehouse for the British-owned Swire Shipping Company, hence its name, Taigucang. In 1953, the Guangzhou Military Control Commission requisitioned the wharf, which later became state-owned and has since been managed by the Guangzhou Port Authority and the Guangzhou Port Group.
The wharf covers an area of approximately 54,900 square meters and features ten warehouses. This includes six brick and wooden structures, two mixed-structure warehouses, and two reinforced concrete buildings. The three T-shaped docks have a water depth of 5.4 meters and can accommodate vessels of up to 3,000 tons, representing a significant chapter in Guangzhou’s history as a trading port.
Today, Taigucang Wharf has been transformed into a cultural district that integrates bars, cinemas, and yacht docks, showcasing its evolution from a historic port facility to a vibrant entertainment hub.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-020-84353188 |
Location and Transportation
Taigucang Wharf is located at 124 Ge Xin Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 303, 489, 963, 967, 989, or 995 and get off at Taigucang Stop (太古仓站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Taigucang is Shayuan (沙园) on line 8 and Line Guangfo. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 800 meters to the west to reach the attraction.
Vlog about Taigucang Wharf
History of Taigucang Wharf
Taigucang Wharf was initially established to serve the Taikoo Shipping Company, which managed a fleet of steamships connecting the Far East and Southeast Asia with routes to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Haiphong (Vietnam). At its peak, the wharf accommodated about 30 vessels, with 26 cargo ships, each approximately 3,000 tons, docking at Taigucang Wharf for loading and unloading.
Between 1928 and 1933, during the leadership of Chen Jitang, the wharf underwent significant renovations and expansions. The high-pile beam-and-slab structure was constructed, resulting in the creation of several key facilities, including the current seven warehouses and the three “T”-shaped docks.
During the Japanese invasion of China, Taigucang Wharf became a crucial logistics hub for military supplies and personnel. In December 1947, the Guangdong Provincial Government established the Guangdong Provincial Food Planning Committee and the Guangdong Grain Management Committee, utilizing the warehouses at Taigucang, Yihe (Jardin), and Osaka for grain storage. As the volume of incoming grain increased, additional storage facilities within the city were also requisitioned.
On February 24, 1953, the Guangzhou Military Control Committee requisitioned Taigucang Wharf, transferring ownership to the state. It was subsequently managed by the Guangzhou Port Authority and Guangzhou Port Group.
From 1955 to 1960, Taigucang Wharf was the busiest point in Guangzhou’s inner port area, marked by the highest density of vessel arrivals and the largest cargo throughput. Due to its large storage capacity, the wharf often housed essential materials in addition to cargo operations.
In 1968, amid the historical movement of sending educated youth to the countryside, Taigucang Wharf served as a major transit point for transporting young people from Guangzhou to Zhanjiang and Hainan for south border development. However, during the Cultural Revolution, Taigucang Wharf suffered severe damage. A violent conflict occurred from September 1 to 3, 1967, resulting in warehouse fires that killed seven and injured over ten people. The three-story warehouse No. 8 was completely destroyed, leading to substantial financial losses. A central investigation team was dispatched to the site.
During the “Ten Years of Calamity,” the wharf was also subjected to artillery fire, leading to significant damage to one of the warehouses primarily used for storing packaged sugar. Although repairs were made, the restored area exhibited issues with moisture, indicating that the original design and construction methods were sound and scientifically rigorous.
In 2003, Taigucang Wharf began its transformation. The Guangzhou Port Group aimed to preserve the wharf’s historical integrity while adopting modern operational methods, turning it into a cultural and creative space that integrates trade, tourism, and leisure, thereby establishing a vibrant “urban living room” for Guangzhou.
