The emerging Chinese state of Guangzhou is known for its variety of shopper’s markets and quirky local shopping streets. Some of the more famed retail quarters in the district include Beijing Road, the Golden Fish Street, Dishipu, Culture Street, Night Market and Gaodi Street although no venue enjoys the worldwide popularity enjoyed by the Qingping Market.

First established in 1979 Qingping Market is an exotic not-to-be missed experience when touring captivating Guangzhou. Stretching across a kilometre from Qingping Lu to Ti Yun Lu on northern Shamian Island this decades old market still attracts a whopping 60,000 visitors daily with its eclectic mix of traditional Chinese goods and specialties in medicinal and non-medicinal animal by-products. Renowned as the largest street thoroughfare in all of Guangzhou the market packs in a staggering 2000 shops within its enclave which is accessible via the small overpass from Shamian’s northern shores.

Packed to the brim with stalls of every imaginable size and variation the congested alleyways of Qingping Market are almost always infested with eager shoppers from far and wide. Travelers on the lookout for aromatic Chinese spices and herbs should head down to the central most alley which contains the bulk of the spice shops and herbal remedy vendors. Stalls selling juicy, fresh fruits and vegetables are also found in this section of the market which is known for its fresh produce. The meat market on the other hand is located to the left of the central alleyway with all forms of meat products and live animals for sale. Endanger species are also sold in this market which has become infamous over the years for its exotic animal collections.

Those with an interest in jewellery and accessories with a local flavour will also find much to rummage through at this busy marketplace which houses several jade shops. Antique jewellery and faux antiques are also available alongside old watches, collectibles and memorabilia from the Mao era.

The market also has a special quarter devoted to selling traditional Chinese medicines and raw ingredients used in the ancient practice. Dried fish, reptiles, snake skin, and deer tendons are also found here in addition to live eels and scorpions.

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