After a leisurely stroll around Shamian Island, we take advantage of being in Liwan District to visit Qingping Market, reputed to be one of the most famous markets in Chine. The sheer variety of medicinal herbs and food products housed here promises some truly remarkable discoveries!    

Characteristics of Qingping Market

  Qingping Shichang market, literally the Luminous Peace market, is located just a few meters north of Shamian Island. But what makes this market so famous? Established in 1979, it is simply one of the first private markets in Chine and contains everything you might find in a typical Chinese market. It's no secret that the Chinese have a pronounced taste for distinctive fare, and this is particularly evident in Guangzhou. Indeed, there's a well-known Chinese saying: "Anything with legs that isn't a table, anything with wings that isn't an airplane, or anything in the water that isn't a submarine is edible."

The market once hosted numerous animal species destined for consumption, such as scorpions, cockroaches, civets, snakes, dogs, cats, rodents, owls and more. Following the SARS outbreak of 2003, the market's unsavory reputation tied to animal trafficking has largely diminished. Nevertheless, according to our colleagues who have lived in Guangzhou for many years, certain corners of the market continue to operate these activities. This is what we attempted to verify.  

Market Tour

  The first alley we explore features long displays of medicinal plants, herbs, mushrooms and dried animals used for Chinese pharmacy.

Snakes, seahorses, scorpions, bear paws, deer antlers... suffice it to say, this is hardly the sort of thing one encounters back in our part of the world!

Who's for a nice treat?

The spices release a powerful aroma, intensifying the immersion. This is also a true living space where locals eat, sleep, play cards, laugh and speak loudly (no surprises there!), and our presence only adds to the commotion.

Around the corner of a perpendicular alley, the atmosphere changes dramatically. Herb sachets give way to tiny cages housing turtles, kittens, dogs, rabbits, fish and crustaceans.

For us Westerners, their confinement can seem difficult to bear, particularly for animals we would consider pets back home.

Fortunately, it appears they are sold as pets rather than destined for consumption as was once the case. If such practices do persist elsewhere, we simply didn't find the right alleys...

A striking contrast

The visit concludes as we reach the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare Dishipu Lu, lined like Beijing Lu with shops as far as the eye can see, once again symbolizing the contrast between rapid urbanization and working-class neighborhoods.

To view our photos of Guangzhou, don't hesitate to visit the gallery.