Huacheng Square

Welcome to Huacheng Square, also known as Flower City Square, the grand centerpiece of modern Guangzhou's Central Business District in Zhujiang New Town. If Baiyun Mountain is the city's 'green lung,' then Huacheng Square is its…

To our west sits the Guangzhou Opera House, an architectural landmark designed by the late, world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building's unique, pebble-like shape is intended to resemble two smooth stones shaped by the…

To the east of the square, we find the Guangdong Museum, a building whose design is inspired by the traditional Chinese 'treasure box' or 'lacquer box.' The structure's dark, geometric facade is punctuated by irregular 'cut-outs'…

Continuing north, we encounter the Guangzhou Library, a massive structure whose sloping, multi-layered exterior is designed to resemble a stack of books. This is one of the largest and most modern public libraries in the world,…

At the heart of the square lies a large reflecting pool and a series of elevated skywalks. This area is the perfect vantage point for appreciating the 'Flower City' skyline. …

While the square above is a tranquil park, the area beneath your feet is a bustling 'underground city' known as the Mall of the World. This sprawling subterranean complex features hundreds of shops, local food courts, a movie…

At the southern tip of the square, where it meets the Pearl River, lies Haixinsha Island. This site gained international fame as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Asian Games. …

As we conclude our tour of Huacheng Square, we have traversed a space that serves as a bridge between the city's historic roots and its futuristic aspirations. From the 'Double Pebbles' of the Opera House to the 'Treasure Box' of…