Xihua Road in Guangzhou has long been celebrated as a “living museum” of Cantonese flavors, where every corner tells a story of tradition and taste. For several years, the 勿理堂 xihua rd (Wulitang) bakery was a central figure in this narrative, acting as a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. This specific branch was famous for its modern twist on classic Cantonese pastries, drawing in crowds of locals and tourists alike who were eager to try their “internet-famous” egg tarts and fluffy milk-based buns. While the street remains a bustling hub for foodies, the story of this bakery has become a significant chapter in the neighborhood’s recent history, reflecting the changing tides of the city’s competitive bakery scene.
What is the Current Status of Wulitang (勿理堂) on Xihua Road?
If you’re heading to the Yuexiu District today, you may be curious about what’s happening with Wulitang (勿理堂) on xihua rd. Sadly, the bakery shut down in early 2026. This happened after the parent company faced a large financial crisis in late 2024. Many of the brand’s stores in Guangzhou had to close because they ran out of money. This left many people who loved their special pastries feeling sad. At first, some stores outside of Guangzhou weren’t as affected. However, the main store on Xihua Road is now closed. It shows us that even popular and successful food places can quickly vanish in a busy city economy.
Exploring the Best Food Alternatives Near the Old Wulitang xihua rd
Even though the Wulitang (勿理堂) shop on xihua rd isn’t selling its well-known buns anymore, Xihua Road is still thriving and remains a great food spot in Guangzhou. The area has many old places that let you experience real Lingnan culture without needing trendy branding. You could easily spend a whole day going from place to place, trying tasty snacks and sweet treats made perfectly over many years. The street’s vibe lives on through these tough local shops. This makes sure that everyone who visits Xihua Road always leaves full and with plenty of options.
Savory Bites: The Famous Tengyuan Shengjian (腾元生煎)
One favorite place close to the old Wulitang xihua rd is Tengyuan Shengjian (腾元生煎). You can find it at 439 Xihua Road. This little shop is famous for its buns cooked in a pan. They have a bottom that’s golden and crisp. Inside, there is hot, tasty soup. People who live here often get in line early to get them fresh. The taste and good quality have stayed the same for a long time. It’s great with how it feels in your mouth. The dough is soft but chewy. The meat inside tastes good but not too strong. If you miss the baked stuff from the old shop, these buns are a really good replacement. They will make your taste buds happy.
Artisanal Rice Rolls at Fang Ji (芳记小食店)
If you want a truly old-school experience on Xihua Road, don’t miss Fang Ji (芳记小食店) at number 280. Locals know this place well. It’s famous for rice rolls made the old-fashioned way, using gauze. This makes the rice incredibly thin and smooth. Many people who’ve lived here a long time suggest trying their “Yuan Yang” roll. It’s a mix of beef and pork. People love how the flavors work together and how smooth it feels. The shop feels old. It has plain wooden tables and is always busy. This really shows the “Old Guangzhou” feel. Here, how they make the food is more important than fancy decorations. This makes it a key part of what this street is all about when it comes to food.
Hearty Noodle Bowls at Lili Lin (荔林食店)
If you find yourself wandering near the former Wulitang (勿理堂) xihua rd area around lunchtime, Lili Lin (荔林食店) is the place to be. This noodle shop at 163 Xihua Road is famous for its flat rice noodles (Hor Fun), particularly the varieties topped with crab roe or tender beef tendon. The broth is deep and flavorful, often simmered for hours to extract every bit of essence from the ingredients. It’s the kind of hearty, comforting meal that fuels the neighborhood, and it’s a favorite for those who want a “real” taste of the city away from tourist traps. The generous portions and friendly, down-to-earth service make it a standout choice for a satisfying lunch.
Sweet Cantonese Soups at Shawan Dessert Shop (沙湾甜品)
To satisfy the sugar cravings that the 勿理堂 xihua rd bakery used to fulfill, head over to the Shawan Dessert Shop. This shop specializes in Cantonese sweet soups, known as “Tong Shui,” and is particularly renowned for its ginger milk curd and double-skin milk. They use fresh water buffalo milk, which gives the desserts a much richer and creamier consistency than standard cow’s milk. The ginger milk curd is made to order and has a delightful spicy kick that warms the throat, making it a perfect end to a long day of walking. It’s a refreshing and culturally significant way to experience the sweeter side of Guangzhou’s culinary traditions.
Practical Travel Tips for Your Xihua Road Food Tour
If you’re heading to the Xihua Road food street, a little planning helps you enjoy it fully in 2026. Many of the old stalls open early. Getting there around 9:00 AM is best. You’ll miss the busy lunch time. Plus, you can be sure to get the freshest breakfast. Many places take digital payments now. Think Alipay and WeChat Pay. However, some tiny, older spots might still want cash. This is especially true for small purchases. So, it is smart to have some coins. The street is easy to reach by Metro. Take Line 1 or 8 to Chen Clan Academy Station. Or, use the newer Caihongqiao Station. It gives you direct access to the west side.
Embracing the Atmosphere of Yuexiu District’s Most Famous Street
The area surrounding the old Wulitang (勿理堂) is more than just a place to eat; it is a place to observe the local way of life. On Xihua Road, you will see elderly residents sitting on plastic stools sharing stories, children grabbing snacks after school, and chefs expertly tossing woks in open-fronted kitchens. There is a sense of community here that is hard to find in the more modern, high-rise parts of Guangzhou. The narrow sidewalks and weathered arcade buildings provide a nostalgic backdrop for your food journey, making every bite feel like a connection to the past. It is this atmosphere that makes Xihua Road a “living museum” rather than just a commercial district.
Why Wulitang’s Legacy Still Matters to Local Foodies
The story of Wulitang (勿理堂) on xihua rd shows how food culture has changed in southern China. It was a time when old-style Cantonese baking tried to keep up with new online marketing trends. They became very popular, but then the market changed once more. For many people, this bakery was their first taste of Cantonese pastries. It helped young people discover the flavors that their grandparents enjoyed. Even though the store has closed, its focus on quality and innovation still inspires nearby bakeries and cafés. The impact remains visible in the continued desire for higher standards and fresh ideas. top-notch, handmade baked items throughout the city.
Planning Your Visit From Breakfast to Late-Night Snacks
A full day on Xihua Road can be a marathon of flavors, starting from the early morning steam of rice rolls to the late-night sizzle of street-side stir-fries. Many shops, especially the dessert houses, stay open until 10:00 PM or later, allowing for a late-night treat after the sun goes down. If you are a fan of traditional snacks, you might also look for “faux shark fin” soup or freshly ground sesame paste stalls that dot the street. The beauty of this area is that it rewards the curious traveler—the best meal of your trip might be found in a tiny alleyway you almost walked past. Just remember to pace yourself, as the sheer variety of food can be overwhelming!
Final Thoughts The Unstoppable Spirit of Xihua Road
Even though landmarks like Wulitang (勿理堂) xihua rd may come and go, the culinary spirit of Guangzhou is unstoppable. The city’s food scene is built on a foundation of respect for ingredients and a passion for feeding the community, and Xihua Road is the ultimate expression of that philosophy. Whether you are coming for the legendary pan-fried buns, the silky rice rolls, or just to soak in the historic atmosphere, you will find that the street always has something new—or something very old and very good—to offer. It remains a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to truly understand why Guangzhou is considered the food capital of China.
Comparing Modern Bakery Trends vs. Xihua Road Heritage Eats
| Feature | Wulitang (勿理堂) Bakery Style | Traditional Xihua Road Eateries |
| Culinary Focus | Internet-famous fusion; focus on milk buns, flaky egg tarts, and aesthetic pastries. | Heritage-focused; specialization in rice rolls (Cheung Fun), pan-fried buns, and “Tong Shui.” |
| Dining Vibe | Trendy, “Instagrammable” shopfronts with a focus on grab-and-go snack culture. | “Living museum” atmosphere; simple, no-frills stalls where locals and neighbors gather. |
| Recipe Origin | Modern adaptations of Cantonese classics designed for viral social media appeal. | Generational, time-honored techniques (e.g., gauze-method rice rolls or water buffalo milk curd). |
| Business Status | Faced a financial crisis in late 2024; most Guangzhou branches are currently closed. | High staying power; most have operated for decades despite city-wide economic changes. |
| Best For… | Young foodies looking for new twists on old flavors and unique pastry textures. | Travelers seeking the “Old Guangzhou” soul and honest, affordable everyday meals. |
| Key Location | Formerly a top branch at Xihua Road; now mostly a memory for pastry fans. | Spread throughout the street (e.g., Fang Ji, Tengyuan, Shawan) at specific historic addresses. |
FAQ’s
1. Is the Wulitang (勿理堂) bakery on Xihua Road still open?
As of early 2026, the Wulitang (勿理堂) xihua rd branch is unfortunately closed. The brand experienced a major financial crisis starting in late 2024, which led to the closure of most company-owned stores throughout Guangzhou. While it was once a top-performing location, the storefront is no longer operational, and travelers are encouraged to visit the many nearby heritage shops that continue to serve traditional Cantonese pastries and snacks.
2. What are the best alternative foods to try on Xihua Road?
Since you can no longer visit Wulitang (勿理堂), the best way to experience the street is through its “living museum” of local eats. We highly recommend starting with the pan-fried buns at Tengyuan Shengjian, followed by the silk-thin rice rolls at Fang Ji. For dessert, the ginger milk curd at Shawan Dessert Shop is a legendary local favorite that perfectly captures the creamy, sweet profile Wulitang fans used to love.
3. What is the best time of day to visit the Xihua Road food street?
The best time to visit the area around the former 勿理堂 xihua rd is in the morning, specifically around 9:00 AM. This is when the traditional breakfast shops are at their peak, serving fresh rice rolls and hot buns. While many savory stalls close by 2:00 PM after the lunch rush, the dessert shops and some noodle houses stay open until 10:00 PM or later, making it a great spot for a late-night sweet treat.
4. How do I get to Xihua Road using the Guangzhou Metro?
Accessing the Xihua Road area is very convenient via public transit. You can take Metro Line 1 or 8 to Chen Clan Academy Station (Exit F), which puts you just a 5-minute walk away from the heart of the food district. Alternatively, you can use the Caihongqiao Metro Station (Exit A) on Line 8, which provides a direct and easy entry point to the western end of the street near many famous snack stalls.
5. Do the food stalls on Xihua Road accept mobile payments or cash?
While the modern Wulitang (勿理堂) was fully integrated with digital payments, the older heritage stalls on Xihua Road have a mix of preferences. Almost all shops now accept Alipay and WeChat Pay, which is the standard in 2026. However, because many of these are small, family-run businesses, it is a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for very cheap items or in case of a weak signal in the crowded, historic alleyways.