THERE are many unique places for the artistically minded traveler to visit in Guangzhou. Here are more destinations that should make it onto any trip’s itinerary.

    Xiaozhou Village

    Just like Shenzhen, many villages in Guangzhou have become low-rent apartments for migrant workers, surrounded on each side by towering, super-modern skyscrapers. Only Xiaozhou Village still retains its original style with traditional houses, home-grown fruit and a clean river to walk beside. For many artists this simple lifestyle offers the right place for them to create their masterpieces.

    Located in southern Guangzhou in Haizhu District, the village was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and is the best-preserved ancient village in downtown Guangzhou.

    At present, the village has more than 50,000 fruit trees and over 50 stone bridges residing within its boundaries.

    The most interesting things in the village are the “oyster houses,” which are special houses built with oyster shells. They are found to be perfect for the climate of Guangdong Province as the design keeps the house cool during the summer and warm in winter. The “oyster houses” were also popular because they would not be damaged by the rain or the worms. A mere 20 years ago all the homes in the village were built with the oyster shells.

    The growing number of artists that have chosen the village as a place to work has resulted in coffee shops, bookstores, art studios and exhibition halls opening up in the old village, creating a popular spot for art lovers and other residents.

    While in the village every visitor should call in the Desert Island Library. It features second-hand books on literature, art, history, social sciences, tourism and culture. The library allows book lovers to keep their books in the store and exchange them with each other. It also hosts some small but fun exhibitions that alternate on a regular basis.

    Add: Next to Panyu Bridge, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州海珠区番禺大桥旁)

    Buses: 35, 86, 565, 310, 252, 45, 35, 507Fangsuo Commune BookstoreLocated in a modern high-end shopping mall Taikoo Hui in Tianhe District is Fangsuo Commune Bookstore, called by many artists in the country one of “the freshest and most powerful bookstores for Chinese books.”

    Covering an area of 2,000 square meters, Fangsuo has more than 50,000 types of publications from around the world and specializes in books on design, architecture, literature and art.

    On its shelves you will find a wide selection of books and independent magazines originally published in Taiwan, Hong Kong and other countries and regions. Among these, some are rare classics that nowadays can’t easily be found elsewhere.

    All the staff in the bookstore are university graduates, and the store requires all potential staff to speak English and be informed about art. It is said that sales staff at the store don’t have any pressure to meet sales requirements on books, instead, they are encouraged to read more and learn more. This unique approach creates a quiet atmosphere for customers and makes for a hassle-free environment to shop at leisure.

    There are also art and design exhibitions held in the store on a regular basis.

    Add: MU35 Taikoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州天河区天河路383号太古汇MU35)

    Metro: Line 3, Shipaiqiao Station (石牌桥站), Exit C(Wang Yuanyuan)