Step into the Xiaozhou Village Oyster Shell House and marvel at walls entirely built with thousands of oyster shells! This rare architectural gem is Guangzhou's last intact oyster-shell structure, where sunlight filters through shell gaps to create magical light patterns. Don't miss tasting authentic Cantonese boat congee in the ancient waterways nearby – it's a perfect blend of history, art, and delicious local flavors.

Nestled in Changzhou Island near Guangzhou University Town, this artistic mansion blends convenience with tranquility. Electrolux washers and 24/7 concierge streamline business trips, while the garden teahouse and Cantonese restaurant enrich your stay. Whether for family bonding in thoughtfully designed rooms or corporate events in versatile spaces, its modern interiors adapt seamlessly. Explore nearby historic sites like Huangpu Military Academy, then return to quirky robot services—this isn’t just accommodation, but a gateway to Guangzhou’s cultural charm.
Everything you need to know about Oyster Shell House
Stay at Xiaozhou Creative Homestay, a heritage-style inn transformed from a traditional oyster shell house. Each room features original architectural details, courtyard views, and natural daylighting, offering an immersive experience in Guangzhou’s cultural history. Located just a 5-minute walk from the main oyster shell buildings, it’s ideal for travelers seeking authenticity. The property also hosts local craft workshops and Cantonese tea tastings, providing deeper connections to the community’s intangible heritage.
Choose Xiaozhou Slow Stay Hostel, located just 300 meters from the oyster shell houses—only a 5-minute walk away. This renovated century-old courtyard house provides private rooms, dormitories, and family suites with modern amenities. It’s perfectly situated for visitors arriving via Guangzhou Metro Line 8 (exit at Xiaozhou Station), then following the scenic greenway path. With a shared reading lounge and café on-site, it combines convenience, affordability, and local charm.
Participate in the Oyster Shell Wall-Making Workshop, where you’ll learn traditional techniques used in constructing durable, weather-resistant walls from natural shells. Other highlights include Cantonese woodcarving sessions and live Cantonese opera excerpts performed by local artisans. Every Saturday evening, join the Night Walk Xiaozhou event—a guided lantern-lit tour blending light art and storytelling, revealing the village’s maritime legacy and ancestral tales.
Yes, Hutangju Homestay is designed for families, featuring three private suites, a spacious garden, and a kids’ activity corner. Decorated with themes of Ming Dynasty rural life, the home displays hand-painted murals of local customs. Nearby, a children’s nature trail and ecological pond allow kids to observe fish and dragonflies. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Cantonese dishes, including fresh river-caught seafood, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed family getaway.
At night, the oyster shell houses glow softly under warm ambient lighting, creating dramatic silhouettes along the waterway. A lantern-lit walking path runs alongside the ancient canal, where you can hear frogs croaking and water flowing gently. During festivals, the village holds paper boat blessing ceremonies, where wishes are written on boats and released into the stream—a symbolic tradition rooted in maritime heritage. Some homestays offer nighttime guided tours that uncover the stories behind the shells and the village’s migration history.
Definitely! Visit Xiaozhou Art Bookstore, housed in a restored oyster shell house with shelves made from reclaimed ship planks and ceramic jars. The space hosts independent author talks and artisan markets, attracting creatives from across Guangzhou. Another must-visit is the Riverfront Graffiti Corridor, painted by local artists using Cantonese idioms and ocean motifs. Pair your visit with a lychee iced coffee from the village café for a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern aesthetic.
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