Guangzhou has a great selection of markets catering to the needs of culture vultures, selling all kinds of antiques and items of cultural interest. This article highlights some of the best markets in Guangzhou, from an entire street dedicated to selling jade to one of the country's most famous antique markets. But before you head to one or all of the spots below, remember: China has a real mix of fake and real goods, and in order to make sure you don't get ripped off, you've either got to have a good eye or lot of luck. If you're new to the hobby then stick with the respected dealers before you venture off further into the historical treasure trove that is Chinese antique shopping.

1) Yuansheng Ceramic and Jade Craft StreetView In Map
Located near the famous pedestrian area of Shangxia Jiu (上下九), Yuansheng Ceramic and Jade Craft Street (源胜陶瓷玉石工艺街) is the largest area of its kind in South China. Here, shoppers will be overwhelmed by the hundreds of individual sellers offering all manner of crafts and ceramics all housed in traditional Cantonese buildings. Among the goods on offer are ceramics from the "porcelain capital" of Jingdezhen, tea ceremony equipment, jewellery from Myanmar, carpentry works, and stamps.   

Add: Yaohua Dongjie, Wenchang Beilu, Liwan District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市荔湾区文昌北路耀华东街(近文昌北路)
Getting there: take Metro Line 1 to Changshou Lu Station (长寿路站)

2) Xiguan Antique City View In Map
Xiguan Antique City (西关古玩城) previously held the status as one of the country's top ten antique markets, though during June 2010 it relocated to a new area. The city features three floors and over 160 sellers, and attracts dealers with the best goods across the province. Antiques on offer range from the Tang Dynasty era up until the Republic of China era, and buyers can indulge in goods ranging from fancy treasures to items that used to belong to street beggars.        

Add: 88 Wenchang Nanlu, Liwan District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市荔湾区文昌南路88号
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
Getting there: take bus 530 to Shangxia Jiu Station (上下九步行街站)

3) Hualin Jade Street View In Map
Also adjacent to Shangxia Jiu, Hualin Jade Street (华林玉器街) encompasses an area of over 10,000 square meters and is home to over 80% of Guangzhou's jade products, making it the true hub for jade trading in the city. Prices vary dramatically; you can pick up a jade stone for as little as 10 RMB, or for the big spenders out there, over 10,000 RMB. In the middle of the street stands the Hualin Jade Plaza (华林玉器大楼), which is the largest indoor jade market in the area offering over 280 stands selling pendants, bracelets, and flowers made of jade. Jade hunters won't be disappointed with Hualin Street, and are sure to go home happy with a beautiful piece of China's most well-known precious stone in their hands.

Add: Hualin Xinjie, Xiajiu Lu, Liwan District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市荔湾区下九路华林新街
Getting there: take bus 205 to Kangwang Lu Station (康王路站) (Shangxia Jiu) 

4) Guangzhou Cultural Relics Store View In Map
Opened in 1960, the Guangzhou Cultural Relics Store (广州市文物总店) is one of China's official top four cultural relic stores, and is comprised of two sections, the Yueya Hall (粤雅堂) and the Zhai Antique (博古斋) area. Goods on sale mainly consist of antiques and jade, though shoppers can also browse the calligraphy section on the second floor. Due to its status, the store has precious items from the Yuan and Sui Dynasty eras on sale for those interested in Chinese history.      

Add: 172 Wende Beilu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市越秀区文德北路172号
Tel: 020 8333 0175
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Getting there: Take bus 1, 7, 12, 24, 36, 66, 182, 215, 219, 264, 544, or 27 (快线) to Wende Lu Station (文德路站)

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Keywords: Guangzhou antique markets best markets in Guangzhou