On May 1st, the 2025 Liwan May Day Golden Week Carnival kicked off at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street Square, running through May 5th. Featuring 70 vendors and over 30 time-honored brands, the event showcased authentic Cantonese flavors, with traditional snacks drawing crowds.

Established in Yongqing Fang of Liwan district in October 2024, Baihua Traditional Desserts shop, participated for the third time, offering over 10 specialties such as Mati Shuang (refreshing water chestnut dessert). "Our sales doubled on May 1st," said owner Mai Xiuzhuang, who stocked ample supplies based on past experience.

At the Pantang Water Chestnut Cake booth, translucent delicacies captivated visitors. The owner explained that crafting these cakes requires using "water chestnuts" that grew in the Pantang area, boiling syrup until it reaches the ribbon stage (a traditional technique where the syrup forms viscous strands), and meticulously controlling steaming temperature and duration.

Zanji Ceremonial Cakes, the designated protection unit of Guangzhou Municipal-level Intangible Cultural Heritage "Xiguan Ceremonial Cake-Making Craft," showcased signature items such as bride cakes. Established in 1909, this time-honored brand adheres to traditional hand-kneaded dough techniques, preserving authentic Cantonese flavors. Its bride cakes have become a highly sought-after cultural souvenir.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, China's first commercial pedestrian street, has seen its Xiguan area (encompassing Shangxiajiu and Yongqing Fang) designated as one of Guangzhou's inaugural metropolitan-level Yangcheng Night Market Economy Pilot Zones in 2024, recognized for its Lingnan-style commercial hub. Leveraging a "food+" strategy, Liwan District hosts food events under a theme of "never ending" at Shangxiajiu to boost consumption.

Currently, over 5,000 food and beverage businesses are thriving in Liwan District. This carnival, through the lens of cuisine, fully confirms "Taste in Xiguan," offering citizens and visitors a splendid culinary and cultural journey.

广州上下九美食节助兴“五一”，非遗老字号特色小吃集体亮相

5月1日，2025荔湾“五一”黄金周嘉年华在上下九步行街广场开幕，活动将持续至5月5日。此次美食文化节上，70家商户共绘美食长卷，30余家老字号带来地道广府风味，众多广府特色小吃亮相，备受市民喜爱。

2024年10月入驻荔湾永庆坊的百花传统甜品店，第三次参加上下九美食文化节，带来马蹄爽等10多款特色甜品，除凤凰奶糊外均冷热供应，满足游客消暑需求。其负责人麦秀庄称，“五一”当日营业额翻倍，因吸取经验备足货品。

泮塘马蹄糕展位前，晶莹马蹄糕吸引众人。店主介绍，制作需用泮塘五秀“水马蹄”，糖浆熬至“挂旗”，蒸制时精准把控火候与时间。

广州市级非遗“西关礼饼制作技艺”保护单位赞记礼饼，带来嫁女饼等特色礼饼。这家始于1909年的老字号坚持手工揉面，传承广府口味，其中嫁女饼成为热门伴手礼。

上下九步行街是全国首条商业步行街，2024年大西关（上下九 - 永庆坊）岭南特色商圈入选广州市首批都会级羊城夜市先行区。荔湾区以“美食+”为切入点，在上下九举办“永不落幕”的美食文化活动，拉动消费。

目前，荔湾区5000多家餐饮经营主体蓬勃发展。本次嘉年华以美食为媒，充分展现“食在广州，味在西关”的文化底蕴，为市民游客呈上一场精彩的美食文化之旅 。

文、图｜记者 马思泳 通讯员 荔宣

翻译｜钟佳

审校｜曾敏