East and West Alleys, Guilin, Guangxi

Guilin's East and West Alleys are more than just ancient alleys; they're a cultural symphony crafted through time. These alleys, like the heart of the ancient city, straddling East and West Alleys in front of Zhengyang Gate, are filled with buildings clad in blue brick and black tiles, paved with stone, and boasting sweeping eaves and corners, evoking a sense of journeying through history. Yet, what truly touches the heart is the gentle resonance between the ancient atmosphere and modern life.

The century-old Guilin brands within the alleys—rice noodle shops, herbal medicine shops, brush shops—are not mere displays, but memories that still breathe through time. Rather than a retro stage, this street feels like a living market: young people pose for photos in Hanfu costumes, street artists play guqin, and cultural and creative shops transform Guilin's history into modern merchandise. A cup of osmanthus tea and a bunch of glutinous rice cakes are like a fusion of the city's sweetness and resilience.

The rare charm of East and West Alleys lies not in the exquisite restoration, but in the way it allows one to hear, through the interstices of the city, the snacks, and the alleyways, a dialogue of Guilin's millennia-old culture resonating today. This is a time walk in the city, where history and the present meet in the sound of walking.

Post by Andy05x | Aug 4, 2025