Xiaozhou People's Hall - Host to Local Folk Artists

Location: Gongbei Si Lane, Xiaozhou Village, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区小洲村拱北四巷)

The Xiaozhou People's Hall is located adjacent to Guangzhou's University Town. Funded and built by Xiaozhou villagers in 1959, the Russian-inspired architecture reflects the influential time of its construction. For nearly half a century, Xiaozhou People's Hall has been a national landmark.

During the period of Great Leap Forward (1958-1961, a plan aimed to utilize China's population to transform the nation into a modern communist society) the Xiaozhou People's Hall served as a production space, a headquarters for the military, and an office for rural credit cooperatives.

Upon reform and reopening in the 1970s, the building was home to a fruit processing factory followed by a carton factory. After the factories closed the building was deserted and remained unoccupied for several years. In December 2005 it was renovated once again and used as a community center for cultural activities.

Today, Xioazhou People's Hall has become host to local folk artists and their works, attracting many young artists to share their creative passions. The 1st Xiaozhou art festival for young artists was held in the Xiaozhou People's Hall in September of 2008. For more info, check their website (only available in Chinese version) www.xiaozhoucun.com. 

Transportation: Buses No. 45, 468, 35, 252

(By Yao Xiaoshan,  Erin M. Schaefer)

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Jessie Hwang