Life of Guangzhou - Art World Hides behind Wholesale Market

At a wholesale market for daily necessities located in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, the sound of bargaining between vendors and buyers constantly fills the air. But if you walk through the wholesale market and step into the building behind it, you will discover a different world – a world colorfully characterized by art studios and young artists.

The creative tenants have transformed the building by painting huge murals and hanging photos on the walls and doors. Located near the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art, the place attracts hundreds of art teachers and students daily.

About 500 meters away from the building is a large studio converted from a plastic factory warehouse. Its décor features a unique contrast between colorful artwork and industrial machinery. Originally part of the wholesale market, it is now used as a three-stories art studio.

Inside the studio

Photos hang on the wall of the corridor

Huge painting on the door

Painting on the door of the elevator

Exterior of the building

Where is it?

The former factory is located in the No. 50, Yanzi Gang Nan Lu (燕子岗南路50号独立小院), behind the Haizhu District Nantai Daily Necessities Wholesale Market (海珠区南泰日杂批发市场).

(By Jessie Hwang, Stephen Roach, photos from Guangzhou Daily)