Unlike in many other cities, Guangzhou's walkable historical core areas have generally avoided the wrecking ball. Where it does take place, demolition has often been done in a piecemeal, plot by plot way rather than razing whole areas. The resulting urban fabric consisting of a mix of small dense alleyways and large highrises has enriched the historic core and retained the culture and fabric. New highrises have tended to be well-integrated into the surrounding network of alleyways, and they often feature qilou-style covered walkways facing the street.
Xiguan, a historical town with a dense network of bike & pedestrian-only streets (now with increasing numbers of e-bikes too) has retained a local identity and is now presented as a showcase for local culture and history. Part of this effort has entailed the establishment of museums, tourist information, signage, landscaping improvements and of course the Lizhiwan Canal Restoration.
The Liwan Museum is located 150m southwest of this cache. It highlights aspects of Xiguan history with an emphasis on everyday life and some prominent local figures.