Qingping Market (清平市场) is one of Guangzhou’s most famous wholesale-style market areas in Liwan District, best known for traditional Chinese medicine shops (often called Qingping Medicine/Herbal Market) and nearby specialty sections (including aquatic/dried goods). It’s a “real Guangzhou” experience—busy, sensory, and very local—so it’s worth planning smartly.
Qingping Market at a glance 📍⏱️💳
| What you need | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Area | Liwan District (around Qingping Rd / Liu’ersan Rd / Huangsha area) |
| Nearest metro | Huangsha Station (Lines 1 & 6; commonly used) |
| Backup metro | Cultural Park Station (Lines 6 & 8) is also walkable for some pins |
| Entry fee | Free (it’s a market district; shops are individual) |
| Typical shop hours | Often listed anywhere from early morning–late afternoon to late evening depending on section/shop; assume daytime is safest |
| Time needed | 60–120 minutes (first visit) |
Why hours vary: different sources describe different sections and shop policies (herbal wholesale vs tourist browsing), so treat any single “official hour” as an estimate and go in daylight.
What is Qingping Market (and what people actually come for) ✅
1) Traditional Chinese medicine (the headline)
The most famous part is the Qingping Professional Traditional Chinese Medicine Market area—rows of shops selling dried herbs, roots, mushrooms, teas, and medicinal ingredients.
2) “Specialty” market streets nearby (aquatic/dried goods)
There are also nearby market sections selling various dried/aquatic items—often treated as part of the broader Qingping market zone by travelers and local guides.
What to buy (smart choices for visitors) 🛍️
If you’re not an expert, the best souvenirs are items that are:
- low risk
- easy to carry
- hard to “fake” in a way that matters to you
Good picks:
- dried tea flowers / herbal teas (ask for brewing instructions)
- dried mushrooms (sealed packs)
- spice/herb blends that are clearly labeled and sealed
⚠️ Avoid buying “medical” products for self-treatment unless you know exactly what you’re doing. This market is not a clinic.
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
By metro (best option) 🚇✅
Most visitors use:
- Huangsha Station (Lines 1 & 6) → Exit E is often referenced for the herbal market area, then a short walk.
- Some pins are closer to Cultural Park Station (Lines 6 & 8) depending on which gate/section you target.
Pro tip: Save the Chinese name for map accuracy: 清平市场 or 清平中药材专业市场.
By taxi / ride-hailing 🚕
Pin one of these (they drop you more accurately than “Qingping Market” alone):
- No.246 Liu’ersan Road (六二三路246号) area (TCM market article reference)
- Or simply “清平中药材专业市场” in your map app.
Hours / operating times ⏱️
Because Qingping is a market district, hours vary by shop and section:
- Some directories list the TCM market as 09:00–22:00.
- Other travel listings show daytime windows like 06:00–17:00 (often for “market visit” timing).
✅ Safest traveler plan: go 10:00–16:00 for the best mix of open shops and easy navigation.
Tips & common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Compare before you buy
Even basic items can have different grades/prices; a major guide explicitly recommends comparing quality and price across shops.
✅ Use your phone camera + translation
Snap labels, translate ingredients, and keep receipts if you’re buying anything pricey.
⚠️ Don’t buy “too cheap to be true” products
Guides warn against believing extremely low prices and recommend careful identification to avoid fakes.
⚠️ Know what not to photograph
Some stalls dislike close-up filming. If in doubt, ask with a smile and point at your phone.
✅ Combine it with nearby Shamian Island
Qingping is close to Shamian (one of Guangzhou’s prettiest historic walking areas). It’s an easy “market + calm stroll” combo.
FAQ ❓
Which metro station is closest to Qingping Market?
Many directions point to Huangsha Station (Lines 1 & 6) with a short walk.
Is Qingping Market free to enter?
Yes—there’s no general admission; you pay only if you buy items.
What is Qingping Market famous for?
It’s especially known for the traditional Chinese medicine/herbal market area in Liwan.
Conclusion
Qingping Market Guangzhou is a high-energy local market experience—especially strong if you’re curious about herbal medicine culture and classic Guangzhou trading streets. Go in daytime, use Huangsha Station, compare prices, and treat “medical” purchases cautiously unless you’re experienced.
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