Yongqing Square, known locally as "Yongqingfang," sits in the heart of Guangzhou's historic Liwan district at No. 99 Enning Road, and stands today as one of the finest examples of urban renewal that preserved the soul of the old city while opening the door to a vibrant contemporary life. The neighborhood's history dates back to the 1930s, when it was a bustling residential and commercial hub filled with the homes of merchants and craftsmen who built their houses in the distinctive southern "Xiguan" style — red-brick walls, intricately carved wooden doors, and stained-glass windows that let multicolored light spill into the rooms. Over the following decades the district fell into neglect as the modern city expanded toward its outskirts, until local authorities launched an ambitious urban revival project in the mid-2010s. Rather than the demolish-and-rebuild approach common to similar projects, the plan relied on careful restoration of existing buildings and preservation of the tangled network of narrow alleys exactly as they were, introducing modern infrastructure with great caution so the square would not lose its authentic character. This approach turned Yongqingfang into a widely cited model for heritage conservation amid Asia's fast-growing cities. One of the square's most notable landmarks is the "Residence of Bruce Lee's Family," purchased in 1947 by the martial-arts legend's father, Lee Hoi-chuen, as a home for his family. Although Bruce Lee himself never lived there permanently — he spent most of his childhood between Hong Kong and Guangzhou — the house remained tied to his family roots through his father and sister, and today it has become a cultural exhibition space showcasing his life philosophy alongside vintage film posters and rare personal items. Entry is free, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Close to the square stands the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, dedicated to one of southern China's most cherished traditional performing arts, with its vivid costumes, antique instruments, and performances occasionally staged in its inner courtyards — offering visitors a rare chance to hear traditional pieces performed live amid authentic architecture. The Yongqingfang experience is not limited to history and museums. The square pulses with contemporary life through its elegant cafés, artisan shops, and small art galleries opened inside restored old buildings, alongside regular cultural and artistic events that draw both local youth and tourists. As evening falls, lanterns and lights strung along the alleys give the place a magical atmosphere that makes a night stroll here one of the best experiences a visitor can have in Guangzhou. The square is easily reached via Huangsha Metro Station (Lines 1 and 6), Exit B, followed by roughly a five-minute walk. The public square itself is open around the clock free of charge, while most shops and cafés operate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the Cantonese Opera Art Museum is closed on Mondays. Yongqingfang's architecture belongs to the "Xiguan" style that flourished in western Guangzhou during the late Qing dynasty and early 20th century, blending the traditional Chinese layout of sequential inner courtyards with Western architectural elements introduced through maritime trade, such as marble columns, plaster ornamentation, and the distinctive thick wooden double doors known locally as "tanglong," designed for ventilation while preserving privacy. This unique East-meets-West fusion makes strolling through the square's alleys a living lesson in southern Chinese architectural history, and explains why the district has been chosen as a filming location for numerous films and series evoking old Guangzhou. Practically speaking, autumn and winter (October to February) are the best months to visit, when the weather is mild and comfortable for long walks, while summer's heat and humidity can make daytime visits tiring — evening visits are recommended during that season. The square is also family- and child-friendly, being car-free and easy to navigate on foot, with strollers and resting benches available along the main pathways. Visitors are advised to set aside at least two to three hours to explore the square on foot and sample some light Cantonese dishes at the restaurants scattered along its alleys — keeping in mind that most do not serve halal-certified meat, so it is best to ask in advance or head to a nearby Chinese Muslim restaurant if desired. The visit can also be combined with a wider tour that includes the historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island, and Shangxiajiu pedestrian shopping street, all located within a relatively short distance inside Liwan district, making it possible to plan a full day that combines history, architecture, shopping, and food in one corner of Guangzhou.