# Xing Sheng Lu: The Expat Bar Street Guide
If the massive, raucous clubs at the Zhujiang Party Pier are too intense, and the hidden speakeasies of the CBD are too quiet, there is a perfect middle ground for international buyers: **Xing Sheng Lu (兴盛路)**.
Located directly in the heart of the Zhujiang New Town CBD, Xing Sheng Lu is a dedicated, heavily pedestrianized street lined heel-to-toe with international pubs, sports bars, and global restaurants. It is widely considered the undisputed epicenter of the Western expatriate community in Guangzhou.
## 1. The Vibe: Global Crossroads
During the weeks of the Canton Fair, walking down Xing Sheng Lu feels like walking through a United Nations convention with a beer in hand.
* **The Atmosphere:** Every bar has massive outdoor terraces. The street is closed to heavy traffic, creating an open-air, festival-like environment. You will hear English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and French spoken at every table.
* **The Networking:** If you want to meet other foreign buyers to discuss which wholesale markets are actually worth visiting, or share contacts for reliable shipping forwarders, this is the place. It is organic, high-level, international B2B networking over pints of Guinness.
## 2. The Anchor Venues
While the venues change ownership occasionally, several core establishments anchor the street:
### Morgan's Public House
* **The Vibe:** An incredibly authentic British/Irish pub.
* **Why it's great:** If you are homesick and desperately need a proper pint, fish and chips, or a Sunday Roast, this is the most reliable spot in the city. It is also the premier venue for watching live European football (soccer) or rugby matches.
### Hooley's Irish Pub & Restaurant
* **The Vibe:** A massive, multi-story Irish pub known for incredible live music.
* **Why it's great:** Hooley's frequently hosts highly talented foreign cover bands and local expat rock groups. The energy here on a Friday night during the Canton Fair is legendary.
### The Global Dining Scene
Beyond drinking, Xing Sheng Lu is packed with international food. If your stomach needs a break from spicy Sichuan hotpot or Cantonese dim sum, you will find high-quality Turkish kebabs, authentic Mexican tacos, and premium Italian pizza right next to the bars.
## 3. Logistics and Safety
* **Getting There:** Take Guangzhou Metro Line 5 to **Liede Station (猎德站)** and take Exit D. It is a 5-minute walk north into the high-end residential towers of the CBD.
* **Safety:** Guangzhou is incredibly safe, and Xing Sheng Lu is no exception. Because it caters to high-net-worth locals and expats, there is a visible but relaxed police presence ensuring no aggressive behavior.
* **Late Night Eats:** When the bars close around 2:00 AM, simply walk to the adjacent streets where you will find 24-hour local noodle shops catering specifically to the late-night crowd.
## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Do these bars accept foreign credit cards?**
A: Yes. Because they specifically cater to the international expat community, most major venues on Xing Sheng Lu accept Visa and Mastercard. However, having Alipay set up on your phone is always the fastest and preferred method.
**Q: Is it a place to bring Chinese suppliers?**
A: It depends. If your supplier is a young, internationally educated sales manager, they will likely love the vibe. However, if your supplier is a traditional, 60-year-old factory boss who prefers private VIP rooms and Baijiu, the loud, outdoor, standing-room-only atmosphere of an Irish pub might not be the best setting for a formal business dinner.