Dongshankou (东山口) Guangzhou: Top Fashion & Lifestyle Brands in 2025

Why Dongshankou Is the Heart of Guangzhou’s Youth Culture

Walking through Dongshankou feels like stepping into a living mood board—equal parts retro nostalgia and modern creativity. Once a sleepy residential area lined with Republican-era villas and leafy boulevards, this neighborhood in central Guangzhou has transformed into a thriving hub for culture, street fashion, and indie lifestyle brands.

What makes Dongshankou special isn’t just its architecture—it’s the way the old and new blend so seamlessly. On one street, you’ll find preserved red-brick mansions with European arches; on the next, a neon-lit café filled with Gen Z creatives editing videos over matcha lattes. It’s a neighborhood that breathes with both history and hype.

The area has become a magnet for young designers, photographers, influencers, and artists, drawn by its walkable charm and ever-growing lineup of cafés, galleries, vintage stores, and streetwear boutiques. It's where aesthetics, community, and lifestyle intersect—and if you’re into fashion, design, or content creation, Dongshankou is a goldmine.

Top Fashion and Lifestyle Brands in Dongshankou (东山口) Guangzhou

From streetwear and designer resale to concept stores and lifestyle collectives, Dongshankou is full of independent gems. Here are some of the standout spots I visited:

BADMARKET – Homegrown Streetwear with a Bite

BADMARKET feels like the rebellious heart of Dongshankou’s fashion scene. This locally-grown streetwear label pushes bold graphics, playful slogans, and tongue-in-cheek designs that reference everything from Asian snacks to internet culture. The storefront itself is raw and industrial, with distressed walls, modular displays, and street-style photography lining the walls.

Price-wise, expect T-shirts from ¥200–¥400 and hoodies in the ¥500+ range. The store has built a cult following online and regularly collaborates with local creators. If you’re after streetwear with personality, this one hits the mark.

3MODE – Minimalist Unisex Streetwear

Just a few steps from BADMARKET, 3MODE offers a total shift in energy. Their aesthetic is clean, minimal, and monochrome—think neutral palettes, boxy silhouettes, and elevated basics with a utilitarian twist. The store feels more like a contemporary showroom, with soft lighting and spaced-out racks that invite you to slow down and browse.

The brand's unisex appeal and "less-is-more" approach make it popular with fashion-forward locals. Prices are mid-range, and their seasonal drops tend to sell out quickly online, so visiting in person is your best bet.

UNDEFEATED (Dongshankou) 

This global streetwear brand’s Dongshankou location is small but tightly curated. You’ll find limited-edition sneakers, sporty caps, and statement logo tees stacked alongside rotating collabs. The store is sleek and urban, with black-and-white tile interiors and LED-lit display walls.

If you're a sneakerhead passing through Guangzhou, it’s worth stopping by to check for regional exclusives or last-pair steals.

WASSUP

WASSUP feels like Dongshankou’s answer to the underground skatewear scene. The store is low-key, hidden behind a mural-covered wall, and the vibe is gritty and raw. Inside, you’ll find oversized fits, graffiti graphics, and Y2K-inspired accessories.

They also host pop-up events and DJ nights, so it's more than just a store—it’s a vibe. Price-wise, it’s on the affordable side, with tees around ¥150 and hoodies starting from ¥300.

MASONPRINCE

MASONPRINCE is bold, experimental, and visually driven. Walking into the store feels like entering a fashion-art hybrid space, where digital screens, curved displays, and ambient lighting merge with their latest designs. Their collections lean avant-garde—deconstructed tailoring, asymmetrical cuts, and dramatic silhouettes.

It’s a bit pricier than your average streetwear spot, but if you want a statement piece or just some futuristic style inspo, this store delivers.

Beerbro

This one’s a hybrid lifestyle space: part craft beer bar, part clothing boutique. You can grab a cold brew and shop through racks of graphic tees, workwear, and accessories curated from local and indie brands. It’s casual, cozy, and great for people-watching on weekends.

There’s also outdoor seating and a great playlist running—perfect for a breather between fashion stops.

OLD ORDER

For vintage lovers, OLD ORDER is a quiet treasure. The space feels like a time capsule, with curated racks of denim jackets, 80s windbreakers, old Levi’s, and retro accessories. They focus on quality rather than quantity, and many items are reworked or locally sourced.

It’s a great spot to find something unique and wearable, especially if you’re into nostalgic looks with character.

To Summer · Kuiyuan (观夏 · 葵园)

@tosummerofficial

I didn’t expect to spend nearly an hour inside a fragrance store—but To Summer’s Dongshankou experience space, “Kuiyuan” (葵园), isn’t your typical retail stop. It’s housed in a beautifully preserved republican-era red-brick villa on Xuguyuan Road, just minutes from BADMARKET and 3MODE. As soon as I stepped through the arched wooden door, the air shifted. It felt quieter, more grounded—like I had entered a space where time slows down.

The architecture is part of the magic. Mosaic-tiled floors, timber staircases, and a peaceful courtyard with a mini Zen garden create an aesthetic that fuses old Guangzhou elegance with modern minimalism. Even the air here is curated—you’re welcomed by faint notes of osmanthus and tea.

To Summer (观夏) doesn’t just sell perfume—it tells stories through scent. Each fragrance in their collection is inspired by places, memories, and natural landscapes of China. You’re not just smelling a bottle; you’re revisiting a season, a feeling, a forgotten alleyway.

Some standout scents include:

• “Golden Osmanthus” – Inspired by autumn evenings in Beijing’s hutongs.

• “Kunlun Boiling Snow” – Crisp and clean, like high-altitude snow melting on your tongue.

• “Lingnan Sweet” – A Guangzhou exclusive, blending lychee and jasmine in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

Why Youth and Gen Z Love It Here in Dong Shan Kou (东山口) Guangzhou

Dongshankou has become a magnet for Gen Z creatives, students, and young professionals—and it’s easy to see why. The entire district feels like it was made for slow discovery. Whether you're grabbing coffee at a tucked-away café or browsing vintage racks on a quiet backstreet, there's always something new to stumble upon.

The neighborhood’s architecture plays a big part in its charm. From old republican-era villas with arched windows to colorful alleyways framed by climbing vines, every corner offers a backdrop that feels personal, not staged. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a professional camera to capture something beautiful—your phone is more than enough.

On any given weekend, you’ll see Gen Z friend groups and couples snapping photos outside storefronts like BADMARKET or sipping coffee outside. The mix of retro aesthetics and contemporary fashion makes Dongshankou feel like a living lookbook. And because so many of the stores here—like 3MODE or Madhouse by Group Studio—are run by young creatives themselves, there's a sense of community that feels authentic, not commercialized.

Social media plays a role too, of course. Many cafés and stores intentionally design their interiors with shareability in mind—neon signs, curated product shelves, exposed brick, pastel walls, and even scent corners. It’s not just about what you wear; it’s about the whole vibe you project. In a way, Dongshankou has become a canvas for Gen Z self-expression—through fashion, photos, and the stories they share online.

How to Explore Dongshankou Like a Local

The best time to visit is on a weekday afternoon when the streets are quieter but the shops and cafés are all open. Late mornings to golden hour are ideal for both natural lighting and people-watching.

Dongshankou is walkable, but it helps to wear comfy shoes—you’ll be hopping between heritage villas, hidden alleyways, and hill-like slopes. The area is accessible by metro (Dongshankou Station, Line 1/6), and bikes or e-scooters are available via app if you want to explore further.

Nearby gems worth popping into:

• Taishe Bookstore – Independent bookshop with local zines and handmade gifts.

• Sigma Coffee – Minimalist café often collaborating with local artists.

• KANGOL Space – Concept store by the iconic hat brand, with fashion and café corners.

A Stylish Escape in the Middle of Guangzhou

Dongshankou is a rare blend of history, art, and street fashion that continues to evolve, attracting trendsetters and creatives from all walks of life. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Guangzhou’s vibrant youth culture, and its streets are sure to inspire your next look or creative project.

Whether you're drawn to the historic architecture, the exciting fusion of vintage and modern, or the unique stores that line the streets, there's no denying that Dongshankou has become a key destination for young explorers and street fashion lovers. If you’re curious about other cities in China with similar cultural and fashion energy, make sure to check out our guides to Chengdu Street Fashion, Shanghai Street Guide and Hong Kong’s Best Street Fashion Areas.