Be prepared to buy at big quantities (usu must be more than a dozen or more) to get best prices. Do not be amazed at how cheap the initial price is... , as you can still haggle the prices lower!!!Most won't accomodate selling just a few pieces, unless for a high price... also, ask around for prices as there are a lot of stores selling similar items. Lots of immitation / fake items...
Watch your bag or purse!! ...as there are a lot of pickpockets... you have to bring CASH, no credit card facilities here... they do not accept US dollars neither...
Nearby hotels are FURUMA Hotel and HOTEL LANDMARK CANTON.
Also, bring some snacks if you intend to shop the wholeday, unless you have no apprehensions eating at the dirty (but TASTY) street cafeterias across... lots of fruit peddlers abound though...
Open from 9am to 6pm, but advise you get out of the place by 5:30pm since transportation is tough esp on weekdays. You can flag down some private cars (and motorcycles) waiting across the street if unable to catch a cab, but expect higher fees.
What was once a stronghold of revolutionary fervor (as can be seen from the rifle-thrusting monument in the center of the roundabout) has succumbed entirely to the forces of the free market and is now one of the most colorful markets in Asia, a vast area that stretches from Haizhu Square almost as far down as Shamian Island. Apart from the usual toys, furnishings, and electronics, this is a great place to find many of those souvenirs found in tourist shops around the rest of the country, but here at wholesale prices. A short walk to west along Yide Lu brings you to even more markets, with vast areas specializing in stationery, toys, and even dried foods. It is a shame that most people stop off in Guangzhou at the beginning of their trip into China as this is the ultimate shopping stop and would be much more suitable on the return journey.