In a surprising turn for one of Guangzhou’s most recognizable retail landmarks, Guangbai Department Store’s Dongshan branch has abruptly shut down—even before its lease expired. Located in the bustling Dongshankou commercial district of Yuexiu District, this closure marks a significant shift in the city’s retail landscape.
A Quiet Exit: Signs Removed and Shops Emptied
Videos shared online recently showed construction workers dismantling the iconic “Guangbai Department Store” signage from the building’s exterior. Decorative elements around the entrance were also being removed, sparking speculation about an impending closure.
When reporters visited the location on June 17, they confirmed the complete removal of all Guangbai branding, replaced with banners reading “Dongshan Future Lane – Renovation and Upgrade in Progress.” The notice explained that the building would be transformed into a multi-purpose lifestyle complex under the new name.
Inside, many retail spaces had already shut down. Restaurants and clothing shops were either closed or in the process of moving out. One Beijing-style roast duck restaurant had stopped indoor dining entirely, operating only a take-out window on the street-facing side. “The main restaurant is closed because Guangbai is pulling out. We’re not sure how long the takeaway will remain,” a staff member said.
From Retail Icon to Renovation Project
Only parts of the building are still in operation. The 4th floor has been completely sealed off, and the 5th floor—once home to electronics vendors—is largely vacant. Most remaining activity is on the 2nd and 3rd floors. A staff member at a discount athletic shoe store on the 2nd floor told reporters, “Guangbai has been leaving since last month, but our store will remain open and is unaffected by the change.”
Large posters on the building’s glass entrances now advertise “Dongshan Future Lane” and invite new tenants, signaling a complete repositioning of the property. The renovation aims to transform the site into a modern lifestyle destination combining retail, dining, family entertainment, and trend-focused experiences.
When contacted, the property management team confirmed that Guangbai has exited early. The site has now been taken over by its landlord, Guangzhou Waihai Real Estate. “Some of the existing tenants are in talks to stay and sign new agreements under the new project,” a spokesperson said.
Lease Still Active—Why the Early Exit?
According to public records, Guangbai Department Store signed a 15-year lease back in 2012 for the property’s underground through ninth floors, covering roughly 36,000 square meters, at a cost of RMB 54.7 million. That lease was set to expire in 2027, making the exit two years early.
The Dongshan store had once been a flagship location. Opened in 2012 and renovated in 2017, it aimed to be more than just a mid-to-high-end department store. It evolved into a community-based complex offering shopping, dining, education, and leisure. Yet despite a reported update in 2023, the store’s official WeChat account hasn’t posted since May 2025, and its name has quietly disappeared from Guangbai’s corporate website.
Dongshankou’s Department Store Era Nearing Its End?
This latest closure follows a wider trend of retail decline in Guangzhou’s Dongshankou area. In 2021, the nearby Wangfujing Department Store—just across the street—shut down. With Guangbai’s departure, only the Dongshan Department Store on Shuqian Road remains as the last traditional department store in the district.
What’s Next for Dongshan?
As Guangzhou’s retail scene adapts to changing consumer behavior, the end of legacy department stores like Guangbai Dongshan signals a shift toward experience-driven, mixed-use developments. “Dongshan Future Lane” is part of that trend, aiming to breathe new life into aging commercial properties by reimagining them for younger, lifestyle-focused consumers.
With the city’s urban renewal plans and commercial transformation in full swing, this is likely not the last iconic name to make a quiet exit—and not the last space to be reborn in Guangzhou’s fast-evolving retail ecosystem.
