Qilou

Qilou, also spelled qilou or qí lǒu (骑楼), is the Chinese term for arcade-type commercial buildings common in southern China and in Chinese-influenced port cities in Southeast Asia. The term literally describes a covered sidewalk formed by a colonnade supporting an upper floor; it is used to refer both to the architectural style and to the streets that feature them.

Origins and development: The qilou form developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as urban merchants adapted to hot, humid climates and as interactions with Western architectural practices influenced local design. The arcades shield pedestrians from sun and rain, while providing a sheltered area for commerce. Ground-floor shops typically occupy the space beneath the arches, with residences or offices on the upper levels.

Design and variation: Styles vary by city, but common elements include a continuous arcade along the street, regularly spaced columns or arches, and façades that mix local plasterwork, brick, and timber, sometimes with neo-classical or Art Deco influences introduced during the colonial era.

Geography and heritage: Qilou streets are most closely associated with coastal and river ports in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian. The concept has also been adopted in diasporic Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, where similar arcaded commercial blocks are described as qilou or by local terms. In recent decades, many qilou streets have become heritage assets, with preservation projects aimed at maintaining historic character while supporting contemporary use; others face threats from redevelopment and neglect.