Nanfang Mansion at Xidi on the northern bank of Pearl River is now one of the large department stores in GuangZhou and its predecessor was Daxin Company established in 1918. Daxin Company and Xianshi Company established in 1914 were once the largest and the most splendid department stores in south china.

In 1918, the overseas chinese from Australia Cai Xing, Cai Chang and other overseas Chinese businessmen financed 400,000 Hong Kong dollars to set up this company at Xidi, Guangzhou. In the early days in 1920s, it was the highest mansion in Guangzhou and its architectural style and facilities attracted the eyes of the people at that time.

The first seven stories were constructed into a department store and the eighth story, the ninth story and the airborne platform were constructed into an amusement ground. This mansion was not only equipped with water supply equipment and generating equipment, but also equipped with four elevators for the clients that were unwonted in Guangzhou at that time.

Moreover, a motorway was constructed at the eastern side to make the cars circle up to the top floor of the building. Such luxury and style became the news in the city at that time. However, the most remarkable thing is the airborne garden on the top floor and airborne amusement ground. Here, the so called “civilized drama” and sideshow were frequently performed.

The ticket price was up to one Hao, but the tourists were still crowded. The fate of Daxin Company was full of frustrations and it was rifled by mob after Guangzhou was occupied by Japanese army in 1938.

After Japanese army occupied Guangzhou, Daxin Company was burnt down by Japanese Army and the goods and equipment were totally obliterated. Daxin Company tried to resume business for a time after the victory of Anti-Japanese War, but it was difficult to raise the money. So, a grand mansion became a wasteland. Until to 1952 after liberation, the government appropriated RMB1.50 million Yuan to restore the building.