Guangzhou City Guide Perched on China’s southern coastline, Guangzhou or Canton as it’s known, is the country’s third-largest city after Beijing and Shanghai. Located nearby Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou is a den...
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Perched on China’s southern coastline, Guangzhou or Canton as it’s known, is the country’s third-largest city after Beijing and Shanghai. Located nearby Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou is a densely populated city with over 12 million people calling it home. The bustling city has an impressive history spanning 2,000 years and boasts some of the oldest temples in the country, which rub shoulders with skyscrapers of modern-day Canton.
Guangzhou is the place to visit if you’re in the market for anything from eyeglasses all the way to electronics. While the city attracts shoppers and international business people, it also brings in its fair share of food lovers. Beyond being a trade hub, Guangzhou is considered to be the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, which is no small feat in itself.
Things to Do
Temple Time
Life in Guangzhou can move pretty fast in the modern-day world. But it has a history that stands still in time. The Chen Family Ancestral Temple was built by local and international members of the Chen clan in 1894. The Chen family is the oldest clan on the Pearl River Delta, and members chipped together to build a temple honoring the Chen family. In 1954, the temple opened as a Folk Craftwork Museum, for visitors to muse wood, stone, brick and carving craftsmanship and admire the murals decorating the buildings. Travel a further back in time at the Temple of 6 Banyon Trees. This buddhist temple was built back in 537 AD, and features a colorful pagoda, ancient relics and majestic towers.
Park Museum
The best way to escape the metropolis that is Guangzhou is to venture into Yuexiu, the largest park in the city. Here you can engage in a bout of Tai Chi, fishing, or just have a relaxing walk meandering past 600-year old trees and a central lake. Yuexiu is more than just another ordinary city park, it’s an open museum. This is the spot to gawp at more cultural and historic relics, including the Five Ram sculpture and an old wall from the days of the Ming Dynasty. The stunning lake has motorized and pedal boats available for visitors to relax or get some light exercise in.
Canton Tower
Take in Guangzhou and all its magnificence from a vantage point at Canon’s very own tower. As the highest building in the city, Canton Tower shoots up 600-meters into the sky. This landmark is a favorite among thrill-seekers and photographers. Travel up to the 450-meter high lookout point to marvel at the city below. You may however opt to expand on your experience by going up another 30-meters to the Sky Drop. This is not for the faint-hearted.
River Cruise
Scared of heights? You can still get to take in all of Guangzhou’s beauty without having to face your fears. This is as long as you’re not scared of water! Take a cruise of the River Pearl and see the city in a unique way. This cruise is best taken at night when the city’s historic buildings, like the Canton Tower and opera house, are illuminated with bright lights. Some say that a trip to Guangzhou is not complete with a night cruise of the river!
Have Some Dim Sum
Guangzhou is the best place to visit in China if you’re a foodie. You won’t have to venture far before you find a place to feast on exquisite Cantonese cuisine. A popular local dish is Dim Sum, which is simply steamed or fried dumplings. A trip to Canton Tower may not be the only thrill during your trip. Every meal you’ll have will be a gamble as English menu’s are hard to come by in China. Point to a picture, hope for the best, and enjoy your meal. But what’s actually in your meal may forever remain a mystery.
Getting Around
The best way to get around the city is with a public bus or subway. It’s not that expensive, but prepare to pay a little extra for air-conditioned comfort. Hop in a green taxi to get to those hard to reach attractions or areas Just be sure to have your destination written in Cantonese beforehand as most taxi drivers speak next to no English.
Sleep
After all these excursions, thrills and travels through history, you’ll want to have a relaxing place to perch your head at night. Browse through our listing of available accommodation in Guangzhou and book your stay today.