Guangzhou Travel Guide
Guangdong Province | Population: 19,800,000
Guangzhou, the third largest city in China, can be best explained as “unity in diversity”. It has modern flyovers and metros as well as ancient monuments and historical sites. Guangzhou is a port on the delta formed where the Pearl River meets the South China Sea. This sprawling urban area has been a busy commercial hub since ancient times. In fact, in the past the city was considered the most convenient gateway between China and the Western countries and became a large trading zone over the centuries.
Well-known for its Cantonese cuisine and tourist-friendly people, the metropolis of Guangzhou is a kaleidoscope of mixed cultures, modern educational institutions, major business houses, busy marketplaces, International events, shopping streets, malls, hi-tech entertainment zones, food streets, and more.
The Shamian Island, a part of Guangzhou municipality, was a popular export center during the Han, Tang, and Qing Dynasties. But westerners have visited Guangzhou City and set roots here much earlier than that. This is evident from the ancient Huaisheng Mosque built in the 630s in Guangzhou and the Western-style mansions and boulevards located on the Shamian Island.
In contrast, there are two gigantic and modern skyscrapers in Guangzhou. The hourglass-shaped Canton TV Tower is Asia’s tallest edifice and the Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre is the 7th tallest structure. Other modern architectural marvels are the Guangzhou Opera House that is shaped like a gigantic double pebble and the Guangdong Museum that looks like a large box. These buildings are surrounded by luxury hotels and upscale shopping and entertainment zones.
Where To Stay
A majority of the luxury hotels of Guangzhou City are located in the urban areas of Tian He, Hai Zhu, Yue Xiu, Nansha, Baiyun District, Li Wan, Panyu District, and what is known as the Guangzhou Science City. Whereas, most of the mid-range accommodation is available in the localities of Yue Xui, Shi Fu Road, Huan Shi Dong Road, Tianhe Road, and Li Wan. The hotels offer various facilities like elite accommodation, in-house multi-cuisine restaurants, concierge services, spas, in-room dining, swimming pools, 24x7 housekeeping, and more depending on its stars.
There are also lodges and hostels for people traveling on a limited budget. These places are clean and have basic amenities. But they do not have in-house restaurants or housekeeping services. Also, the language might prove to be a problem because the smaller places are usually owned by locals who may or may not know English. An English-Chinese voice-based translation app will prove useful in such a situation.
Attractions
Guangzhou is a vast metropolitan city with a pleasant blend of tradition and modernism. One of the classic examples of ancient tourist attractions is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. This is an old temple which also has the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum. The Bright Filial Piety Temple, the Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees are classic relics worth visiting. Other places of interest are the Flowery Pagoda and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
For large groups of tourists and families with kids, a visit to the Yuexiu Park and the Baiyunshan Scenic Area will add an extra element of fun to the trip. But the most enjoyable option is the Chimelong Changlong Holiday Resort. This amusement park sees almost 6 million visitors a year. It is divided into 6 sections called the Chemilong Circus, Safari Park (zoo), Chimelong Paradise with its roller coaster rides, Water Park, and Crocodile Park.
On visiting the South China Botanical Garden, Guangzhou Orchid Garden, and the Yuntai Garden one can understand why the metropolis is also known as the “city of flowers”.
The city of Guangzhou is a paradise for compulsive shoppers. It has a bonanza of marketplaces that have fair-price shops where one can get the best bargains. These bazaars or markets offer a wide range of products from clothes and accessories to electronics and everything else in-between! For shopping, a visit to the TeeMall Plaza, Beijing Road Business Street, and the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a must.
The number of public events that take place in Guangzhou City is amazing. In fact, the place can be safely called the “city of events” by the number of trade fairs that are held here. Being the biggest manufacturing and industrial zone in China, the city hosts the Canton Fair every spring season where thousands of products and brands are displayed and sold. But if one wishes to visit during this season it is advisable to book the accommodation well in advance.
Qiangang Village
With houses dating back to the Song and Ming Dynasties, the 800-years-old Qiangang Village is located in Guangzhou, Chi…
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Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Si)
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also called the Liurong Temple is located in Guangzhou, China. The main structure i…
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Guangzhou Opera House
Considered an architectural marvel, the Guangzhou Opera House is located in Guangzhou City, China. With its steel, glas…
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Shamian Island
Located near Guangzhou, Shamian Island has been a key foreign trade port since imperial times, dating as far back as th…
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Baiyun Shan (White Cloud Mountain)
Baiyun Mountain (literal translation: White Cloud Mountain) is located close to the city of Guangzhou, some kms to the …
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Canton Tower
As far as towers go, Canton Tower in Guangzhou is considered the second tallest in the world, with a total height of al…
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Chimelong Tourist Resort
The Chimelong Tourist Resort is a world class entertainment venue located in Guangzhou. It attracts visitors from home …
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Qingping Market
The Qingping Market in Guangzhou is wonderfully positioned along the Pearl River and it spreads over 120,000 square fee…
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Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Hailed as the ‘Father of the Nation’, Sun Yat-sen was a visionary and medical doctor who paved the way for the Republic…
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Guangzhou Museum of Art
The Guangdong Museum of Art is a unique establishment that showcases various art forms of China from ancient right up t…
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Yuexiu Park
Believed to be the largest park in Guangzhou, China the 212-acres Yuexiu Park is a popular tourist attraction. It is en…
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Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Situated in Guangzhou, China is the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. It is an attractive multi-colored stone tomb built fo…
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Chen Clan Academy (Chen Jia Ci)
With a vast area of 15,000 square meters and a built up space of 6,400 square meters, the Chen Clan Academy (Chen Jia C…
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Whampoa Military Academy (Huangpu Military Academy)
To get a complete history of modern China, its illustrious military history, and glimpses of its glorious revolution; y…
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Canton Fair Complex (Guangzhou Exhibition Center)
Located in Guangzhou, China the Canton Fair Complex (Guangzhou Exhibition Center) is believed to be the largest convent…
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Space Flight Spectacle
The Space Flight Spectacle located in Guangzhou, China is a massive entertainment zone spread over 22 hectares. It is a…
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Vitamin Creative Space
Established by Zhang Wei eleven years ago in Guangzhou, China the Vitamin Creative Space is a non-profit-organization f…
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Xiguan Residences
Situated not far from the Guangzhou, China is the ancient town of Xiguan which is well-known for its grand ancient mans…
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Metro - Guangzhou Metro
The Guangzhou subway (Guangzhou Metro) is the third largest city of China, the urban rail transit system in Guangzhou, and one of the 14 members of the international subway Alliance (CoMET). The first line was opened in June 28, 1997, and Guangzhou has also become the fourth city in mainland China to open and operate the subway. As of April 26, 2018, there were 13 lines in Guangzhou metro, with a total length of 391.6 kilometers, a total of 205 stations, third mileage in China, and five of the world's top five. The daily passenger flow is expected to reach 8 million 200 thousand, and the largest passenger flow in the day is 10 million 25 thousand and 700, of which the passenger flow of the one or two, three and five is over 1 million 200 thousand. In addition, line three (including North Extension) 2 million 440 thousand, four line 508 thousand, six line 1 million 53 thousand, Guangfo line 400 thousand, the above line passenger flow is the highest level in history. The reliability of operation service ranks first, the incidence of station crime is lowest for three consecutive years, and the utilization rate of vehicles and punctuality rate are third. The Guangzhou Metro is responsible for the operation and management of the Guangzhou metro, and it is also the actual construction and operator of the Guangfo metro, so the service range of the Guangzhou Metro is also extended to Foshan.
Lines:
APM Line, Guangfo Line, Line 1, Line 13, Line 14, Line 2, Line 21, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 7, Line 8, Line 9Taxi
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Bus
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Getting There
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Guangzhou Railway Station |
Guangzhou Railway Station is located in the city's west, and serves trains going to Shenzhen, Beijing and Lhasa (Tibet). Is connects directly with Metro lines 2 and 5.
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Guangzhou East Station |
The Guangzhou East Railway Station is located fairly centrally, although it is fairly small. It serves trains on the Guangzhou - Shenzhen Railway, and the Guangzhou - Meizou - Shantou Railway. It is connected with Line 1 and Line 3 or Guangzhou Metro.
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Guangzhou South Station |
Guangzhou's largest railway station is located around 17km south of the city center. It is the terminus for many high speed routes including Guangzhou to Beijing and Guangzhou to Shanghai. Metro Lines 2 and & connect directly to the station, while Lines 18, 20 and FMetro Line 2 are currently under construction.
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Guangzhou North Station |
This station mainly serves trains on the Guangzhou - Wuhan high speed railway line. It connects with Metro Line 9.
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Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport |
The 3rd busiest in China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is equipped with latest amenities and a free metro connecting its two terminals. It is served by all major airlines and has connection all across China and internationally. Metro line 3 connects to the airport as well as the railway station North and South. Airport shuttles are affordable and convenient. After midnight a taxi is needed which costs RMB90-150 for distance of 40 km from downtown.
Weather
See the below table for an overview of Guangzhou's weather:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average High (C) | 18.3 | 18.5 | 21.6 | 25.7 | 29.3 | 31.5 | 32.8 | 32.7 | 31.5 | 28.8 | 24.5 | 20.6 |
| Average Low (C) | 10.3 | 11.7 | 15.2 | 19.5 | 22.7 | 24.8 | 25.5 | 25.4 | 24.0 | 20.8 | 15.9 | 11.5 |
| Rain (mm) | 41 | 70 | 85 | 201 | 284 | 276 | 232 | 227 | 166 | 87 | 35 | 32 |
| Rain (days) | 8 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Humidity (%) | 72% | 78% | 82% | 84% | 84% | 84% | 82% | 82% | 78% | 72% | 66% | 66% |