City Guide: Guangzhou

Guangzhou, considered as the southern gate of China, is a colorful metropolitan city. The city, built on the fertile lands of Pearl River Delta –the third longest river of China-, neighbors South China Sea and Hong Kong.

This area, the capital city of the Guangdong province, is also the economic, political, scientific, and cultural center of the area. The city is also known as “Sui” meaning Rice Ears. The tree called Kapok or pillow is the symbol of the city. This tropical tree was given this name as the silky cotton-like hairs that cover its seeds are used to fill pillows. The population of this city, which has received an increasing number of immigrants as China opened up to the world, has exceeded 11 million on the metropolitan level. In addition to its historical structure, the city also has a very modern outlook.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Although it is not as well-known as Xi’an or Beijing, Guangzhou is one of the 24 famous historical and cultural cities of China. The Ancestral Temple of the Chen family is a historical building in which wood, stones, bricks, copper, and iron were used and the techniques of metal workmanship were utilized.  The relief and sunken-relief (carvings) create a magnificient atmosphere in the temple.
  

  Baiyun Shan, also called White Cloud Mountain, is a touristic mountain to which you can go by bus. You can easily get to the peak of the mountain. Guangxiao Si is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the Lingnan area. It is a holy meeting place where famous Buddhist priests preach. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is the most important heritage site in the province of Guangdong. The building, the original construction of which took place between 1925 and 1931, was renovated in 1998. It is a great example of Chinese architecture.
  

  Yuexiu Park, named after the Yuexiu Mountains, is a visiting spot you must stop by, not only because of its view but also because of its historical heritage. Historical sites and cultural productions such as Five Rams (the statue), Zhenhai Tower, and the Ming Dynasty City Walls are located here. 

  Pearl River flows alongside the city of Guangzhou. A boat tour, during which you can witness the night view of the city which delivers tranquility, is an experience you should not miss.

• Culture & Entertainment

  The city; capital of three dynasties Nan (South) Yue, Nan Han, and Nan Ming; is a touristic spot also with its historical heritage. Han Nan Yue King’s Tomb Museum and Zhenhai Tower are places where you can see the traces of a 2000 year history. 

  Temple of Six Banyan Trees, dating back 1400 years, is another Buddhist structure in Guangzhou that you must see. Huaisheng Mosque, also called Remember the Sage Mosque, dates back to the 7th century. The sage who is being referred to here, is of course the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

• Food & Drink

  Yue Cai is not only one of the 8 famous Chinese cuisines, but also one that you have to try in Guangzhou. Delicious dishes made of ingredients that you have not even heard of, await you here. However, it must be noted that eating habits are different here and the meat which is used in preparing dishes may require some inquiry. The most famous dishes in the cuisine are Long Hu Dou meaning “Dragon Fighting Against the Tiger” and Taiye Ji meaning “Taiye Chicken”. In Long Hu Dou, tiger and dragon refer to cat and snake meat respectively.

  Consumption of herbal teas is very common among the people of Guangzhou. They are a remedy for not only the throat problems that may arise in winter, but also for the heat during summer months. The most famous one is Wang Laoji.

• Shopping

  Canton Fair, a trade fair which welcomes the highest number of people holding top-level positions, is organized in Guangzhou in spring and autumn months. Authorities recommend people who will attend this event to make their hotel reservations in advance. It is possible to find almost everything at bargain prices in this fair, which is the biggest one in the country. 

  There may be numerous things which you can buy at shopping centers such as Shangxia Jiu Lu, Beijing Lu, and Di Shi Fu Lu and bring back home with you. Shangxia Jiu Lu is the first commercial street to be opened to pedestrians. Buildings, examples of Qi Lou architecture, are lined up on both sides of the street. There are more than 200 stores on the street.

Ticket Sales Offices: Guangzhou

• Guangzhou: Airport Map Information

  Baiyun Airport

  Address	:	Airport International Office Building, South Area of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, P.R.China, 510470
  Phone	:	020-3606

• Guangzhou: Airport Map Information