Jan
10
Guangzhou Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under China
A trip to Guangzhou
An ideal gateway to China, Guangzhou is packed with a plethora of historic gems. The city is bustling with temples and parks, and oozes a relaxing atmosphere. There are many activities to enjoy in Guangzhou, ranging from a walk in the jaw-dropping Orchid Garden, to a visit to the Chinese version of Hollywood’s Universal Studios or a memorable dinner cruise. Even though nightlife in Guangzhou isn’t something to write home about, a Cantonese opera in a bamboo theater will prove to be a more rewarding experience than a drunken night out in a pub.
Flights to Guangzhou
Flying to Guangzhou New Baiyun International Airport is the most convenient way to get to Guangzhou from international destinations. A number of flights connect Guangzhou to the rest of China as well as several major cities worldwide including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Osaka and Sydney. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Guangzhou try Expedia. Airport Express buses service the city centre regularly.
For those travelling from other cities in China, using rail services to reach Guangzhou is also possible. However, the ride can be long and quite uncomfortable. Tourists usually choose to get around the city by public transportation, which is fairly efficient. Buy a multi-purpose Yang Cheng Tong value card which can be used on buses, the subway and in some taxis.
Guangzhou
Sightseeing in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is an ideal destination when it comes to rich history and nature. Chen Family Ancestral Temple is a beautiful temple with six spacious courtyards, nine main halls and a total of 19 buildings. The temple is the largest and the best-preserved building in Guangzhou. Don’t forget to check out the historical figures made of brick, clay and iron casts. Another temple worthy of visiting is the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, an ancient Buddhist temple with an exquisite pagoda and grand hall.
Not to be missed once in the city is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which is a key venue for performances. A five-metre tall bronze statue of Dr Sun sits in front of the hall and is a favourite photo spot among tourists.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Even though Guangzhou’s nightlife isn’t as exciting as Beijing or other bigger cities, there are several evening activities that can keep night owls busy. Go on a romantic evening cruise on the Pearl River and gasp at the wonderful sites that are lit up on the riverbank and you will soon forget disco balls altogether.
Another popular activity is to watch a Cantonese opera, the most popular form of entertainment in the city, with its rise-and-fall vocals and touching melodies. Shows are organised in temporary bamboo theatres, giving the performances an authentic and exotic feel.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Even though China is famous for fake brand name goodies, there aren’t too many to be found in Guangzhou. The most famous place to shop is at Qingping Market, located across the river and always packed with strollers and shoppers. Here traders sell everything from spices to precious jewellery. A more relaxing activity is to take a walk in the world renowned Orchid Garden, featuring an array of tropical trees, bamboo and flowers. Don’t forget to check out the ponds for colourful carps and rare fish that can’t be found outside Asia.
Those travelling with kids should make a visit to Dongfang Amusement Park, while Oriental Studio 2000 isn’t exactly mind-blowing but nevertheless offers family fun all the same. Modelled on Hollywood’s Universal Studios, Oriental Studio 2000 is home to famous Chinese movie sets and has a good stunt show.
Daytrips
There are some excellent daytrip opportunities for anyone staying in Guangzhou. The Yuanxuan Taoist Temple is at the forefront of these attractions, located in the town of Xinhua. The entire complex is made up of the Taihe Tempole, the Sanqing Temple (architecturally outstanding) and the Yuanchen Temple (filled with carvings of Taoist deities). The central pavilion is decorated with yellow tiles and holds images of the three central Taoist deities.
Shenzhen is a Special Economic Zone recently established on the border with Hong Kong. Reached from Guangzhou in 1 hour, 30 minutes by train, Shenzhen has several family-style theme parks including Splendid China and The China Folk Culture Villages.
White Cloud Mountain is only a few miles from the city, but it is best to devote an entire day to its exploration. In all there are 30 distinct peaks in this mountain range, each holding their own secluded historic gems and quaint religious structures.
Must-see attractions
Beyond Guangzhou’s headlining must-see attractions (Temple of Six Banyan Trees, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Chen Family Ancestral Temple), there are several other local attractions worth exploring. The Bright Filial Piety Temple is one of Guangzhou’s oldest, dating to the 3rd century BC. It was originally founded by an Indian monk and then later rebuilt under the Qing Dynasty.
Visitors will find the Five-storey Pagoda and the Zhenhai Tower at the heart of Yuexiu Park, a lovely environment for a leisurely stroll. Climbing the tower also affords outstanding panoramic views over the city. Picturesque ponds, flower beds and decorative trees are all found here in Guangzhou’s largest park.
The Qingping Market is an ideal stopover for all visitors, whether in search of shopping bargains or an authentic cultural experience. This is a raw and living marketplace, teeming with locals buying and selling everything from jewellery and clothing to spices and fresh produce. Freshly slaughtered meats are also available.
Finally, a visit to Guangzhou is not complete until you have taken in a Cantonese opera. Performances are held on large and small stages across the city, sometimes in temporary bamboo theatres that can be built and removed in a relatively short time.
Best time to go
Bear in mind that the peak summer months can be humid and quite hot, with daytime highs approaching 30°C. Furthermore, the monsoon season also sets early in the summer, typically drying out late in September. Weather conditions are best in Guangzhou late in the year, particularly during October and November, though tourism also fares well during April and May; however, the latter months coincide with the Canton Trade Fairs, meaning accommodation books up well in advance. Temperatures remain mild and comfortable throughout the winter.
Rainy day suggestions
It is always wise to travel in Guangzhou with a potential rainy-day backup plan. The Western Han Nanyue King Tomb Museum is a fascinating stopover for those interested ancient Chinese culture. All of the relics inside were sourced from the tomb of Emperor Wen and include ancient musical instruments, gold and silver accessories and a royal chariot. The City Museum is housed in the Five-storey Pagoda of Yuexiu Park.
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