A subtropical climate where the flowers are always in bloom, a host of fascinating relics as well as legendary cuisine — this is what you’ll find in Guangzhou. Known as the southern gate of China, this is the capital city of Guangdong Province and it’s situated in the Pearl River Delta, close to Hong Kong and Macau. Formerly known as Canton, it’s a significant political, economic and cultural hub of China and the country’s third largest city after Shanghai and Beijing, as well as being a busy port.
While the city hasn’t traditionally been high up on the must-see list for tourists, it’s a destination that has much to offer. And with its host of sightseeing, leisure and dining options, Guangzhou arguably deserves to be right up there with other major tourist destinations in China.
QUITE A SIGHT
The most important relic not just in Guangzhou but in all of Guangdong province is Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. It’s a monument to Dr Sun Yat-sen, the pioneer of nationalist China. It was built using funds raised by the people of Guangzhou and overseas Chinese. Constructed between 1929 and 1931, the hall is a grand octagonal building of typical Chinese architectural style and can hold thousands of people for performances and conferences.
This city is also home to one of China’s grandest and most influential temples — Bright Filial Piety Temple. Dating back more than 1700 years, it’s believed to have existed before the birth of Guangzhou itself. Initially built during the Western Han Dynasty (207BC to 24AD) as a private house, it was used as a lecture hall before being dedicated completely to the function of a Zen Buddhist Temple around the 12th century. Another top attraction is Chen Clan Academy, which is also known as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum and was built during the 1800s. A temple complex, it consists of nine halls, six courtyards and 19 buildings connected by corridors, all separated by walls from the outside world.
And a recent addition for visitors is the new Guangdong Provincial Museum, which opened last year and is hard to miss with its box-shaped, grey exterior with irregular cut-outs in red. Other notable attractions include the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Huaisheng Mosque and the nearby Shamian Island, which is a gazetted historical area. The leafy streets and European-style architecture reflect its colonial influence, the island having been given to the British and French after the Opium Wars.
IT'S SECOND NATURE
For a bit of nature and tranquillity as well as a few cultural relics, head to Yuexiu Park in downtown Guangzhou. It’s a massive place with its three man-made lakes and the seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain. It has an amusement park, swimming pool, restaurants, a museum and an art gallery as well as a plant and flower viewing area. The main places of interest include the Five-Ram Sculpture (which has become the emblem of Guangzhou), Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall and the Square Cannon Site.
But it gets even greener — around 17 km north of the city is White Cloud Mountain, known as one of the most naturally beautiful spots in Guangzhou. It has six areas that are popular with visitors; these include Bright Pearl Building Park and the Bird Spring Valley Park.
And winding its way through the city of Guangzhou is the Pearl River, which is spanned by 10 bridges. During the day, people can walk along a 23 km long dyke beside the river, known as the Scenery Corridor, and take in the scenery. Another way to experience the waterway is on a cruise in the evening, when the bridges and buildings of the city light up.
GOING CANTONESE
With more restaurants and teahouses than any other city in China, Guangzhou is known far and wide for its cuisine. Cantonese food is one of the eight famous cuisines of China and sampling it is a quintessential part of the experience in this destination.
Popular small meals and snacks include wonton noodles, rice noodle rolls, barbeque pork buns, shrimp dumplings and Sampan congee. As for the sweet stuff, favourites include water chestnut cake, egg tarts and double-skin milk, which is simmered milk with a solid covering made from a mixture of egg white and milk.
As well as its mouth-watering cuisine, the city is also home to a plethora of shopping malls. The Shangxia Jiu Lu, Teem Plaza and China Plaza are popular shopping areas. Beijing Lu, while also home to regular retail shops, is also the place to go for more traditional wares. Local products found in Guangzhou include Canton sculpture, embroidery and pottery. There are streets dedicated to specific wares such as Wende Calligraphy and Painting Street and Hualin Jadeware Street.