Guangzhou is one of the prime tourist destinations in China, a city rich in culture yet worldly and cosmopolitan.
If you think you don’t know a thing about Guangzhou in China, then you had better think again. Guangzhou is the place that concocted that oh-so-appetizing Cantonese food, which is probably the city’s most popular contribution to the world. Guangzhou was once known to the West as Canton and, to this day, the type of food that originates from Guangzhou is still known as Cantonese, the same name given to the local language,
Guangzhou is very proud of its native food and, has every right to be so. But there’s so much more to Guangzhou than just its food. Guangzhou is also quite proud of its dense culture, rich history of foreign trade, developing financial districts and investment-friendly business environment. The city also boasts of some of the most beautiful landmarks and most exciting nightspots in China.
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is located in the southern region of the People’s Republic of China, in close proximity to Hong Kong and Macau. Although the official population is listed at 7.3 million, the city’s actual population is probably closer to 10 million as there are around three million residents who are unregistered.
Virtually any corner of Guangzhou reflects its robust economy. There are overpasses and high-rise buildings everywhere as well as world-class malls, breath-taking architecture and amazing parks and art galleries. Unlike majority of China, the locals of Guangzhou have a more pronounced work-hard, play-hard attitude. The first thing that strikes tourists, however, is that everyone seems to be constantly on the move.
People in Guangzhou always seem to be rushing towards some important destination. Visiting Guangzhou is like being lost in a swirling sea of activity. Everyone seems to have a sense of urgency.
However, once visitors overcome their initial instinct to escape from this maddening hub of movement, they will see a gentler and more soothing side to the city, where traditional neighborhoods move at a slower pace and where friends and families sit together outdoors while they enjoy tea and each other’s company
For centuries, Guangzhou served as a major international port, exposed to the influences of the outside world and other cultures. Foreigners are a common sight in the city, unlike in many other places in China where they are still an anomaly. As such, visitors to Guangzhou enjoy more freedom of movement and less of those curious stares.
While Guangzhou is not what you would call a traditional hub of tourism, the city has plenty to offer the traveling tourist. There are 10 districts that comprise Guangzhou, and each one has its own unique attraction. Liwan, Yuexiu and Tianhe, which are all located in the city’s northern area, are the three main tourist destinations.
The Liwan District, also known as Old Guangzhou, sits on the southwest area of the city. It boasts of the Hangxiajiu Shopping district, historic Xiguan Old Houses and colonial Shamian Island, which was once controlled by the United Kingdom and France during the 19th century.
The Yuexiu district is the seat of culture and politics. It houses two of the city’s premiere parks, the Yuexiu Park and the Huanghuagang Martyrs Memorial Park, as well as the Beijing Lu Shopping District.
The city’s tallest skyscrapers, such as the impressive Citic Plaza, can be found at the Tianhe district, Guangzhou’s newest city center and developing urban hub.
In stark contrast to Tianhe is the Baiyun rural district, which hosts a new city airport and the famous Baiyun Mountain.
Right across the Pearl River, there’s the Haizhu district, a bustling business center, particularly for trading and real estate. Tourists should not miss strolling down the Pearl River Promenade. Other attractions include the Sun Yat-Sen University and the Canton Fair Pazhou Exhibition Center.
As the venue of the former Huangpu Military Academy, the Huangpu district, located at the city’s eastern region, offers a more rigid and disciplined perspective of Guangzhou’s past.
On the other hand, for a glimpse into the city’s bright future, there’s the Panyu district, the new seat of economic and technological development. Panyu also provides a touch of nature, with two wild animal theme parks and the exquisite Lianhuan Mountain. The district also hosts the University City.
In addition, Guangzhou has two key industrial areas: Nansha district, at the city’s southern tip, and the developing Huadu district, site of picturesque Huadu Square.
Finally, there’s the Luogang district, the hub of eastern Guangzhou and its famed plum forest.
Aside from the 10 districts, there are two neighboring cities that now fall under Guangzhou’s jurisdiction. These are Zengcheng, home of the famous lychee fruit, and Conghua, a favorite traveler’s destination because of its many hot springs and the Heavenly Lake Recreation facility.
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