Guangzhou may be best known for business and foreign trade, but it also has its fair share of outstanding tourist attractions to entice and regale even the savvy world traveler. The city has some amazing landmarks and many great museums, galleries and parks.
Among Guangzhou’s leading tourist attractions are the following delights:
Landmarks
1. Guangxiao Temple
Like a blazing flame, this temple attracts Zen Buddhists like moths. It served as the famed training ground of Hui Neng, Zen Buddhism’s sixth patriarch, during the seventh century. Today, Zen Buddhists undertake regular pilgrimages to this temple in his honor. A series of fires burned down the temple’s original buildings and most of those left standing date back to only the 19th century. Despite that, it is still a favorite venue of tourists. Admission is only ¥4.
2. Liurong Temple
Known as the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, this is one of the city’s most famous attractions. It houses the popular Flowering Pagoda or Hua Ta, which has eight sides and rises to a height of 17 stories. The temple itself was built during the sixth century, while the pagoda was erected about 300 years before that. There are separate admission fees for the two landmarks — ¥5 for the temple, ¥10 for the pagoda.
3. Chen Clan Temple
Located at Zhongshan 7 Lu, this temple was built by the wealthy Chen family in the 19th century. It is still amazingly well-preserved and presents a fascinating showcase of impressive statues and ivory sculptures. Admission is ¥10.
4. The Buildings of Shamian Island
These impressive structures on Shamian Island were originally built by the British and French. They were later renovated in such an eye-catching manner that they surely deserve a visit. Their effect is one of tranquility and serenity in stark contrast to the city’s bustling streets. Perhaps the most attractive building is the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel on 14 Shamian Street. Unlike any other place in Guangzhou, Shamian Island has a unique allure of its own as it was once the only place in China where Europeans could set up their own settlements.
5. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
This magnificent structure situated in Dongfeng Zhong Lu was erected to honor the local hero, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, who founded the People’s Republic of China. It was built in 1931 directly over the good doctor’s presidential office atop Yuexiu Hill. Admission is ¥5 to the park and ¥20 to enter the hall.
6. Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Church
This is one of the city’s oldest churches and the largest catholic church in Southern China. Located on Yide Lu, the city’s catholic regularly worship at the church for Sunday mass, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Admission is free.
7. Huangpu Military Academy
This elegant structure on Changzhou Island was built by President Sun Yat-sen and the Chinese Communist Party in 1924. It is renowned as the training ground of many of China’s most famous war heroes. Admission is ¥15.
8. Other Temples and Mosques
Among the city’s other significant temples and mosques are the Wu Xian Guan Temple on Weifu Xi Lu, Huaisheng Mosque on Guangta Lu (one of China’s oldest Muslim mosques), Sanyuan Temple in Yingyuan Lu (Guangzhou’s oldest and biggest Taoist temple), and Hualin Temple in Chang Shou Lu.
Muesums and Galleries
1. Guangzhou City Art Museum
This landmark on Yuexiu Park houses over 10,000 artworks, including sculptures, paintings, calligraphy and Thangki or Tibetan Buddhist art.
2. Guangdong Museum of Art
Located on Yanyu Lu in Ersha Island, this museum is a haven for contemporary Chinese art, especially the works of local artists. The museum presents a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and shape. Admission is ¥15, but anyone under age 18 can enter for free as long as they are accompanied by paying adults.
3. Nanyue Royal Tomb Museum
If you’ve never seen the tomb of a real life king, this is the place to visit. The museum houses the remains of an ancient South China king and the venue is majestic as befits his stature.
4. Guangdong Revolutions History Museum
Located on Lingyuan Xi Lu, this is the place where Sun Yat-Sen was sworn to office and it is currently a memorial to martyrs who perished during the foundation of the new China.
5. Other Museums
Among Guangzhou’s other noteworthy museums are Guangzhou Sculpture Park in Tongxin Lu, President Sun Yat-Sen Museum in Dongsha Jie, Guangzhou Uprising Museum in Qiyi Lu and Peasant Movement Institute in Zhongshan.
