guangzhou travel guide - wikitravel

Guangzhou

From WikitravelSoutheast China : Guangdong : Pearl River Delta : Guangzhou

Contents

[+] UnderstandDistrictsHistoryWhen to visit

[+] Get inBy planeBy trainBy busBy boat

[+] Get aroundOn footBy bicycle[+] By subway

Central LinesOthers

By busBy BRTBy taxiBy carBy motorcycleBy ferry

Talk[+] See

LandmarksMuseums and galleriesParksTheme ParksMountains

Learn[+] Buy

Street marketsMalls and shopping centers

[+] DoFestivalsThe Canton Fair

[+] EatWhat to EatFoodVegetarianSoutheast Asian

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The new Guangzhou skyline with the Canton Tower andZhujiang New Town

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Get out

Canton redirects here. For other places with the same name, see

Canton (disambiguation)

Guangzhou or Canton (广

州) , the capital of

Guangdong Province, is the

third biggest city in China

after Beijing and Shanghai

with a population of more

than 12 million. Founded in

214 BC, the city has been a

springboard for trading,

cultural exchanges, many

revolutions and reforms,

making it an unavoidable

stopover to understand what

shapes the modern China.

Understand


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Mention you are traveling to Guangzhou to

most northerners, you will almost expect a

remark calling the place 'cultureless'. Fair or

not, its isolation from the rest of 'typical

China' by mountainous topography and

early exposure to the outside world has

resulted in its unique way of lifestyle, liberal

ideas, distinctive cuisine and tremendous

wealth. It is no surprise that Guangzhou is a

cradle of many reforms and revolutions that

changed the fate of China forever. Today

Guangzhou still unveils many republic-era sights that help travelers understand

modern Chinese history.

Founded in 214 BC, this capital of the richest province is always a mix of new and

old. It not only boasts some of the oldest temples in China, a millenarian-old park, an

imperial tomb of a southern kingdom and complete preservation of colonial villas and

church on Shamian, but it also serves as a showcase of futuristic architectures and

autopilot metro on Zhujiang New Town.

Despite its vibrant sight-seeing resources, travelers usually come to Guangzhou to

shop. Guangzhou accommodates countless huge markets specializing in almost any

made-in-china products, including Chinese tea, herbs, garments, watches, electronics

and toys. You will be appalled to see the real prices of those China-made products

and the profit your local shops earn by selling them.

As busy as it sounds, you can easily escape the crowd. Just head to surrounding

villages, in which some of them date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD). Bird

watching in Nansha Wetland, a 200-hectare stopover for migrant birds from as far as

Seriba, can easily make you a peaceful day.

Food is the centerpiece of life and Guangzhou has the country's largest number of

restaurants per capita, which is the birthplace of what you call 'Chinese food'

(Cantonese food) in the west. Here you can grab the authentic taste of sweet & sour

pork, wonton soup and dim-sum. Few travelers can leave the city hungry.

Districts

Guangzhou is divided into ten districts. Among them, Yuexiu and Liwan, the cradle

for the Cantonese culture, has been the city center since the imperial era. Tianhe,

which was a farming village decades ago, has been constructed into a new business

center with some biggest shopping malls and highest skyscrapers in the city.

For travelers, the most useful road is Zhongshan Road, a 9 KM long highway

horizontally cutting through the downtown of Guangzhou. The highway is divided

into 8 sections. From Zhongshan 6 Road (中山六路）to Zhongshan 8 Road (中山八

路) it covers around 80% tourist attractions and all famous restaurants. This area is

well connected by Metro Line 1 from Changshou Lu (長壽路), Chen Clan Academy

(陈家祠), Ximenkou(西门口） to Gongyuanqian (公园前).


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Layout of Guangzhou

Western central Guangzhouin detail (Liwan and west

Yuexiu)

City Center

Liwan (荔湾Lìwān) — On thenorth of the pearlriver makes up theold Guangzhouarea and home tothe standardCantonese accent(Xiguan Accent,literally West GateAccent). Touristhighlights includethe colonialShamian Island,Xiguan OldHouses,Xiangxiajiushopping Street,Liziwan Lake Parkand Chen's ClanAcademy.Yuexiu (越秀Yuèxiù) — TheZhongshan 6 Roadarea, which covers the original area of Yuexiubefore its expansion in the 2005, has been thevery core since 214 AD. Highlights includeYuexiu Park, Guangzhou Museum located atZhanhai Tower, Orchid Garden, Mausoleum ofNanyue King, Guangxiao Temple, Temple ofSix Banyan Trees, Beijing Lu ShoppingDistrict, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, ShishiCathedral.Tianhe (天河 Tiānhé) is the business district,thriving with many skyscrapers and shoppingmalls. The newly developed Zhujiang NewTown (珠江新城) is a showcase of futuristicurban planning and avant-garde archiecture. Itis also home to the oldest messy urban villageShipai as well as most expat communities. Thedistrict serves as a transportation hub for trainsto Hong Kong. Highlights include GuangdongMuseum, Central Library, Opera House andShipai village.

Around the Center

Haizhu (海珠'Hǎizhū') — At the south of the


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Eastern central Guangzhou indetail (east Yuexiu and

Tianhe)

Pearl River, the former industrial district hastransformed into more residential and businesstoday. It is home to the city's latest landmarkCanton Tower and the South Campus of SunYat-Sen University, which is a well-preservedhistoric building complex of the 1920s. Traders come here often for the CantonFair in Pazhou.Panyu (番禺 Pānyú) is an area getting more popular among local tourists. ItsLianhua Mountain boosts 100,000 blooming lotus flower and sits a hugeBodhisattva Guanyin statue. Various theme parks have attracted thousands oftourists. The area is covered by many historic villages and towns that give youa peek into the life of traditional Southern Chinese.Baiyun (白云 Báiyún) — This district is where the old airport is located. TheBaiyun Mountain is a major attraction.

Outskirt

Huangpu (黄埔 Huángpǔ) is home to Huangpu Military Academy.Nansha (南沙 Nánshā) is a newly developed area at the southern tip of thecity. Rural as it may sound, it keeps the survival of the Nansha Wetland, astopover for migrant birds. Many Chinese worshipers also like to visit thePalace of Heavenly Queen (天后宮). The High-Speed Railway Station (SouthStation) is built here.Luogang (萝岗 Luógǎng) is famous for its plum forest and Tianlu Lake ForestPark.Huadu (花都 Huādū) is where the New Baiyun International Airport islocated.

County-Level Cities

Zengcheng (增城 Zēngchéng) is famous for its lychee fruit, which are pickedin June and July.Conghua (从化 Cónghuà) is popular among tourists for its hot springs andTianhe (Heavenly Lake) Recreation area.

History

Formerly known as Canton in the West, the city of Guangzhou has a history dating

back roughly 2,200 years.

A legend tells of five celestial beings riding into the area that is now Guangzhou onfive rams carrying sheaves of rice. The celestials bestowed blessings on the land andoffered the sheaves to the people of the city as a symbol of prosperity andabundance. After the celestials left, the rams turned into stone, and Guangzhouquickly developed into an affluent and influential city. Due to this legend, Guangzhouhas gained several popular nicknames: Yangcheng (羊城; City of Rams), Suicheng

(穗城; Sheaves of Rice City) and Wuyangcheng (五羊城; City of Five Rams). Inaddition, due to the abundance of flowers along the city's main thoroughfares,Guangzhou is often referred to as Huacheng (花城; City of Flowers).

According to historical records, the city was built in 214BC and was known as


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The symbol of Guangzhou -- the five Rams

Panyu (番禺). The name Guangzhou

actually referred to the prefecture in

which Panyu was located. As the city

grew, the name Guangzhou was adopted

for the city itself.

As a major sea port, Guangzhou's history

is full of color. In 786 the city was

sacked by the Persians and in 1711 the

British East India Company established a

trading post here. In 1757, the

government designated the city as the

only port allowed business transactions

with foreign nations. This continued until

1842, the signing of the Treaty of

Nanking, when four other ports were

added. Losing the exclusive privilege

pushed Guangzhou to become more

industrialized later.

Guangzhou was also part of the so called

"Maritime Silk Road" that linked southern China with India, South-East Asia, the

Middle East, and Africa. As a result of its links with the Middle East, a mosque was

established in the city in 627, and a small Muslim community continues to live in

Guangzhou to this day. Additionally, the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism was born in

Guangzhou and taught the famous Platform Sutra in the city. As a result, Guangzhou

has retained a strong connection with this school of Buddhism, and the monastery

where the sixth patriarch studied is considered a local treasure. The first Protestant

missionary in China, Robert Morrison, entered Guangzhou in 1807. This started the

spread of Christianity in the country.

When to visit

In terms of climate, the best time to visit Guangzhou is between October and

November. Alternatively, April and May are also good months. Guangzhou has a

sub-tropical climate with humidity levels at their highest in the summer. Temperature

can reach almost 40 degrees Celsius. Typhoon season is from June to September.

Please note that the Canton Fair takes place annually during the Weeks from

Mid-April to Early May and Mid-October to Early November, so finding

accommodation at those times can be difficult and expensive. See the information

section under Sleep.

Get in

By plane

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场, IATA: CAN,

ICAO: ZGGG, [1] (http://www.baiyunairport.com) ) is a major hub in Southern

China, second only to Hong Kong. The airport is the base for China Southern Airlines


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Seeing rural Guangzhou from an Airport Express bus.

[2] (http://www.csair.com/en) and has an extensive range of domestic flights

including: Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Daxian,

Guiyang, Guilin, Hangzhou, Harbin, Haikou, Hefei, Hohhot, Jinan, Jiuzhaigou,

Kunming, Luzhou, Nanchang, Nanjing, Nanning, Qingdao, Sanya, Shantou, Shanghai,

Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Taizhou, Tianjin, Urumqi, Wanxian, Wuhan,

Wuxi, Xi'an, Yibin, Yichang, Yiwu, Yuncheng, Zhengzhou, and Zhuhai. Direct

international routes include Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Brisbane, Busan,

Chicago, Dubai, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Istanbul,

Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Los Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai,

Nairobi, Paris, Perth, Qatar, Seoul, Singapore, Irkutsk, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo and

Vancouver.

The airport is 28 km (17 mi) north from central Guangzhou. The most convenient

way into the city is by Metro Line 3. The lower level of the airport terminal leads to

the Airport South Metro station. A journey to the East Railway Station, or to Tiyu

Xilu Metro station (both ¥12) takes about 50 minutes. Trains run every seven

minutes, with the first train leaving the airport at 6AM and the last train from and to

the airport departing at 11PM.

Taxis are also available and take about the same time as the Metro. A taxi ride to

central Guangzhou will cost about ¥120, inclusive of a ¥15 toll fee. Taxi stations are

available outside Arrival Hall Section A Gate 5 and Arrival Hall Section B Gate 6. If

you arrive after midnight when the metro has stopped running, be prepared for a real

long wait in line for taxis. Waiting times can start from 45 mins, not because of the

lack of taxis, but because of the sheer number of arrivees. Also, do not be surprised

that the queue is not really an orderly queue, which is quintessentially chinese. Some

parts it's 2 people, some parts it's 4, and towards the front it can spread out to 8 in a

row. People will attempt to out squeeze you to the back at every opportunity

possible. You may find yourself 10 spaces behind the person who started right behind

you.

Airport Express busesoperate just outside thearrival terminal, but are adistant second to themetro in reliability andcomfort. If you havemore than one piece ofluggage or if a line has astop at your hotel, thismay be your top choice.Line 1 (¥16) departsevery 10-15 minutesfrom 7AM until the lastflight and takes 45minutes to reach the Guangzhou Railway Station and Central Hotel. The ticket pricesrange from ¥10-55. Lines 1 to 6 are traveling within the metropolitan area, whilelines 7-11 go to outer districts. There are also direct Airport Express buses to somecities in the Pearl River Delta region, such as Zhuhai and Foshan. However, there isno direct bus to Macau or Hong Kong.


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Train no.Hung Hom(departure)

GZ East(arrival)

T812* 7:25AM 9:20AM

T824* 8:18AM 10:09AM

T820* 9:24AM 11:19AM

T804* 10:42AM 12:37PM

T808 11:28AM 1:23PM

T814 12:14PM 2:09PM

T826* 1:10PM 3:01PM

T818* 2:47PM 4:42PM

T810* 4:35PM 6:29PM

T828* 5:50PM 7:41PM

T816* 6:35PM 8:30PM

T802* 7:24PM 9:19PM

Current as of Sep 2011

* denotes a stop-over in Dongguan (Changping station)

Hong Kong - Guangzhou through train timetable

Do not accept solicitations for rides to the city. Sometimes, people will stand at the

arrival area and ask if you need a taxi. These are illegally operated and use unmarked

vehicles, or charge you a fee, offer you a phony receipt, and then arrange a taxi that

will still charge you. They usually cost a lot more than licensed taxis since many

travelers do not know the cost of airport transportation.

Flying to Hong Kong is another option. From the Hong Kong International Airport,

you can take cross-boundary coach to Guangzhou and other cities in Guangdong.

Service providers include China Travel Service, Trans-Island Chinalink and Eternal

East. Fares range from HK$220-250 one way.

By train

Trains cover the 182

kilometers from Hong

Kong in about two hours,

including a stop at

Dongguan. Through Trains

to Guangzhou East

Railway Station depart

from Hong Kong at Hung

Hom railway station in

Kowloon and arrive in

Guangzhou at the East

station. Through train

services are operated by

Hong Kong MTR. [3]

(http://www.it3.mtr.com.hk/b2c/frmIndex.asp?strLang=Eng) . The one-way journey

price starts from 190HKD-230HKD.

It is cheaper to take the Guangshen intercity train service (广深城际列车) from

Shenzhen to Guangzhou East Railway Station. Some trips also stop at Guangzhou

Railway Station. Shenzhen is right across the border from Hong Kong and thousands

of people walk over the bridge between the two every day through Luohu (罗湖).

Tickets can be bought at the Shenzhen Rail Station in Luohu. The one-way journey

price starts from ¥80.

A project is underway to link the entire Pearl River Delta area with high speed rail

network. The Guangzhou–Zhuhai (near Macau), Guangzhou–Shenzhen (a different

railway, originated from Shenzhen North Station, than the Guangshen intercity train

mentioned above) have opened in 2011, and the journey takes just 57 minutes and 35

minutes respectively. A new long distance line from Guangzhou to Beijing will open

on 26 December 2012. It travels through major cities such as Changsha, Wuhan,

Zhengzhou and Shijiazhuang. It takes 7h59m to 9h38m for a journey to Beijing, over


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2,000 km away. One way ticket is ¥865. Some high-speed train also go to Luoyang

and Xi'an. One way trip from Guangzhou South Station to Xi'an North is between

7h40m and 9h09m, price from ¥816. This is part of a nationwide high-speed network

that is under construction.

It is possible to take a direct train from Guangzhou to Lhasa in Tibet. The 4,980 km

journey takes 55 hours and runs every other day from Guangzhou Station (广州站).

A sleeper costs ¥869 and up. For discussion see Overland to Tibet.

Bear in mind there are now three major train stations in Guangzhou. Countless

travellers have gone to the wrong station and missed their scheduled trips, so be sure

of your departing station, which is specified on the ticket.

Guangzhou Railway Station (广州站) is one of the biggest in the country andservices routes that go all the way to Harbin. Metro lines 2 and 5 have aconnection stop here.Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站) services routes to Hong Kongand some mainland cities. Metro line 1 ends here.Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) serves the high-speed railnetwork.

Guangzhou also has several other stations such as the North Station and West

Station. There are also name variations for each of the stations. Be sure to use official

names to avoid confusion.

Although some signs are available in English, staff may not understand English well

enough, except at the Guangzhou-Kowloon counter. Bring a phrasebook or a Chinese

friend if you're planning on traveling deeper into China.

By bus

Coach services are available to bring passengers from Hong Kong International

Airport to several locations in Guangzhou. Among the destinations are recognizable

landmarks like Jinan University (暨南大学) on Huangpu Avenue (黄埔大道),

Garden Hotel (花园酒店) and China Hotel (中国大酒店) (see hotel section). The

trip takes about 3+ hours and costs 250 HKD. There are also cross border bus

terminals throughout Hong Kong. One of the Stations is at Austin Road and Canton

Road near Kowloon Park. A one way ticket costs about 100 HKD.

Domestically, it is possible to hop on a bus from any corner of Guangdong province

and get to Guangzhou. There are also many options from nearby provinces like

Guangxi, Hubei and Fujian. Here are some of the main stations in the city:

Provincial Station (省汽车客运站) (145-149 Huanshi West Road 环市西路145-149号) (Metro 2 & 5 Guangzhou Railway Station Exit F1, F2, H1, H2)The station serves mostly long distance lines outside the Guangdong Province.Liuhua Station (流花站) (Metro 2 & 5 Guangzhou Railway Station Exit D4)Across from Provincial Station, it mostly serves nearby cities in the province.Tianhe Station (天河客运站) (633 Yanling Road 燕岭路633号) (Metro 3)The station services Southern and central China, reaching as far as the GansuProvince. There are also many routes to cities in Guangdong.


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Haizhu Station (海珠客运站) (182 Nanzhou Road 南洲路182号) (Metro 2Nanzhou Station Exit A) The station is located in the southern part of Haizhu,servicing major cities in the province and other Southern China provinces,including Hainan.Fangcun Station (芳村客运站) (51 Huadi Middle Avenue) (Metro 1 KengkouExit B) The station serves similar routes as the Haizhu Station.Yuexiu Nan Station (越秀南汽车站) (越秀南东园横2号) Other thandesintations in the province and other provinces, it also has lines to Macau andHong Kong.Guangzhou South (广州南汽车客运站) The station mainly services nearbycities. There is a bus to Lo Wu, a commonly used border crossing betweenHong Kong and mainland China. The fare is ¥65 and it runs every hour.

Please note that English and Chinese names of bus stations vary from one sign to

another -- coach terminal, coach station, bus terminal, bus station, passenger terminal

or passenger station. Be aware that the different names may be referring to the same

station.

By boat

There is a frequent ferry and hovercraft service from Hong Kong, Macau, and

Haikou (Hainan Island) at the Zhoutouzui Ferry Pier (洲头咀码头). There are boats

from other mainland cities, such as Xiamen, Shanghai, and Qingdao at the Dashatou

Pier (大沙头码头).

New Nansha Port(南沙港客运) is operating 4 lines traveling from Guangzhou to

Hong Kong, Macau, and the Hong Kong International Airport. The trip takes 75

minutes to Hong Kong. Note that Nansha is very far from the city center, although

there are various bus pickup points from the city center and Panyu. The port is 1.6km

south of Humen Bridge in Nansha.

Schedule: Nansha to Hong Kong: 08:00 - 18:00 (5 separate lines) ¥155-250 Nansha

to Macau (weekend only): Nansha – Macau 9:00 (Sat) 14:30 (Sun); Macau - Nansha

10:45 (Sat) 16:15 (Sun) ¥180-280 Nansha to Hong Kong Airport: Nansha – HKIA

9:30; HKIA – Nansha 16:00 ¥265-¥350

Get around

Guangzhou has an efficient public transportation system. If you stay in Guangzhou

for long time, purchase a multi-purpose Ling Nan Tong - Yang Cheng Tong (岭南通

-羊城通) stored value card, which can be used to pay fares in metro, bus and ferries

and used for many convenience stores, public phones and vending machines.

However, to return the card at the end of the trip, you need to go Gongyuanqian

(Exit J) and Tiyu Xi Exit G, and East Railway Station. (Exit HJ). It may be worth

simply keeping the card as a souvenir.

On foot


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Despite the sheer size of the city, walking is a great way of exploring the traditional

Liwan and Yuexiu districts. The easy tour is to walk through Zhongshan 6 Road (中

山六路, Zhongshan Liulu) which covers most tourist attractions including Liurong

Temple, Guangxiao Temple, Huaisheng Mosque and many huge markets. It also has

the two most popular pedestrian streets , Beijing Lu and Shang-xia-jiu for shopping

mania.

To give you some sense of direction whenever you get lost, head back to Zhongshan

Road and figure out where the Pearl River (Zhu Jiang) is and you will easily tell

every direction. This area is also well connected by Metro Line 1 and Trolleybus 104,

107, 109 and 78(Night Bus) which is the only trackless tram system in South China.

By bicycle

Bicycles are promoted as low-carbon mode of transportation. Over 100 rental outlets

are now available along many BRT lines and subway stations. The rental fee is by the

hour and up to ¥30 a day. One popular bike route is along the Pearl River on the

Haizhu District side. Other dedicated bike lanes are slowly appearing in the city

center, including Tianhe District. Yangchengtong Card is accepted in many public

rental outlets.

New bikes are available in major hypermarkets from ¥500 for a reasonable cheap

single-speed to around ¥2000-3000 for a 21-speed mountain bike. Giant and Merida

are the two most common international brands. High-end bicycles are also available

to affluent customers in this rich city.

Folding bikes are permitted on the subway (sometimes not on buses) and tax, but

non-folders are not permitted on any form of public transport other than the

cross-river ferries. Bicycles are not permitted to cross the river via the Zhujiang

Tunnel or Zhujiang suspension bridge, but are permitted to go on the public ferries

for ¥1 (see below).

By subway

Opened in 1999, the ever-growing Guangzhou Metro system[4]

(http://www.gzmtr.com/en/) covers much of the city center. The fare ranges from ¥2

to ¥12. Most of the signs and announcements are in Chinese and English.

If you stay in Guangzhou for extended period, think of getting a Yang Cheng Tong

transportation cards (see details above). Card holders can get 40% off on any rides

since the 16th uses in every month.

There are currently 8 lines in operation:-

Central Lines

Line 1 is the most useful for tourists, horizontally cutting through the center of

Guangzhou. Five major stations Huangsha, Changshuo Lu, Chen Clan's Academy,

Ximenkou, Gongyuanqian cover up to 80% tourist sights.


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Guangzhou Metro

Line 2 runs

horizontally

through

Guangzhou South

Station and

Yuexiu Park.

Line 3 is a

Y-shaped eastern

Guangzhou. The

'main line' runs

from Panyu

Square to the

Tianhe Intercity

Coach Station,

whilst the 'branch

line' splits off at

Tiyu Xilu and

heads towards

Airport South.

Line 5 runs

east-west from

Jiaokou (Liwan District) to Wenchong (Huangpu District) and follows the inner ring

road through the city. Useful for reaching Guangzhou Railway Station, the Garden

Hotel and Zhujiang New Town.

Others

Line 4 serves Guangzhou's eastern outer suburbs and runs from Huangcun in

Huangpu District down to Jinzhou in Nansha. This line is most useful for reaching the

Olympic Sport Centre and the University Town.

Line 8 was formed out of the remnants of Line 2 following it's southward extension

and runs east-west through Haizhu District from Fenghuang Xincun to Wanshengwei.

Useful for reaching Sun Yat-sen University and Pazhou Exhibition Centre.

Zhujiang New Town APM is an experimental autopilot metro system which takes

you to the Canton Tower. You need a separate 2yuan ticket to get a ride.

Guangfo Line is China's first intercity railway, connecting downtown Foshan with

Xilang, where you can transfer to Line 1. Central Foshan can be reached in

approximately 45-60 minutes from central Guangzhou. Transfers from GZ metro

lines and Yangchengtong cards are accepted.

By bus

There is also a comprehensive public bus service that covers Guangzhou from end to

end. By far, it is the cheapest way to move around. Bus fares are ¥1 for the older


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buses and ¥2 for the air-conditioned ones, although the older buses have been mostly

retired. Information at bus stops is mostly written in Chinese, although the current

stop's name is also written in either pinyin or English (not always consistent with the

recorded announcement in English) and stops close to subway stations are (usually)

marked with the Guangzhou Metro logo, which is handy if you are lost. On-board

announcements are made in Mandarin, Cantonese and sometimes English. Exact fare

or a Yang Cheng Tong card is needed when boarding. If traveling on a quiet bus, it is

advisable to signal to the driver that you wish to get off when approaching your stop

by pressing the red buzzer next to the exit door or by saying "xia yi zhan you xia

(pinyin:xià yī zhàn yǒu xià)," meaning "I'm getting off at the next stop" or simply

"you xia (有下, pinyin:yǒu xià)." In Cantonese "you xia" is "yau lok(有落)."

Bus stops served by many routes are usually divided into multiple sections, each one

with a different number. The stops are usually all on the same side of the road, one

after another, but in some cases (such as Haizhu Square), the stops are found all over

the place.

Buses are only handy for traveling within one district or for reaching suburban

districts that are not served by the subway. Heavy traffic can lead to a slow,

uncomfortable journey although they can be handy for a cheap but slow sightseeing

tour. Trolley bus lines (Routes 101-109) are handy for exploring Liwan and Yuexiu

districts.

Most bus routes run from around 6am to 10 or 11pm, after which there are night

buses with the prefix Ye (夜, night). The night route numbers are not related to the

normal route numbers. The fare is usually ¥3. Virtually all night buses stop running

around 1 or 2am, and some start again around 5am. In most cases, taking a taxi at

night is a better idea.

Guangzhou has over 30 commuter express bus lines (高峰快线) run mostly during

peak hours from major bus and subway interchanges to congested areas and outlying

districts. Fares are from ¥1-4. There are also four special lines for University Town

(大学城专线). You can find these in most major stations in the city that would take

you to University Town. Fares are from ¥2-4. There are also 2 tourist bus lines (旅游

专线) passing through many scenic spots in the city. Other special lines are: Lines to

some commercial districts, shuttle buses for many different residential complexes

such as Favourview Palace and Star River, and even complementary shuttle buses for

some shopping center. The driver of a shuttle bus may ask for your receipts.

By BRT

The Bus Rapid Transit system went into service in early 2010. It is essentially a long

segregated bus lane (not an elevated busway like in Xiamen) running along the

Tianhe Road and Zhongshan Avenue corridor towards the eastern suburbs. Some

intersections are traversed by bridges and tunnels, which cuts journey times

considerably, but other intersections have traffic lights and therefore traffic jams, and

crowds can be as dense as in Metro stations but with fewer doors and a narrower

standing area compared to Metro trains.

All buses that use the BRT start with a B prefix (B1, B22 etc.), though some without


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the "B" stop nearby. When reading a bus route (in Chinese) you can see the BRT

logo above each BRT station name, like the GZ Metro logo above bus stops that are

near Metro stations. The B1 stops at every BRT station, but other B routes use any

number of BRT stations (sometimes just one) and use normal roads the rest of the

time.

If boarding a BRT bus at a normal (non BRT) bus stop, the normal fare of ¥2 applies,

however you can transfer to other BRT routes for free, provided you transfer at a

BRT stop. If boarding at a BRT stop, insert ¥2 (coins only) into the entry turnstile to

enter the platform area; no payment is required when boarding the bus, and you can

board at the rear.

As with normal bus routes, there is almost no English at BRT stations, and only the

current station name is in pinyin. Overall it isn't much use to tourists.

By taxi

This is the most popular way for foreigners to get around, and it is very affordable.

The starting charge is ¥10 for the first 2.6 kilometres, and after that ¥2.6 for each

kilometre. No fuel surcharge is added, but a 50% surcharge is automatically added

when the trip reaches 35 kilometres. A few of them also accepts Yang Cheng Tong as

payment, but it is not preferred by the drivers. The taxi hotline is 96900. This comes

in handy if you forget your valuables in a taxi. Save your receipt because it

contains the taxi's identification number.

Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so have the

name and address of your destination written in Chinese to show the driver. Many

are from the poorer northern provinces and do not even speak Cantonese. If your

destination is not well known, have a nearby landmark included in the address, e.g.

"across from the Garden Hotel."

Whilst the majority of taxis are the regular VWs and Hyundais found in almost all

Chinese cities, there are an increasing number of 'London taxis' on the streets of

Guangzhou (which comes as no surprise as the latest generation of London black

cabs are built by Geely Motors in China). They are wheelchair accessible and can

carry up to 6 passengers. Many people recommend using the yellow taxis as that

company only employs local Guangzhou drivers who know the city well - other taxi

companies usually hire migrant workers from other provinces who may not know

where they are going.

Beware of taxi driver as sometimes, in addition to going around the block one too

many times, they will also try to pass counterfeit notes. Pay close attention as to

what they pay when passing toll booths. Good drivers will show you the toll receipts.

Only add the toll amount to what is displayed in the meter. A trip between the airport

to the East Railway Station cost around ¥120-130.

Most people find taxi drivers in Guangzhou to be honest. However, during the

Canton Fair near the Pazhou Complex, it is common to see drivers violate rules, such

as refusal of service and pre-negotiating a price rather than using the meter. It is also

difficult to find a taxi available elsewhere in the city.


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Most taxi shift changes take place between 15:00-17:00. During this time, it is hard

to find a taxi as many drivers stop working by displaying the "out of service (暂停服

务)" sign before the end of the shift, unless you are going in their direction. Taxi can

be also hard to come by during commuter peak hours of 19:30-09:00 and

17:00-19:00. Finding a taxi at night is usually not a problem.

By car

While driving in Guangzhou is an option, drivers unfamiliar with the driving

conditions in China's large and densely populated cities should be aware that the

experience can be extremely daunting and potentially dangerous. However, it is

common in Guangzhou to rent a car that comes with a driver.

Car rental companies in Guangzhou:

Avis (安飞士汽车租凭) 9 Huali Road + 86 20 3829-6279 Hours 8:30AM -5:30PM

Hertz (赫兹国际汽车出租) [[5] (http://www.hertz.cn/) ] 89 Linhe West Road,

first floor of Jingxing Hotel + 86 20 8755-1608

See also Driving in China.

By motorcycle

Although a convenient way to navigate the city's back alleys and lanes, motorcycles

are banned in the city center, and riding a motorcycle into these prohibited areas can

lead to fines and possible confiscation of the bike. In addition to the central

motorcycle ban, electric bicycles are banned from the city roads.

By ferry

The ferries are the cheapest way of crossing the Pearl River (Zhujiang). They were

very popular in the 1980s and early 90s, carrying tens of thousands of people across

the river each day. Nowadays its popularity declines greatly, mostly because of the

construction of many bridges along the Pearl River and the availability of other

public transportation. The river narrows while going through the city center (a bit

wider than the Thames in central London). It is usually faster and more convenient to

use the bridges or public transport(metro, bus) to cross the river, rather than wait for

the ferries. One ferry route that still remains popular is between the Huangsha Pier

by the seafood market next to Shamian Island and the pier on Bai-e-tan Bar Street

(Changdi Road) in Fangcun. It departs every 10 minutes from 6AM to 10PM. The

fare is ¥0.5 for a foot passenger or ¥1 if you bring a bicycle. The fare can be paid in

cash (no change given) or by using Yangchengtong Card. There are separate boarding

gates for cyclists and pedestrians, and you pay at the boarding gate.

Talk


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Sun Yat Sen Memorial

Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, onShamian Island

Mandarin is the universal speech but Cantonese is prevalent. Local people take the

preservation of their dialect so seriously that they even marched to the government

office to protest against a plan to limit the use of Cantonese in TV and radio

broadcasting.

English is spoken by more people than in the rest of China (save for Beijing and

Shanghai), but still not by the majority, so it is a good idea to carry your hotel's

business card with you. To save yourself the hassle and agony when asking for

directions, have names of your destinations clearly written down in Chinese by the

hotel staff before venturing out. That said, many educated younger people will have a

basic knowledge of English and staff at hotels as well as bars and restaurants widely

visited by foreigners generally speak an acceptable level of English.

See

Landmarks

Xiguan Residence (西关大屋 xī-guān-

dà-wū) (Metro 1 Changshou Lu) See thetraditional Cantonese architectures fromthe Qing Dynasty. These houses can befound in Duobao Road (多宝路), BaohuaRoad (宝华路), Longjin West Road (龙津西路) and Shangxiajiu Road (上下九路).One of the most famous ones is located at18 Baoyuan North Street (宝源北街18号).They were occupied by the upper class inthe old days.Guangzhou Traditional Buildings (骑楼)are slowly disappearing due to the rapidgrowth in the city. Remaining buildingscan be found near Yide Road, Renmin NanRoad and Zhongshan Road. They makegreat photo spots.Liurong Temple (六榕寺 liù-róng-sì) 87Liurong Road (六榕路) (Metro 1

Gongyuanqian Exit I)– The Temple of SixBanyan Trees, which includes the 17 story,eight-sided Hua Ta, or Flowering Pagoda,is one of the most popular attractions inGuangzhou. The temple dates back to the6th century, while the pagoda predates it by about 300 years. Admission is ¥5;Flower Pagoda ¥10.Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠 chén-jiā-cí) [6] (http://wikitravel.org/shared/Image:Gaungzhou-ChenJiaCi.jpg) Zhongshan 7th Road (中山七路) (Metro 1

Chan Clan Academy - Exit D). This is very well preserved architecture fromthe 19th century. It used to belong to a wealthy family by the name of Chenand now houses many articles including ivory sculptures and artistic statues.(Admission ¥10)


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Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral (石室圣心大教堂 shí-shì-shèng-

xīn-jiào-táng) 56 Yide Road (一德路旧部前)(Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit

B1).It is one of the oldest church structures in the city, and the largest of itskind of Southern China. It is currently in use for worship. Visiting hours areweekdays 8:30-11:30AM and 2:30-5:30PM; weekends 8:30AM-5PM. Freeadmission.Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (中山纪念堂 zhōng-shān-jì-niàn-táng) (Metro 2

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall - Exit C) located on Dongfeng Middle Road, isdedicated to the founder of the Republic of China and local hero Dr. SunYat-Sen. It was constructed in 1931 and built on the original site of SunYat-sen's presidential office on Yuexiu Hill. Open 8AM-6PM. Admission isfree for the park and ¥10 to go inside the hall.Canton Tower (广州塔) (Metro 3, APM Chigang Pagoda) is the talleststructure in China. In additions to the observation deck, the tower featuresvarious restaurants, a 4-D theater and other entertainment venues. Admissionis ¥150.Shamian Island (沙面岛) (Metro 1 Huangsha Exit D) The buildings andstreets of the former British and French concession have been beautifullyrenovated, creating an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise bustling and hecticmetropolis. One of the old structures is Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, locatedat 14 Shamian Street. The architecture reflects the colonial era of 19thCentury, and it has a unique atmosphere.Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Temple) (光孝寺 guāng-xiào-sì) 109Guangxiao Road (光孝路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C) – As the sixth patriarchof Zen Buddhism, Hui Neng, trained at this temple in the 7th Century, it is apopular pilgrimage site for Zen Buddhists. The temple has been destroyedseveral times by fire, and the current buildings date back to the mid-19thcentury. Admission is ¥10; free if you eat at the temple's vegetarian restaurant(菩提甘露坊). You can also apply your admission toward your meal.Wu Xian Guan Temple (五仙观 wǔ-xiān-guān) Huifu West Road (惠福西路).(Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C) Admission is ¥5.Huaisheng Mosque (怀圣寺 huái-shèng-sì) 56 Guangta Road (光塔路)(Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C). This is one of the oldest Muslim mosques inChina, built in 627. The mosque is open to Muslims only and not open to thegeneral public, but you can take a peek outside.Sanyuan Temple (三元宫 sān-yuán-gōng) Yingyuan Road (Metro 2 Sun

Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Exit C). This is the largest and oldest Taoist temple inthe city.Hualin Temple (华林寺 huá-lín-sì) (Metro 1 Changshou Lu) Free admission.Yuanxuan Taoist Temple (圆玄道观) is located in the Huadu District. Itincludes three Taoist buildings in one complex: Sanqing Hall, Taihe Hall andYuanchen Hall. Sanqing Hall is the most architecturally important of the threestructures, while Yuanxuan Taoist Temple has carvings of divine beings. Thecentral hall is covered by yellow glazed tiles and decorated with the brightimages of Yuqing, Shangqing and Taiqing, the three authoritative deities inTaoism. The temple is located near Bi Village in southwest Xinhua Town. Youcan take the No. 9 bus from Huadu Downtown. Admission is ¥10.Xiao Bei / Siu Bak (小北) So basically, this is Guangzhou's chocolate ville,banners here are written in at least 4 languages: Chinese, English, French andArabic. This is probably one of Guangzhou's most diverse neighborhood! You'llfind delicious middle eastern restaurants before you meander into the side


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streets full of Africans. Even the chinese salespeople here have thich Africanaccent when they speak English. You may feel like you're in Africa, but this isGuangzhou. To get there, take GZ Metro Line 5, Xiaobei Station.

Outskirt

Xiaozhou Village (小洲村) The village is a short taxi ride from UniversityCity. Some travelers describe this district as full of historical buildings, fruitorchards and canals and relate that, in recent years, this has become artists'haven. Others report that recent development has obliterated all traces of thevillage and that the district is a typical industrial suburb adjoining a huge fieldused as an outdoor latrine.Memorial of the Huangpu Military Academy (黄埔军校旧址 huáng-

pǔ-jūn-xiào-jiù-zhǐ) is on Changzhou Island (Metro 5, Yuzhu Exit D. take 431

bus to the Ferry to Changzhou Pier.). The original Military Academy wasfounded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen, with support from the Chinese CommunistParty and the Soviet Union. The mission of the Academy was to create anofficer corps for the new Chinese Republic. Many famous Chinese war heroeswere trained here. The original site was destroyed by the Japanese in 1938.Two exhibition halls on the Campus of the Academy cover the History of theAcademy with English translations. Unfortunately the other exhibition halls,such as Heroes of the Academy, do not have English translations. The site isfar from the city center. Free admission.Former Residence of Hong Xiuquan (洪秀全故居:Hóngxiùquán gùjū),+8602036861225, +8602086832232,Address:广州市花都区新华街道大布村官禄布（Guǎngzhōushì huādūqū xīnhuá jiēdào dàbùcūnguān lùbù), The formerhome of the quasi-Christian leader of the Taiping Rebellion that resulted in thedeath of about 20 million people during the late Qing dynasty. Shortly afterfailing the imperial examinations on multiple occasions, Hong Xiuquan becamedelusional and claimed to have received visions in his dreams that he was theyounger brother of Jesus Christ destined to overthrow the Qing Dynasty andestablish the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in Nanjing as its captial.

Museums and galleries

Note that most museums and libraries are closed on Monday.

Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (西汉南越王博物馆) [7](http://www.gznywmuseum.org) , +86 20 3618-2920, 867 Jiefang North Road(解放北路878号), (Metro 2 Yuexiu Park Exit E) Discovered accidentally in1983 during the construction of proposed shopping mall, this impressivemausoleum proves to be the most important historic discovery in South China,making it a must on any itinerary. Major display is the King's burial suit madeof thousands of jade tiles. 9AM-5:30PM daily. Admission is ¥12.Guangzhou Museum (广州博物馆) [8] (http://www.guangzhoumuseum.cn/en/main.asp) , Zhenhai Tower in Yuexiu Park. Among the first museums inrepublic era of China, it is located in an ancient Zhenhai Tower overseeing thetraditional Guangzhou regions. The museum vividly displays the history ofSouth China. Admission: ¥10.Guangdong Museum (广东省博物馆新馆) (Metro 3,5 Zhujiiang New Town

Exit B1; APM Opera House Exit C) Open 9AM-5PM, Tue-Sun. The new


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museum is located in Zhujiang New Town, not to be confused with the oldGuangdong Museum near Metro 1 Peasant Movement Institute Station. This isthe biggest museum in the city. It covers Guangzhou's history, culture, scienceand nature. Arrive early as admission is limited to 5,000 per day. Personal ID isrequired to obtain free tickets at ticket office.Guangdong Museum of Art (广东美术馆) [9] (http://www.gdmoa.org)guǎng-dōng-měi-shù-guǎn, 8 Yanyu Road (烟雨路8号) on Ersha Island (二沙島). It shows contemporary, and sometimes ultra controversy Chinese art.Personal ID is sometimes required. Open 9AM-5PM, Tue-Sun.Guangzhou Sculpture Park (广州雕塑公园) guǎng-zhōu-diāo-sù-gōng-yuán

Tongxin Road at the foot of Baiyun Mountain. Free Admission.The Memorial Museum Of Generalissimo Sun Yat-Sen's Mansion (孙中山大元帅府纪念馆) [10] (http://www.dyshf.com/) 18 Dongsha St, Fangzhi Road(纺织路东沙街18号). +86 20 8901-2366. Open 9AM-4:30PM Tue-Sun. FreeAdmission.Guangzhou Uprising Museum (广州起义旧址纪念馆) 200 Qiyi Road (起义路200号)(Metro 1, 2 Gongyuanqian Exit J). The Museum is at the site of thefirst Communist government building. Open 9AM—12PM and 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue–Fri; 10AM-4:30PM Sat-Sun. Free Admission.Guangzhou Ocean(广州海洋馆) Situated within Guangzhou Zoo, GuangzhouOcean World covers an area of 13,000 square meters (about 139,931 squarefeet) and has more than 200 kinds of fish and many other rare ocean creatures.It is a high-tech exhibition hall serving sightseeing, entertainment, research andeducation purposes.Guangdong Revolutions History Museum (广东革命历史博物馆) 2Lingyuan West Road (陵园西路2号大院), (Located in the martyrs memorial

park. Metro 1 Martyrs' Park Exit D). Sun Yat-Sen was sworn in here in 1921as the president of Republic of China. The museum tells stories from theOpium War to the founding of the new China. Free Admission.Peasant Movement Institute (农民运动讲习所 nóng-jiǎng-suǒ) 42Zhongshan 4th Road (中山四路42号),(Metro 1, Peasant Movement Institute

Exit C). This is the original site of Communist training center founded by MaoTse-tung in the 1920s. Now it is a museum covering recent China revolutionaryhistory. Open 9AM-4:30PM Tue-Sun. Free admission.Redtory (红专厂) [11] (http://www.redtory.com.cn) 128 Yuancun 4th CrossRoad (员村四横路128号) Once a can food factory, this old can-packingfactory is transformed into galleries for contemporary artists. There are alsorestaurants and shops, which blend in well with artistic surroundings. +86 208557-4346.

Parks

Despite its reputation for business and busy trading, Guangzhou has many historic

parks everywhere, ranging from a 1000-year-old lake garden, green mausoleum for

martyrs to a vast wetland dedicating for migrant birds from Serbia and Mongolia.

Yuexiu Park (越秀公园) yuè-xiù-gōng-yuán, (Metro 2 Yue Xiu Park Station

Exit B1)[12] (http://www.yuexiupark-gz.com/ecompany.htm) is the largesturban park in China and is a lush green area that flows over acres of hills andincludes several lakes. It includes the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼)


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Yuntai Garden

Communist monument in Martyrs'Memorial Garden

zhèn-hǎi-lóu, now home to theGuangzhou Museum [13](http://www.guangzhoumuseum.cn/en/main.asp) with relics on five floorsdating back 5,000 years ago and anup-to-date miniature of modernGuangzhou. Admission is ¥10. Hours 9:00- 11:30, 13:00 - 17:00. Also check out theStone Statue of the Five Rams (五羊石像), the symbol of Guangzhou (SeeUnderstand). Open 6AM-9PM. FreeAdmission.Lingnan Impression(岭南印象园) (Metro 4, Higher Education Mega Center

South Exit B) [14] (http://www.lnyxy.com/) This is a place to see the city's pastbefore the economic boom. The park is 15 minute walk from the subwaystation. Free shuttle is available on the weekend. Admission is ¥45.Baomo Garden (宝墨园) is located in Panyu District, rebuilt in the 1990s froma destroyed ancient garden. Hours 8:30AM-6:00PM; Admission is ¥45.Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park (黄花岗公园), huáng-huā-gǎng-

gōng-yuán, [15] (http://www.72martyrs.com.cn/e_index.htm) 79 XianlieMiddle Road (先烈中路79号) +86 20 3758-8321. Open 6AM-8:30PM. This isa park that will set you in a poignant mood. The main attraction is themonument built to commemorate the 72 martyrs who died during the 1911uprising. Free admission.Guangzhou Martyrs' Memorial Garden (广州起义烈士陵园) guǎng-

zhōu-qǐ-yì-liè-shì-líng-yuán) Zhongshan 2nd Road (中山二路),(Metro 1

Martyrs' Park Station Exit D) [16] (http://www.gzlsly.com/English/) This parkis dedicated to those who fought and died in the Communist Uprising in 1927.Hours 6:00AM-10:00PM; Free admission.Yuntai Garden (云台花园)(Tour Bus No. 1, 3) [17](http://www.baiyunshan.com.cn/publicfiles//business/htmlfiles/bysywb/ythy/201003/4921.html) yún-tái-huā-yuán is situated at the foot of Baiyun(White Cloud) Mountain and is famous for its wide variety of rare flowers andtrees. There are also seasonal exhibits (additional admission). Admission is¥10.Xiangjiang Wild Animal Safari Park (香江野生动物世界) [18]


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(http://www.chimelong.com/enpark/wildlife.aspx) xiāng-jiāng-yě-shēng-

dòng-wù-shì-jiè is in Panyu district. Hours 9:30-18:00; Admission is ¥180.Green Walk(东濠涌)(Metro 1, Peasant Movement Institute) This is in YuexiuDistrict, under the Donghaoyong Elevated Road.Taoist temple Five fairy Taoist temple is located in Hui Fu Xi Lu of the centerof Guangzhou. is the historical markers of that Guangzhou has been founded2000 years.Million Sunflower Garden(百万葵园) Sunflower Garden million theme park,located in Panyu, Guangzhou Wanqingsha town, covers an area of 260,000square meters, planting one million sunflower, become the first in the countryhouse, all imported seeds (mainly Japan) ornamental sunflower park.

Theme Parks

Chimelong Paradise (长隆欢乐世界) The theme park has many thrill ridesand shows. Hour: 9:30-18:00 (18:30 weekend); Admission is ¥200.Chimelong Water Park (长隆水上世界) [19] (http://www.chimelong.com/enpark/waterparty.shtml) This is a western style water park with great waterrides. Hour: 9:30AM-10:00PM, April to Mid-October; Admission is ¥140 (fall)- ¥198 (summer).Guangzhou CrocoPark (广州鳄鱼公园) You can see, play, touch, takepictures of crocodiles and even eat and buy stuff made of them! GuangzhouMetro Line 2, Huijiang Station.Guangzhou Xiangjiang Safari Park (广州香江野生动物世界) Day safarisand night safaris offered, mini jungle train, free ranging animals. GuangzhouMetro Line 3, Hanxi Changlong Station, take exit E, there are scheduled freeshuttles to all the Chimelong parks.Chimelong International Circus (长隆国际大马戏) The closest China getsto Cirque du Soleil, 250/adult, 125/child or senior. Hanxi Changlong, exit E,free shuttle.

Mountains

Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) (白云山 bái-yún-shān)[20](http://www.baiyunshan.com.cn/) is a great place to relax and enjoy a dayamong lush, rolling hills. It also offers great views over the city. The road to thetop in most of the daytime is restricted to park trams and pedestrians. To get tothe top lookout point, you can use the main roads or trails. There are manyplaces to rest and refreshments are available along the way. It is a great placeto see people enjoying nature and playing games, such as shuttlecock,badminton, football and even bungee jumping. There are many bus routes toand from different parts of the city, as well as taxis usually available near thepark gate. Open 24 hours. Park entrance ¥5; Cable car round trip ¥40; tramfrom ¥20; other attractions ¥5-¥10; packages available from ¥25.Lianhua Shan (Lotus Mountain) (莲花山 lián-huā-shān) features animpressive quarry from which red sand stones were mined about 2,000 yearsago, a pagoda from 1612, and a barrack from 1664. The obligatory statue ofGuanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of compassion, at the side of the Buddhisttemple is also not to be missed. From Guangzhou, take Metro line 4 andexchange bus at Shiji Station. There are ferry services from Guangzhou at


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Locals on the run outside the Grandview Plaza in TianheDistrict. In the background is the 80-story CITIC Plaza.

Tianzi Pier (天字码头)(¥20) and Xidi Pier (西堤码头)(¥25). The boat leavesat 8:15AM and returns at 3:15PM. Admission is ¥40.

Learn

Mandarin House Guangzhou School (广州美和汉语学校 Guǎngzhōu MěihéHànyǔ School) [21] (http://www.mandarinhouse.com/learn-chinese-guangzhou) offers intensive & business courses to HSK preparation to alllevels.Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学 Zhongsan Daxue) Founded by RepublicanChina's (and Guangdong's own) revolutionary hero. Offers full-time Manadarinlanguage program to foreigners at various levels. Attracts students from allaround Asia and the world. Program is located in the beautiful and historicsouth campus in Haizhu District.

Buy

Street markets

If time and weather

permit, walking is

perhaps the best way to

see the city as the back

alleys, which are littered

with antiquities, are not

accessible by motorized

vehicles. Most trades and

goods categories are

concentrated in a specific

area or along one main

street.

Guangzhou

wholesale market

directory [22](http://www.buy-in-gz.cn) . Find all kinds of professional wholesale markets inGuangzhouQingping Market (清平市场) Qingping Road (清平路),(Metro 1 Huangsha

Exit D) It is located North from Shamian Island. Cantonese are known to eatjust about any animal, and the market is world famous for its wild animaltrades, although it has been tamer since the SARS outbreak. It is still a greatplace to go for exotic goods. The modern front of the market has quite a fewstalls selling dried herbs used in Chinese Medicine. The real charm here liesjust behind the modern exterior. The modern exterior is built onto a series ofold historical narrow alleyways with shops selling herbs.Global International Shoes Trade Centre [23] (http://www.buy-in-gz.cn/shoes/Global.International.Trade.Centre.html) (国际鞋城步云天地) Address:26 Zhan Xi Road 广州市站西路26号步云天地Xiguan Antique Street (西关古玩城) near Liwan Park (荔湾湖公园).


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Shangxiajiu pedestrian street

Flower Street (花卉水族街) Baohua Road (宝华路).Jade Street (玉器工艺街/玉器街) Changshou Road (长寿路) and WenchangRoad (文昌路), near Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. (Metro 1 Changshou Lu)Ivory and Sea products (象牙雕刻海味街) Daxin Road (大新路).Toy Street (玩具街) and Dried goods and snacks Street (干果海味食品专业街) Yide Road (一德路). (Metro 2 Haizhu Square)Bridal Street (婚纱专卖街) Jiangnan North Road (江南大道北) (Metro 2 The

2nd Workers' Cultural Palace).Flowers, Aquatic and Lightings Street Danan Road (大南街) near BeijingRoad (北京路). (Metro 1, 2 Gongyuanqian)Household Merchandise Street (日用百货街) Gaodi Street(高第街). Thestreet has become a shopping center selling everyday goods.Cultural Street (古玩字画街 / 文化商业街) Wende Road(文德路),(Metro 1

Peasant Movement Institute). This is a good place to look for antiques andtraditional Chinese artistic goods.Haiyin Shopping District (海印专业购物区) is located at the northwest sideof the Haiyin Bridge (海印大桥), selling appliances, sporting goods, cloth,fabrics, camera accessories and electronics.

Malls and shopping centers

Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street (北京路步行街 běi-jīng-lù) (Metro 1,

2 Gong Yuan Qian Exits C, D)This is the main shoppingthoroughfare, a pedestrian streetwhere most stores are open from9AM-10PM. Avoid individualswho solicit pirated DVDs andimitation goods. Don't followanyone into the small dark alleysin between buildings to see theirgoods. Remember to visitMayflower Plaza (五月花广场wǔ-yuè-huā-guǎng-chǎng)[[24](http://www.mayflowerplaza.com/) ] 68 Zhongshan 5th Road (中山五路68号),at the northern end of the Pedestrian Street. This is a place where youngpeople hang out and shop.Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九商业步行街 shàng-xià-jiǔ) (Metro 1

Changshou Lu Exits D1, D2.) This shopping area is also a showcase oftraditional Cantonese architecture Qilou(骑楼). It is particularly pretty at nightwhen lights are lit up. Prices here are generally lower than Beijing Road's, butprepare to bargain. Remember to visit Liwan Plaza (荔湾广场 lì-wān-guǎng-

chǎng), located at 9 Dexing Road (德星路9号), the east end of the street. Youwill find a good selection of crystal there.China Plaza (中华广场 zhōng-huá-guǎng-chǎng). 33 Zhongshan 3rd Road,(中山三路33号),(Metro 1 Martrs' Park) Located on top of a metro station,this is another large shopping mall with brand name department stores, clothingstores, electronics stores and restaurants.Taikoo Hui (太古汇) [25] (http://www.taikoohui.com/sc) (Metro Line 3,


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Pearl River Night Cruise

Shipaiqiao) A fancy latest shopping mall that targets affluent customers. L3 hasseveral western cafes and bistros which are popular among expats and localbourgeoisies. The bookshop in L1, Fangshuo, is one of the fanciest bookshopof its kind in China, which has a fair collection of English books as well.China Plaza (中华广场 zhōng-huá-guǎng-chǎng). 33 Zhongshan 3rd Road,(中山三路33号),(Metro 1 Martrs' Park) The mall is extremely popular amongyoung locals and displays what they think "fashionable". Located on top of ametro station, it also has a huge food court which serves anything fromSichuanese spicy food to Japanese Sushi.Grandview Mall (Zhengjia Plaza) (正佳广场 zhèng-jiā-guǎng-chǎng) [26](http://www.zhengjia.com.cn/en/) 228 Tianhe Road, (天河路228号),(Metro 1,

3 Tianhe Sports Center Exit D3). +86 20 3833-0098. This is the largest mall inGuangzhou, located in the heart of Tianhe District. It includes famous fashionstores and several department stores, and some cheesy music fountains.Tee Mall (天河城 tiān-hé-chéng) [27] (http://www.teemall.com.cn/) 208Tianhe Road (天河路208号)(Metro 1 Tiyu Xilu). Located right above themetro Tiyu Xilu station, this is one of the most popular shopping mall.

Do

Pearl

River

Night

Cruise (珠江夜游)DashatouPier (大沙头码头),Tianzi Pier(天字码头), andXidi Pier(西堤码头)– This is a one to two hour cruise in the evening and a great way to see theGuangzhou skyline along the Pearl River, including a light show at Bai-E-Tan.Tickets for the deluxe dinner cruise can be bought from most high-end hotels.Prices from ¥50-¥200 per person. Higher end cruises usually include dinnerbuffet.

Ride the public buses. Cheap and safe. The electric trams are even cheaper at flat

rate of ¥2. Hop on to any one of the public buses. Drivers are generally very friendly

and helpful. So long as you have sufficient small change for the journey, tell the

driver you are in just for a joyride. (In cantonese Yau Cheh Hor literally meaning just

for the ride or just for fun. Where the journey terminates, ask anyone what buses will

take you back and request the driver to let you know when to get off. So long as you

sit not too far away, he (sometimes she) will tell you. Don't worry, everyone is very

helpful on these buses. Being paranoid about scams and perceived crimes takes the

joy out of what would otherwise be a marvellous holiday.


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Flower Street in Tianhe during Chinese New Year

*Daytime River "Cruise" As cheap as ¥5, you get a ride down to the last terminal

at ZhongSan University and back. Just tell the ticket seller at the jetty, in front of

Riverside Hostel,you just want a joyride. On your way back,you can get off on the

other side of the river at the heart of the commercial district. After spending a couple

of hours walking around or even dinner, it will cost you only ¥1 to cross back to the

Riverside Hostel

Festivals

Chinese New Year/Spring Festival (春节 chūn-jié) occurs on first day of firstlunar month, usually in January or February. This is a 15 day celebration andsome districts can be quite deserted as many migrant workers return to theirhome provinces. The flower fair is popular during the days before New Year.

Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 duān-wǔ-jié) on fifthday of fifth lunar month,usually in May or June.This festivalcommemorates thesacrifice of Qu Yuan (屈原), a famous poet whodrowned himself in theriver by way of making astatement againstgovernment corruptionduring the Warring StatesPeriod. The highlights aredragon boat racing alongthe Pearl River, and eating rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (粽子).Mid-autumn Festival (中秋节 zhōng-qiū-jié) is on the 15th day of 8th lunarmonth, usually in September or October. Cantonese moon cakes are enjoyedduring this holiday. Lian Xiang Lou and Taotao Ju's moon cakes are especiallyfamous (see "Eat" section). Kids' favorites are paper lanterns. Many locals alsoenjoy riding ferries and watching the full moon on the Pearl River.Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节 qīng-míng-jié) is around the spring equinox,usually on April 5th. Involves visits to the family tombs for cleaning andmaking offerings.Double Ninth Festival (重阳节) is on the 9th day of 9th lunar month, usuallyin October. Cantonese has the tradition of hiking up Baiyun Mountain. This isalso the fall version of the Tomb Sweeping Day in April.Qi Xi, or Chinese Valentine's Day (七夕 qī-xī) is on 7th day of 7th lunarmonth, usually in August or September. According to legend, a heavenly fairyZhinu (织女) fell in love with a mortal farm boy Niulang (牛郎). This wasforbidden; as punishment, they were only allowed to meet once a year on thisday. There are usually parades and carnivals in the city celebrating the holiday.This is the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day, but it is steadily losing itsappeal among the locals; many have adopted the Western Valentine’s Day onFebruary 14th.Winter Solstice (冬至, 过冬 dōng-zhì), which literally means the Coming of


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Winter is on December 22nd. Traditionally, Cantonese people observe the daywith a family feast, which often includes preserved duck and sausages.However, the highlight of the day's festive dishes is hot soup served with flourdumplings (汤丸).

The Canton Fair

Canton Fair [28] (http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/index.asp) (China Import and

Export Commodities Fair) held twice a year in Guangzhou since 1957 and is the

largest trade fair in China. It has the largest assortment of products, the largest

attendance, and the largest number of business deals made at the fair. Canton Fair is

held in the Pazhou Complex at 380 Yuejiang Middle Road (阅江中路380号) (Metro

Line 8 Xingangdong or Pazhou station).

If you are going to the fair, book a hotel well in advance. Hotels tend to be booked

and expensive during the Fair. Metro is the best transportation option to go to the fair

ground, while many hotels provide free shuttle services.

Eat

Cantonese cuisine is well-known for its blend of color, fragrance, taste and

presentation, and it is ranked among the top four in the country. In particular, dim

sum, a delicate pastry, is famous for being simple yet delicious. Local customs, as

well as a long history of contact with the West compared to other regions in China,

have played a major role in the development and diversity of Cantonese cuisine.

Chinese food served in Western countries is usually Cantonese food, albeit slightly

adapted to Western tastes, meaning that most Western visitors from large cities will

be familiar with Cantonese food to a certain extent. That being said, authentic

Cantonese cuisine is also famous throughout China for another reason - Cantonese

people eat absolutely anything, and it is often said that Cantonese people eat

anything that has four legs other than a table, anything that flies other than an

airplane, and anything that swims other than a submarine. In addition to that, various

internal organs of animals are regularly eaten, such as the liver, kidneys, heart and

even brain. This means that Cantonese cuisine is one of, if not the most adventurous

in China due to their expansive use of exotic ingredients, and their extremely broad

definition of what is considered edible. This is how Guangzhou earned the distinct

name of "Eating in Guangzhou (食在广州)."

What to Eat

White Cut Chicken (白切白切白切白切鸡鸡鸡鸡) This is one of the most popular Cantonesecuisine. It is lightly flavored to allow one to taste the true chicken meat. ManyCantonese restaurants have their signature dish based on this, such as theWenchang Chicken from Guangzhou Restaurant, Real Taste Chicken fromBingsheng Restaurant and Qingping Chicken from various restaurants.However, to be cautious, especially westerners, since the chicken is completelysteam without any cut off, you might see the head and feet of the chicken

Yum Cha / Dim Sum (饮饮饮饮茶茶茶茶) "A pot of tea with two pieces (一盅两件)" is


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Guangzhou's dim sum culture. Many locals stay for hours chatting and readingnewspaper with just a small order of food. The varieties of dim sum dishes inmany restaurants are easily over a hundred. The bite-size quantity of each dishallows one to venture out and try new things that will satisfy one's taste bud.

Siu Mei / Shao Wei (烧烧烧烧味味味味) Cantonese barbecue is famous around the worldwhere many have seen the image of roasted ducks and chicken hanging infront of a store. Siu mei is a staple item in Cantonese restaurants. SomeVarieties include barbecued pork (叉烧), roast goose (烧鹅) and roast pig (烧肉).

Seafood (海海海海鲜鲜鲜鲜) Eating fresh seafood the Cantonese way is a good way toexplore Cantonese culture. From picking live fish or lobsters in front of youreyes to eating the sea creatures with their heads attached, this is a greatadvanture for any visitors.

Dessert (甜品甜品甜品甜品,糖水糖水糖水糖水) A Cantonese meal is not complete without Cantonesedesserts. Soupy or custard desserts are common. Two distinct Guangzhoufavorites are double layered milk (双皮奶) and ginger milk curd (姜撞奶).Other popular choices include tofu pudding (豆腐花), red bean paste (紅豆沙), green bean paste (綠豆沙), guilinggao (龟苓膏), black sesame paste (芝麻糊) and sago (西米露).

Food

Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家), 2 Wenchang South Road (文昌南路2号)

(Metro 1 Changshou Lu), ☎ +86 20 8138-0388, [29] (http://www.gzr.com.cn/) . This

Cantonese family restaurant is famous for its signature dishes Wenchang Chicken

and special baby pig. Get up early and try it's Yum Cha (Cantonese dim sum). It has

several branches in the city. Other locations include 20 Binjiang West Road (滨江西

路20号) and 112 Tiyu East Road (体育东路112号). edit

Pan Xi Restaurant (泮溪酒家), 151 Longjin West Road (龙津西路151号), ☎+86 20 8181-5718. Located in the heart of the Old Guangzhou, this CantoneseRestaurant serves dim sum next to trickling streams and stunning architecture.Try one of their famous dumplings shaped like a rabbit's head. edit

Datong Restaurant (大同酒家), 63 Yanjiang Road (沿江路63号), ☎ +86 208188-8988. This time-honored restaurant spans all 8 floors of the old building,overlooking the Pearl River. The place has been around for a long time and is afavorite among locals. edit

Taotao Ju Restaurant (陶陶居), 20 Dishifu Road (第十甫路20号) (Metro 1

Changshou Lu; Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street), ☎ +86 20 8138-9632. This isthe oldest traditional dim sum restaurant in the city but nowadays, their foodnot up to standard as their chef left for high end restaurant in Hong Kong. Dimsum hours are still busy, so reservation is recommended. Specialty includesmoon cakes and other traditional Cantonese pastries. edit

Four Seasons Restaurant (中国大酒店四季厅), 122 Liuhua Road (流花路


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122号中国大酒店) (Metro 2 Yuexiu Park Exit D2), ☎ +86 20 8666-6888.11AM-2.30PM, 6PM-10PM. Classic Cantonese cuisine using fresh, qualityingredients. Renowned for its Roasted Suckling Pig and Peking Duck. Dim sumis serve during lunch hours. ¥200 per person. edit

Liuhua Congee House (流花粥城), Renmin North Road (人民北路903号流

花湖公园) (In Liuhua Park. Metro 2 Yuexiu Park), ☎ +86 20 8668-0108.Open 24 hours. Excellent dim sum and Cantonese porridge in beautifulsurroundings. edit

Wenji Restaurant (文记壹心鸡), 10 Boahua Road (荔湾区宝华路旋源桥10

号) (Metro 1 Changshou Lu; Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street), ☎ +86 208172-8887. As the place was established by the former chefs from QingpingRestaurant, they have the original Qingping Chicken on the menu. edit

Lian Xiang Lou (莲香楼), (Metro 1 Changshou Lu; Shangxiajiu Pedestrian

Street), ☎ +86 20 8181-1638, [30] (http://www.lianxianglou.com) . M-F6:30AM-10PM, Sa-Su 6:30AM-11PM. Founded in 1889, Lian Xiang Lou is afamed Cantonese restaurant across China. Local gourmets may disdain itsdishes but its bakery is still popular among tourists edit

Vegetarian

Cai Gen Xiang (菜根香), 167 Zhongshan 6th Road (中山六路167号) (Metro

1 Ximenkou), ☎ +86 20 8334-4363. 6:30AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9PM. edit

Fo World Sushishe (佛世界素食社), 2-8 Niunaichang St, Tongfu MiddleRoad (同福中路牛奶厂街二圣宫前2-8号) (Metro 2 The 2nd Workers'

Cultural Palace), ☎ +86 20 8424-3590. 7AM-9PM. The restaurant is hiddenin a small street, this place is especially crowded on the 1st and 15th of eachmonth (lunar calendar). Part of the profits is given to the neighboring temple. edit

Foo Yau Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant (佛有缘素食馆), Xinfu Xincun (幸福

新村) (Metro 1 Chan Clan Acadamy Exit D), ☎ +86 20 8125-0428, [31](http://www.fooyauyuan.com) . 7AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM. This place servescreative vegetarian dishes with dim sum served in the morning. edit

Sharmaji Vegetarian Indian Restaurant, ☎ +8615915727374, [32](http://www.sharmaji.net/) . One of the most famous Vegetarian Indianrestaurants in Guangzhou. Founded in 2001, it serves vegetarian Indian buffetonly, located in the Indian ghetto in Guangzhou, near the Dong Yue Hotel.Located on the 4th floor of the Gitic Hotel. No meat or alcohol served. edit

Shui Yun Tian (水云天), 38-42 Jinghui Road (净慧路38-42号首层) (next to

the Guangxiao Temple, Metro 1 Ximenkou), ☎ +86 20 8107-2463. 6:30AM-2:30PM, 4:30PM-9:30PM. Great buffet around noon. edit

Southeast Asian


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Cow and Bridge Thai Restaurant (牛桥泰菜), 2/F, Xiang Long Garden, 181

Tianhe North Road (天河北路181号祥龙花园二楼) (Metro 3 Linhexi), ☎+86 20 8525-0821. This famous Thai restaurant offers many varieties of Thaidishes. Ask for the more fiery version of your meal, if you're used to Thaicuisine, as the dishes are somewhat localized. edit

Lan Kwai Fong (兰桂坊), 5 Shamian South St (沙面南街5号) (Metro 1

Huangsha), ☎ +86 20 8121-6523. This tourist friendly restaurant offers goodcurries and polite service on the quite Shamian Island. edit

Banana Leaf (蕉叶西餐厅), [33] (http://www.bananaleaf.com.cn/en/01over/01about.asp) . This is a established traditional Thai restaurant chain inGuangzhou. edit

Tianhe, 28 Tianhe North Road (天河北路28号时代广场2楼) (Metro 3

Linhexi; 2/F, Times Square), ☎ +86 20 3891-0728. edit

GZTV Hotel, G/F, 8 Luhu Road. edit

World Trade Center, 5/F, 371-375 Huanshi East Road. edit

Tai Man Guan (泰满贯), 7F Tower North East, Teemall, 208 Tianhe Road (天河路208号天河东北塔7楼) (Metro 3 Tiyu Xilu). This is located in the TeeMall in Tianhe. The Thai restaurant offers many varieties of Thai dishes withgreat curry and noodle dishes. edit

Indian

Vaastu (雅仕度印度餐厅), ☎ +86 20 3825-8181, [34](http://www.vaastucuisine.com/) . This high end restaurant opened its door in2008. It serves traditional Indian food with vegetarian dishes available. edit

Sharmaji Vegetarian Indian Restaurant, ☎ +8615915727374, [35](http://www.sharmaji.net/) . One of the most famous Vegetarian Indianrestaurants in Guangzhou. Founded in 2001, it serves vegetarian Indian buffetonly, located in the Indian ghetto in Guangzhou, near the Dong Yue Hotel.Located on the 4th floor of the Gitic Hotel. No meat or alcohol served. edit

Western

Lucy's Cafe & Restaurant, 3 Shamian South St (沙面南街3号) (Metro 2

Huangsha), ☎ +86 20 8121-5106. Located near the White Swan hotel, Lucy'sCafe & Restaurant is an established American restaurant on Shamian Island.They serve everything from burgers to pasta to Tex-mex, and portions arelarge. This is a favorite for adoption families who stays on the island. edit

Oggi Restaurants, ([email protected]), [36](http://oggirestaurant.com) . Oggi serves traditional Italian food in centralGuangzhou. edit

Oggi Trattoria, 1 Tiyu East Road (天河区体育东路1号), ☎ +86 208751-5882. 11am-12am. Come and enjoy their great pizza and pastawith choice Italian wine. edit


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Oggi Pizzeria, G/F Tianlun Garden, Jianshe 4th Road (建设四马路), ☎+86 20 8356-1196. 24/7. The European theme style cafe and bar servesgreat pizzas and traditional Italian home dishes with wine carte anddraught beer. edit

Bosphorus Turkish Restaurants, 1 Jianshe 6th Road (Metro 5 Xiaobei Exit

A), ☎ +86 20 8376-7644, [37] (http://www.bosphorus-china.com) .10AM-11PM. There are two location in GZ. Bosphorus Premium Located inex Tang Club , and Bosphours Xiaobei located in Zhaoqing Building , it hasdelicious and halal foods. The third location in Yiwu city . The Bosphoruspremium has two floor, having lunch and dinner at 2. floor, smoke and coffeeat 3. floor. The portions are large, price are acceptable according to foodquality. This is a favorite for eating doner (one of famous Turkish food) andkebabs especially Iskender. edit

13 Factories (十三行), 7 Tianhe North Street (体育西路天河北街七号)

(Metro 3 Linhexi exit B), ☎ +86 20 3884 9230. 11AM-12AM. Menu has aheavy American Southern influence, with authentic gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys and pulled pork all on offer, but French, Spanish and Italian dishes arealso served. It is a favor of both expats and locals. edit

Buongiorno Italian Restaurant (Buongiorno 意大利餐厅), 3F Yian Plaza, 33

Jianshe 6th Road (越秀区建设六马路33号宜安广场3楼304/310), ☎ +86 2083633587, [38] (http://www.buongiorno.com.cn/) . 11AM-11PM. Theauthentic Italian restaurant is Italian managed and prepared, serving pizza,pasta, meat and fish dishes. edit

Prime Steakhouse, 122 Liuhua Road (流花路122号中国大酒店), ☎ +86 208666-6888. 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm. This is one of Guangzhou's fineststeakhouse serving Australian and Japanese prime cuts, seafood, pasta anddesserts. edit

Cafe Veranda, 122 Liuhua Road (流花路122号中国大酒店), ☎ +86 208666-6888. 6.30am-10pm. This place serves a lavish international buffet andalso has a la carte menu. All Western and Asian delights can be found here andthe breakfast buffet is simply excellent. edit

Danny's Italian American Restaurant, 4F Home Garden Mall, 188 HuangpuWest Avenue (黄埔大道西188号维家思广场四楼) (Metro APM Huangpu

Dadao), ☎ +86 20 8756-1993, [39] (http://www.dannysbagel.com/) .Established in Guangzhou since 1997, the restaurant serves Italian andAmerican dishes including pasta and pizza along with other western food.Chinese dishes are also available. Delivery is also available. edit

The Italian Restaurant (小街风情意大利餐厅), 3F Zhujiang Building EastTower, 360 Huanshi East Road (环市东路360号珠江大厦东座3楼) (Metro 5

Taojin), ☎ +86 20 8386-3840. 10:30AM-2AM. Despite the unimaginativename, this place offers good pizzas, pasta and beer. Buffet is available. edit

La Seine Restaurant Franca (塞纳河法国餐厅), 33 Qingbo Road (二沙岛晴


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波路33号) (Ground floor, Zinghai Concert Hall), ☎ +86 20 8735-2222. Theupscale restaurant has an elegant French decor, overlooking the Pearl Riverskyline. ¥200 and up. edit

K's Western Delights (K’S西方佳肴), Tao Jin Jia Yuan, ☎ +8613533377784, [40] (http://www.ksbakery.com/) . They serve Western-stylehomemade kosher sandwiches, managed and prepared by Westerners. Deliveryservice is available. edit

Pizza2Pizza, Tianhe North Road (天河北路614号2号铺）,([email protected]), [41] (http://www.pizza2pizza.com.cn/) . 10AM-2AM.The restaurant serves appetizers, Salads, Pizza and Pasta. Dine-in, take-out andcatering are available. Free delivery within 2 km of the location. Check theirwebsite for other locations. edit

Tekila Mexican Restaurant and Bar, 2F, 11 Jianshe 6th Road (建设六马路

11号二楼) (Metro 5 Taojin), ☎ +86 20 8381-6996, [42](http://www.vivatekila.com/) . This place serves authentic Mexican food. It hasgreat Margaritas. Entertainment includes salsa dancing. edit

BOCA Restaurant and Cafe, 75 Tianhe East Road #107(天河东路75号首层

107), ☎ +86 20 8759-1558, [43] (http://www.boca-cafe.com/index.php/home/?lang=en) . This place serves appetizer, Soup, Salad, Sandwiches, RiceDelights, Pastas and other Main Courses. Kids' meal is available. edit

Gail's Place, 1/F Stars Building, 172 Huasui Road (珠江新城华穗路172号,星

辰大厦首层02铺), ☎ +86 20 8350-1667, [44](http://www.gailsplace2000.com) . The family owned restaurant has a hugewestern food menu with an accent on American and fusion style dishes. Forthose who celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gail's offers a fully cookedturkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. edit

African

Best-Way African Restaurant, No. 003 1/F Jindu Bldg, 99 Guangyuan West

Road (opposite Canaan Market), ☎ +86 20 6114-7501. This Nigerianrestaurant serves cuisine cooked Igbo style (try the semo and egusi soup). It isa bit out of the way (down some narrow stairs and under a concrete overpass),but the ambiance is cozy inside with Nigerian music playing. edit

Foreign chains

Foreign fast food, ice cream and coffee chains are well established in Guangzhou.

These include Subway (赛百味), Dairy Queen (冰雪皇后), Saizeriya (Japanese

Italian Food Chain), Papa John's Pizza (棒约翰), KFC (肯德基), Pizza Hut (必胜客),

McDonald's (麦当劳), Burger King (汉堡王), Starbucks (星巴克) and Häagen-Dazs

(哈根达斯). Most of these can be found in the Zhengjia Plaza (See "Shop").

Convenience Stores


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Convenience stores are on almost every street corner and most are open 24 hours.

Major convenience store chains include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Circle-K and

C-Store. Prices are a little higher than in local shops or supermarkets, particularly at

7-Eleven. Some FamilyMarts and Circle-K's do not sell cigarettes, but C-store does.

Corner's Deli is a specialty food chain store with several locations in the city with a

good selection of imported foods. One of the locations is at unit 6, Backstreet, CITIC

Plaza.

Supermarket Chains

TESCO (乐购) The British hypermarket is located on Zhongshan 6th Road above

the Metro Ximenkou Station and it is the largest supermarket in Guangzhou on a

single premise.

Park 'n' Shop (百佳) This Hong Kong chain has several locations ranging from

convenience stores to hypermarkets. The largest stores are in the shopping mall

above Metro Changshou Lu Station and at Tianhe North Road close to the

Longkouxi bus stop. It is a little more expensive but has a good selection of imported

groceries.

Jusco (吉之岛)There are several locations including Tee Mall at Tiyu West Road and

Linhe Middle Road near the East Train Station. This Japanese chain has a good

selection of imported groceries.

Carrefour (家乐福) This French hypermarket has four stores in Guangzhou. One of

them is at Kangwang Road (康王中路656号) near Chenjiaci station. It is cheap and

has a good selection of products.

Trust-Mart (好又多) The lower-end market has numerous locations in Guangzhou

and it is recent acquired by Wal-Mart (沃尔玛). It will be soon re-branded to

Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has been upgrading the stores, and the prices while they are at

it. This chain has a large stock of non-food items but the grocery selection is limited.

It is often crowded on the weekends.

Vanguard (华润万家) This is the flagship operating supermarket chains of China

Resources. It is the third largest supermarket chain in Hong Kong. It operates

approximately 450 stores in China. There are over 20 stores in Guangzhou.

Drink

When it comes to drinks, Guangzhou is one of the best cities in China to knock back

a few. With a relatively large population of foreigners here, the city offers a wide

variety of nightspots that cater to all tastes.

Tsing Tao and Zhu Jiang are the two major Chinese beer brands that are sold almost

everywhere. Both are fairly standard light lagers. Carlsberg is also brewed in

Guangzhou, which explains the reasonably large amount of Carlsberg taps in the

bars.


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Bar Street at Bai-E-Tan

Nightlife at Shangxiajiu in Liwan District.

Pubs

Covent Garden, 广州珠江新城华

强路2号富力盈丰大厦首层

(Located on the small road across

from Ocean Palace on Jinsui

Road), ☎ +86 20 38065757.10AM to 3AM. British pub in theZhujiang New Town. Recentlywon the best new pub inGuangzhou at the PRD awards.Large selection ofcocktails andwhiskeys with pintsof Tiger Beer from¥25 during happyhour,4PM-8:30PM. edit

Elephant and

Castle, (next door

to Hill Bar

opposite the

Garden Hotel).British style pubserving Kilkenny,Guinness and avariety of bottledand draft beers. Prices are reasonable for the area, especially during HappyHour. 22. edit

Hill Bar, (Outside Baiyun Hotel and across from Garden Hotel). Reasonableprice for drinks and live band performances nightly. ¥35 pints. edit

Hooley's Irish Pub and Restaurant, Xing Sheng Lu, Zhujiang New Town

(Metro 5 Liede exit D), ☎ +86 20 3886-2675, [45] (http://www.hooleys-pub.com/) . Hooley's is an Irish themed pub with a focus on live musicperformances (rock, pop, folk and jazz). Serves Irish, Italian and fusion dishes.Bakes its own bread. Music Friday to Saturday with open mic sessions onWednesdays and Ladies Night on Thursdays. edit

Paddy Field Irish Pub and Restaurant, (Behind Garden Hotel). edit

Tavern Sports Bar (Metro APM Guangzhou Opera House), poly 108/ 2

huajiu Road, Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城华就路2号), ☎ +86 208550-3038, [46] (www.taverngz.com) . 11:30AM to 2AM. Tavern Bar is anEnglish-style pub serving appetizers, pub-grub and international food. HappyHour from 4-8pm and all day Monday, Happy Hour pints from ¥20. Range ofdraught beers and cocktails. Shows live sports on big screen TVs. Pool tables


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and private rooms are available. edit

Sleeping Wood Cafe. (Happy hour before 8PM). Cozy restaurant pub next tothe Holiday Inn with friendly English speaking staff. Serves western food andall kinds of alcoholic drinks. One-for-one pint-sized Tsing Tao draft beer duringhappy hour. Good place to unwind, especially in the open area. 2nd locationalong Pearl River. ¥25-¥30. edit

Sapphire Lounge, 122 Liuhua Road (流花路122号中国大酒店), ☎ +86 208666-6888. 3:00PM to late. Located on the 4th floor of China Hotel, SapphireLounge serves an extensive selection of classic and contemporary martinis,cocktails, wines, liquor and more in a chic and upbeat atmosphere. Perfect forafter-work drinks or a night out. edit

The Brew, Zhujiang New Town, Panyu, Jianshe Liu Ma Road (Metro 5 Taojin

exit B), [47] (http://www.thebrew-china.com/) . The Brew, formally known asThe Strange Brew, is a Canadian owned and operated bar with three locationsin Guangzhou. It's menu has a strong Canadian/ American influence and boaststhe best burgers in the city. There are specials every day of the week whichdiffer from location to location. It is the ideal place to have a drink and catchthe game (NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, Rugby and more). edit

Perry's Café, 2nd floor of No. 61, Hongmei Lu, Haizhu District (海珠区红梅路61号2楼) (taxi would be easiest way, make sure you have the address

written down in chinese). Located in Dadao of Haizhu District, is Perry's Café.Although hidden, the newly opened cafe is ideal for overseas students orforeign friends in the community. Offers European dishes, opened until latenight (at least 4AM) edit

Wine cellars

Oh Marco Wine Cellar, 9 Yiyuan Road 4-5, Haizhu District, ☎ +86 203448-2809 ([email protected]). 9AM-9PM. Oh Marco is aretail wine chain shop. There you can drink a glass or buy a bottle of wine. Itoffers full range of wines, directly imported from France. Perfect forafter-work drinks. Drinks from ¥18.. edit

Dance clubs

C:Union (喜窝), 115 Shuiyin Road (水荫路115号天溢大厦副大堂1楼).Great place to hear atypical live music like reggae or classic rock. Bar has bothan indoor section consisting of a dance floor and couches and an outdoorsection with patio seating and recently-added new basement. Wide beerselection and bartenders measure all drinks out in plain view. Early on the baris populated mostly by locals, however as the night progresses the bar quicklyfills with expats. Patrons tend to be very friendly open to meeting new people.There is usually at least one English speaking bartender at each station.¥25-¥50 beer, ¥15 shots. edit

The Cave (墨西哥餐厅酒吧), 360 Huanshi East Road (环市东路360号珠江大厦东侧) (basement on the end of the Zhujiang Tower (珠江大厦) near


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Garden Hotel), ☎ +86 20 8386-3660. This is a favorite expat hangout. Theresident DJ spins a wide range of music. The Cave features exotic danceperformances, including live-python dance. ¥30 standard drink. edit

Club NaNa, Tianlun Garden, 26 Jianshe 4th Road (建设4马路26号天伦花园)(up the street from Oggi's Pizza). Packs a variety of music, well-knownthroughout Guangzhou for its wild parties, including a singles lock and keyparty, a secret costume party, and live hip-hop shows. The owners may be seenhanding out free drinks. Beware of the tequila shots. Begins as a largelyChinese club but around 11:30PM, the shaking switches from dice to dancingand it becomes a mix of East and West. edit

Gipsy King Bar (大篷车酒吧), 360 Huanshi East Road (环市东路360号珠江

大厦西地下) (opposite end of the Zhujiang Building from the Cave), ☎ +8620 8387-5177. Underground bar similar to the Cave. Many local "working"girls sashay around. There are individual dance performances at one corner ofthe bar, while group performances start on the main dance floor at 10PM. ¥30standard drink. edit

Penthouse. High class bar with dance floor. Variety of sparkling wine ensuresyou can live it up with standards. The DJs blast the hottest music. edit

Heihei Club, 2 Qiaoguang Road, Yuexiu District.. Good crowd, blend of localsand foreigners. Good music though a little pricy. It was reported thatpickpocketing is rampant here. edit

True Colors (本色), 276 Yanjiang Zhong Lu ((200m east of the Tianzi Matou),

Yuexiu District (8373 5858)). Club has dozens of tables on the floor for groupsto drink and play local dice games. The DJ booth overlooks the floor andbetween it and the massive windows runs a strip that can rise up for liveperformances and for models to runway walk. There's a dance floor that'smaybe 25 square meters where locals and expats dance. DJs come from allover the world and play their own mix of house occasionally punctuated withhip-hop. edit

Tea houses

The culture of tea drinking, also known as Yum Cha (饮茶), runs deep in Guangzhou.

After all, the city was at the center of the massive tea trade that existed between

China and Europe during the 19th century.

Simple Love Tea Shop (十月十月十月十月红红红红奶茶奶茶奶茶奶茶), #102, 94 Tianhe South Road (Down

from the south gate of TeeMall). 3PM-2AM. This is a Taiwanese style tea andcoffee shop. There are about five other locations in the city. edit

Tian Chang Di Jiu, 1 Zhengping Middle Street, Taojin Road, ☎ +86 208358-1627. edit

Chun Ya Yuan Teahouse (春雅源茶春雅源茶春雅源茶春雅源茶艺馆艺馆艺馆艺馆), 19 Siyou New Road (4/F,

Changcheng Hotel), ☎ +86 20 8761-2888 ext.6488. 7PM-1AM. edit

Crystal Tea House, 6 Longkou East Road, Tianhe (1/F, Yuan Yang Hotel), ☎+86 20 8759-6988 ext.67. 10AM-2AM. edit


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This guide uses thefollowing price rangesfor a standard double

room:

BudgetUnder¥200

Mid-range ¥200-500

SplurgeOver¥500

Wong Chun Loong Herbal Tea. The traditional herbal tea chain has over adozen branches in the city, including 17 Wenchang South Road, 109 HuaguiRoad, 51 Dishifu Road, 504 Xihua Road, and many more. edit

People's Cakes & Coffee. Enjoy cakes and coffee at this Western coffee shoprun by Koreans. edit

Yuexiu, #102, 17 Jianshe 6th Road (建设六马路17号102房), ☎ +86 208376-6677. edit

Taojin, 98 Taojin South Road, ☎ +86 20 8348-8085. edit

Starbucks, [48] (http://www.starbucks.com.cn/en/store/store-list.html) . TheSeattle chain has been in china for over 10 years, with more than 25 locationsin Guangzhou alone. The benefit to many travelers is the free Wi-Fi. Popularlocations include Taojin Road by the Guangzhou Friendship Store, HuanshiEast Road in the Peace World Plaza, across the street from the Garden Hotel,and Shamian Island. Check their website for complete listing. Check out somelocal fusion items including a wide selection of Chinese tea, Green TeaTiramisu and Shredded Ginger Pork Panini. edit

Sleep

NOTE: From April 15th to May 5th and October 15th to

November 5th are the annual Guangzhou International Trade

Fairs in which room rates in hotels and hostels will usually be

hiked up. Prices vary every year and you are advised to secure

your bed before going to Guangzhou in those two seasons

Budget

Guangzhou has two HI-affiliated youth hostels, one in

the outskirt Yangcun and a new one in Yangji. Most

other hostels, usually located in a residential apartment

building, are illegally operated and subject to the

frequent police crackdown.

Guangzhou Riverside Youth Hostel (广州江畔国际青年旅舍), 15 Changdi Street (长堤路15号)

(Metro 1 Fangcun Exit B1), ☎ +86 20 2239-2500.An HI-affiliated hostel is located on the outskirt of Guangzhou. It takes a15-20 minute walk to the metro station; also accessible by river ferry (until10pm). Free lockers are provided in some rooms. Doubles ¥178, dorm bed¥65; ¥96 Canton Fair. edit

Guangzhou Journey House Youth Hostel (广州征途青年旅舍), Room 27F,


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building 1,Jiayiyuan Garden, 445 Tianhe North Road (天河北路445号嘉怡苑

1栋27F房), ☎ +86 20 3880-4573 ([email protected]), [49](http://site.douban.com/128700/) . checkin: 1:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Theapartment-converted hostel is popular with Chinese job-seekers. The area isresidential and may be difficult to find for non-Chinese speaking foreigners.Dorm room ¥50, singles with ¥140 (¥180 Canton Fair). edit

Mid-range

Guangdong Victory Hotel (广东胜利宾馆), 53 Shamian North Street (沙面北街53号) (Metro 1 Huangsha Station Exit D, use pedestrian bridge to

Shamian Island), ☎ +86 20 8121-6688, [50] (http://www.vhotel.com) . Thehotel is located on Shamian Island. It consists of the East building and Westbuilding. It has very clean rooms and western-style buffet breakfast. ¥420. edit

Zhong Qiao Hotel Guangzhou (中桥宾馆), 103 Chigang Road (赤岗路103

号), ☎ +86 20 6276-4628, [51] (http://www.comreehotel.com/zhong_qiao_hotel) . The hotel is close to Pazhou Trade Center where CantonFair is held. Check their website for other locations in the chain. edit

Dongyue Fashion Hotel (东岳时尚酒店), 10 Tangdong East Road (天河区棠

东东路10号), ☎ +86 20 2886-4999, [52] (http://www.dyinns.com) . It offersclean and comfortable rooms that are furnished with all the essentials for arestful stay. ¥178. edit

Guangzhou Hotel (广州宾馆), 2 Guangzhou Qiyi Road, Haizhu Square (海珠

广场起义路2号) (Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit B3), ☎ +86 20 8333-8168,[53] (http://www.gzhotel.com.cn) . ¥328. edit

Huifeng Apartment Guangzhou (广州汇峰国际公寓), 8 Xingsheng Road,

Zhujiang New Town, ☎ +86 20 3805-1035 ([email protected]),[54] (http://www.guangzhou-apartment.cn) . Each of the 198 servicedapartments has a kitchens and free cable internet access. ¥298. edit

Binghua Hotel (冰花酒店), 2 Tianhe North Road (天河北路2号), ☎ +86208750-2888. The hotel is located at the gateway to Tianhe. Hooley's Irish Puband Restaurant is on the ground floor. edit

Bostan Hotel (广东博斯坦宾馆), 76 Tianhe North Road (天河北路76号), ☎+86 20 3878-2888. The hotel has multifunction halls and meeting rooms forbusiness or personal affairs, as well as KTV rooms, a beauty salon, andrestaurants that serve Xinjiang Muslim cuisines. edit

Hotel Canton (广州大厦), 374 Beijing Road (广州市北京路374号) (Metro

1/2 Gongyuanqian), ☎ +86 20 8318-9888, [55] (http://www.hotel-canton.com/) . This was once a glorious hotel, but it is now a bit outdated.However, it is located just North of the Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street. ¥390. edit

Hotel Landmark (华厦大酒店), 8 Qiaoguang Road (海珠广场侨光路8号)

(Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit A), ☎ +86 20 8335-5988, [56]


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(http://www.hotel-landmark.com.cn/) . ¥500. edit

Lido Hotel (丽都大酒店), 182 Beijing Road (北京路182号), ☎ +86 208332-1988. In the heart of central Guangzhou and Beijing Road ShoppingStreet. ¥350. edit

Liuhua Hotel (流花宾馆), 194 Huanshi West Road (环市西路194号) (Metro

2/5 Guangzhou Railway Station), ☎ +86 20 8666-8800, [57](http://www.lh.com.cn/) . ¥468. edit

Nanyang King's Gate Hotel (南洋长胜酒店), 38 Xinghua Road (兴华路38

号) (near Baiyun Mountain in Tianhe District), ☎ +86 20 6136-8888, [58](http://www.nanyanghotel.com/) . This is a 5-star hotel with 468 guest rooms,overlooking the beautiful Baiyun Mountain. Accommodation includes abathroom with steam area and massage tub. Hotel facilities include andWestern restaurants, lobby bar, conference hall, health club and KTV. ¥458. edit

Oriental Resort (广州鸣泉居), 1068 Baiyun South Avenue (白云大道南

1068号) (On Baiyun Mountain), ☎ +86 20 8663-2888, [59](http://www.oriental-resort.com/) . Quiet and away from the city. ¥480. edit

Raystar Hotel (瑞星大酒店), 95 Chepi Road (车陂路95号) (Metro 4/5

Chebeinan). 4-star hotel offers free broadband Internet apart from furnishedrooms and conference suites. edit

Springdale Serviced Residence Guangzhou (广州盛雅服务公寓), Tower

B1, No 105 Tiyuxi Road, Tianhe district, ☎ +86 20 8396-6088([email protected], fax: +86 20 8360-0466), [60](http://www.somerset.com/en/china/guangzhou/springdale_serviced_residence.html) . The residence offers studio, one, two,or three-bedroom apartments that are furnished with a comfortable living anddining area, broadband Internet access, and a kitchen. Daily rates starts from¥480. edit

Guangzhou Hotel Guangzhou (广州宾馆), No. 2 Qiyi Road, Guangzhou,China, [61] (http://www.guangzhouhotelguangzhou.com/) . Ideally located inthe heart of Guangzhou, with the Pearl River to the south and YuexiuMountain to the north, Guangzhou Hotel enjoys superb location with easyaccess to the city. edit

Jinzhou Business Hotel Guangzhou (广州锦洲国际酒店), Yuexiu districtliberation road no. 899.Guangzhou, [62] (http://jinzhouhotel.com/) . JinzhouBusiness Hotel Guangzhou(Jinzhou Shangwu Jiudian) is very close to themetro station, Guangzhou Railway Station and Guangdong Bus Station. edit

Pullman Baiyun Airport Hotel Guangzhou (广州白云机场铂尔曼大酒店),

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Baiyun Guangzhou, [63](http://www.airporthotelguangzhou.com/) . Located in the GuangzhouInternational Airport Complex, Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport offers arelaxing haven for the busy traveler with easy accessibility. The hotel is a3-minute walk to the departure terminal, 30-minute metro ride to city centre.


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edit

Splurge

China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel (中国大酒店), 122 Liuhua Road (流花路100

号) (Metro 2 Yuexiu Park), ☎ +86 20 8666-6888, [64] (http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/canmc) . The 5-Star Luxury Marriott Hotel is locatedin the heart of central Guangzhou. It features 850 guestrooms, 8 Food andBeverage outlets, Executive Lounge and Shopping Arcade. An entrance to theMetro is just outside. ¥650. edit

Garden Hotel (花园酒店), 368 Huanshi East Road (环市东路368号), ☎ +8620 8333-8989, [65] (http://www.thegardenhotel.com.cn) . The hotel hasstandard hotel rooms as well as apartments and offices for rent. Deluxe roomsare clean but basic; elite rooms are newly renovated and attractive. TheCarousel Restaurant offers excellent dinner buffet with panoramic views ofGuangzhou on the top level. The hotel also has various Shops, HSBC and Bankof China branches and a bus station serving express buses to the Guangzhouairport, the Hong Kong airport and nearby cities such as Zhuhai. edit

Dong Fang Hotel (东方宾馆), 120 Liuhua Road (流花路120号) (Metro 2

Yuexiu Park), ☎ +86 20 8666-9900, [66] (http://www.hoteldongfang.com/) . edit

White Swan Hotel (白天鹅宾馆), 1 Shamian South St (沙面南街1号) (Metro

1 Huangsha), ☎ +86 20 8188-6968, [67] (http://www.whiteswanhotel.com/) .On the banks of the Pearl River on the quiet Shamian Island, complimented bya charming park nearby where locals can be found doing tai chi. Surroundingthe hotel are blocks of little shops run by locals willing to bargain. Thislandmark hotel is now closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in2013. edit

Baiyun Hotel (白云宾馆), 367 Huanshi East Road (环市东路367号) (across

from Garden Hotel), ☎ +86 20 8333-3998, [68] (http://www.baiyun-hotel.com/english/en_index.html) . Member of Best Western hotel chain. edit

Ascott Guangzhou (广州雅诗阁服务公寓), No 73 Tianhe Dong Road, Tianhe

district, ☎ +86 20 8513-0388 ([email protected], fax: +8620 8513-0366), [69] (http://www.the-ascott.com/en/china/guangzhou/ascott_guangzhou.html) . The residence offers 208 apartments that comeswith a separate living space equipped with modern furnishings, kitchens andbroadband internet access. Daily rates starts from ¥700. edit

Asia International Hotel (亚洲国际大酒店), 326 Huangshi East Road, Sec 1

(环市东路326号), ☎ +86 20 6128-8888, [70] (http://www.aihotel.com/) . Oneof a handful of hotels that feature separate bath and shower areas in a standardroom. Internet access is free but slow. It also features Guangzhou's highestrevolving restaurant on the top level. edit

China Mayors Plaza (广州市长大厦), 189 Tianhe North Road (天河北路189


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号), ☎ +86 20 8755-3838, [71] (http://www.chinamayorsplaza.com/) . ¥600. edit

Donlord International Hotel (鼎龙国际大酒店), 63 Guangzhou Ave North

(广州大道北63号), ☎ +86 20 8774-8999. The hotel has 288 guest rooms. TheDragon & Phoenix Restaurant offers top-grade Cantonese and Chaozhoudishes while Four Seasons Café specializes in French style food. edit

Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, 12 Zhujiang West Road (珠江西路12号) (Metro

APM Zhujiang New Town), ☎ + 86 20 8396-1234([email protected]), [72] (http://guangzhou.grand.hyatt.com/) .The 5-star hotel has 350 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the PearlRiver. Amenities include walk-in shower, Wi-Fi and iPod docking station.Hyatt Grand Club lounge offers free continental breakfast and canapés. ¥1200. edit

Guangdong International Hotel (广东国际大酒店), 339 Huanshi East Road

(环市东路339号), ☎ +86 20 8331-1888, [73] (http://www.gitic.com.cn/hotel/home.php) . edit

Holiday Inn City Center Guangzhou (文化假日酒店), 28 Guangming Road

(环市东华侨新村光明路28号) (Metro 5 Taojin), ☎ +86 20 6128-6868, [74](http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/guangzhou/guhch/hoteldetail) . Notexactly the newest, biggest or cheapest hotel around, but does offer aconvenient location. Rooms are clean, have comfortable beds and pillows, anda good selection of TV channels. Internet access is stable and costs ¥80 a day.Priority Club platinum members get automatic upgrades to executive rooms(subject to availability) and access to the executive lounge. An airline ticketingoffice and a Hertz car rental counter are available. There's also anotherHoliday Inn at 188 Dishifu Road. edit

The Westin Guangzhou (天誉威斯汀酒店), 6 Linhe Middle Road (林和中路

6号) (Metro 3 Linhexi), ☎ +86 20 2886-6868, [75](http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1706) . The luxury chain has 448 rooms and suites. Itis located next to the U.S. Consulate. It is also a short walk to the East RailStation. edit

Nanyang Royal Hotel (南洋冠盛酒店), 11 Tianfu Road (天府路11号). 5-starhotel offering 268 Victorian-inspired rooms with contemporary amenities.Leisure and dining facilities are also available. edit

Royal Marina Plaza (科尔海悦酒店), 288 (Metro 3 Panyu Square Exit A),

☎ +86 20 3462-8888. Offers air-conditioned rooms all equipped with a privatetoilet and bath, satellite TV, safe, and refrigerator. Some of its amenities includePattaya Spa Center, indoor pool, health club, boutique shops, and night club.¥528. edit

Dragon Lake Princess Hotel (九龙湖公主酒店), 3 Shanqian Avenue,

Huadong Town, Huadu District (花都区花东镇山前大道3号九龙湖社区), ☎


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+86 20 3690-8888 ([email protected]), [76](http://www.dragonlakeprincesshotel.com.cn/en/index.asp?menu=1) .Designed and built in the style of a European town, the hotel is located in theDragon Lake Resort. River Main in the village, It offers accommodation,dining, meeting, amusement, sports and leisure facilities. The hotel has busroute from and to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The facility is beautiful andrelaxing, but it is 35 minutes away from the city center. ¥750. edit

Pullman Baiyun Airport Guangzhou (广州铂尔曼白云机场大酒店), In the

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport complex. ¥750. edit

Hanfeng International Hotel (汉风国际大酒店), 6 Tianhe North Road (天河北路6号). The hotel offers free broadband Internet with generously furnishedrooms and conference suites. The hotel is currently closed for renovations. edit

Stay safe

Guangzhou, one of the first open port in China, is known for its liberalism and

general tolerance of cultural differences. Crimes that target foreigners are rarely

heard but pickpockets could happen in shopping areas and transportation hubs.

Teahouse scams, which is a serious problem in Beijing and Shanghai, have not been

reported in Guangzhou.

As the wealthiest province of China, it has attracted enormous immigrant workers

both from other provinces and overseas. The local police has Arabic- and English-

speaking forces to deal with the rising drug trade involved with foreigners, who are

not exempted from death penalty for drug trafficking.

Traffic conditions in Guangzhou have drastically improved in recent years and rules

are practiced - relatively. However, like everywhere else in China, cars do not yield

to pedestrians and zebra crossings are for display only.

Emergency numbers are: Police: 110; Fire: 119; Medical: 120; Traffic accident: 122.

Contact

The area dialing code for Guangzhou is 020. From overseas, dial +86 20XXXX-XXXX. Phone numbers are 8 digits. Mobile numbers are 11 digits andcity code is not required.Tourism Administration of Guangzhou Municipality (广州市旅游局) [77](http://www.visitgz.com/english/index.htm) 13-15/F, 140 Dongfeng West Road.(东风西路140号13-15楼). +86 20 8107-8200.

Internet is prevalent in Guangzhou. Many western chain restaurants such asMcDonald's, Subway, Starbucks, offer an easy access to Internet. Many majorpublic places are now covered with free wifi (ssid: wireless_GZ), including theBaiyun International Airport, libraries, public parks, hospitals, railway stationsand several shopping centers.

Police: The Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration Division is


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located at 155 Jiefang South Road (解放南路155号) +86 20 8311-5808 (M-F8:50AM-11:30AM, 2:30PM-5PM.) You can get your visa extension done here.

Cope

Embassies and consulates

Australia, 12F Development Center, 3 Linjiang Avenue (珠江新城临江大

道3号发展中心12楼), ☎ +86 20 3814-0111. edit

Belgium, Rm. 1601-1602A CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road (天河北

路233号中信广场1601-1602A室), ☎ +86 20 3877-2351. edit

Cambodia, Rm. 804-807 Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi East Road (环市东

路368号花园大厦804-807室), ☎ +86 20 8384-9937. edit

Canada, Ste. 801 China Hotel Office Tower Liuhua Road (流花路中国大

酒店商业大厦801), ☎ +86 20 8611-6100. edit

Cuba, (珠江新城华明路13号华普广场东塔10/D室), ☎ +86 202238-2603. edit

Denmark, Ste. 1578 China Hotel Office Tower Liuhua Road (流花路中国

大酒店商业大厦1578室), ☎ +86 20 8666-0795. edit

France, Rm. 803 Guangdong International Hotel Main Tower, 339

Huanshi East Road (广东国际大酒店主楼801-803室), ☎ +86 20 2829-2000. edit

Germany, Rm. 19F Guangdong International Hotel, 339 Huanshi East

Road (环市东路339号广东国际大酒店19楼), ☎ +86 20 8330-6533. edit

Greece, Room 2105 Skyfame Tower, 8 Linhe Middle Road, ☎ +86 208550-1124. edit

India (印度驻广州总领事馆), Units 1401-1404 14F Skyfame Tower, 8

Linhe Middle Road (林和中路8号天誉三期14楼1401-1404单元), ☎ +86 208550-1501. edit

Indonesia, Rm. 1201-1223 West Building Dongfang Hotel, 120 Liuhua

Road (流花路120号东方宾馆西座2楼1201-1223室), ☎ +86 20 8601-8772. edit

Isreal以色列国驻广州总领事馆Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou办公处：广州市珠江新城临江大道3号发展中心19楼,510623.Chancery：19thfloor, Development Center, 3 Linjiang Da Dao,Zhujiang New City, Guangzhou510623. TEL: 020－85130509

Italy, Rm. 5207-5208 CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road (天河北路233

号中信广场5207-5208室), ☎ +86 20 3877-0556, [78](http://www.conscanton.esteri.it/) . edit

Japan, Garden Tower 368 Huanshi East Road (环市东路368号花园酒店1

楼), ☎ +86 20 8334-3090. edit

Korea, 18F Guangzhou International Commercial Centre West Tower, 122

Tiyu East Road (体育东路羊城国际商贸中心西塔18楼), ☎ +86 203887-0555. edit

Malaysia, Rm. 1912-1918 CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road (天河北

路233号中信广场 1915-18室), ☎ +86 20 3877-0757. edit

Mexico, Rm. 1402-03 183 Tianhe North Road (天河北路183号大都会广


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场1401室), ☎ +86 20 2222-0980. edit

Netherlands, Rm. 905 Guangdong International Hotel 339 Huanshi East

Road (环市东路339号广东国际大酒店主楼905室), ☎ +86 20 8330-2067. edit

Norway (挪威驻广州总领馆), Rm. 1802 CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North

Road ( 天河北路233号中信广场18楼1802室), ☎ +86 20 3811-3188. edit

New Zealand, Rm. 1160 China Hotel Office Tower Liuhua Road (流花路

中国大酒店商业大厦1160室), ☎ +86 20 8667-0253. edit

Pakistan, Rm. No. 705-06 Grand Tower No. 228 Tianhe Road, ☎ +86 208550-5679. edit

Philippines, Rm. 709-711 Guangdong International Hotel 339 Huanshi

East Road (环市东路339号广东国际大酒店710室), ☎ +86 20 8331-1461. edit

Poland, 63 Shamian Street (沙面大街63号), ☎ +86 20 8121-9993. edit

Singapore, Rm. 2418 CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road (天河北路233

号中信广场2418室), ☎ +86 20 3891-2345. edit

Sweden, Rm. 1002B-1003 CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe North Road (广州市

天河北路233号中信广场1002B-1003室), ☎ +86 20 3891-2383. edit

Switzerland, 27F Grand Tower 228 Tianhe Road (天河区天河路228号广

晟大厦27层), ☎ +86 20 3833-0450. edit

Thailand, M07 Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi East Road (环市东路368号花

园酒店2楼M07室), ☎ +86 20 8384-9937. edit

United Kingdom, 7F Guangdong International Hotel 339 Huanshi East

Road (环市东路339号广东国际大酒店二楼), ☎ +86 20 8314-3000. edit

U.S.A. (美国驻广州总领事馆), 5th Floor Tianyu Garden (Phase II)

136-142 Linhe Middle Road (林和中路136-146号天御花园二期5楼), ☎ +8620 8121-8000, [79] (http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/) . This is theonly U.S. Consulate in China that processes adoption visas. edit

Vietnam, 2F Building B North, Landmark Canton Hotel, 8 Qiaoguang

Road (侨光路8号华厦大酒店B座2楼), ☎ +86 20 8330-5911. edit

Banking

ATMs that accept foreign credit or debit cards are common in shopping malls and

tourist areas. Withdrawal is available in Chinese currency only. Most banks in the

city center also accept exchanges from your local currencies to ¥. Your passport is

required for this service. Some banks allow you to change back to your local

currency with the original exchange memo.

Bank of China (中国银行) [80] (http://www.boc.cn/en/static/index.html)There is a branch inside Garden Hotel. ATM is available on the ground floor ofWhite Swan Hotel and over 100 locations in Guangzhou. Their ATMs are thebest bet for using foreign cards.HSBC [81] (http://www.hsbc.com.cn/1/2/misc/branches-and-atms#guangzhou)2, G/F, Garden Hotel, 368 Huan Shi Dong Lu +86 20 8313 1888.Citi [82] (http://www.citi.com/) Unit 101, Fortune Plaza, 118 Tiyu East Road.+86-20 3898-1688. This bank has a full service branch with currencyexchange services and 24-hour ATMs.


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Bank of America [83] (http://www.bofa.com/) Rm 2506, 555 Renmin MiddleRoad +86 20 8130-0888. The bank has alliance with China Construction Bank.Citi [84] (http://www.citi.com/) Unit 101, Fortune Plaza, 118 Tiyu East Road.+86-20 3898-1688. This bank has a full service branch with currencyexchange services and 24-hour ATMs.

Laundry

Few lower end hotels and hostels have coin-operated self-service laundry room.

Self-service laundromats are not available on the streets, although dry clean and

laundry stores are available to clean your clothes. Normally you can drop your

clothes off and pick them up the next day. One laundry chain is Tiantian (天天洗衣),

which is conveniently located in most Metro stations. There are many stores on

Shamian Island that have laundry service. An average load of laundry costs about

¥100.

In other parts of the city, there are laundry and dry clean shops sprinkled throughout

neighborhoods. An average load should cost no more than ¥40. If you are doing

sheets and blankets, they should charge no more then ¥10 for a blanket, ¥30 for a

quilt. Dry-cleaning a sweater is about ¥8.

Television

Guangzhou Television (GZTV) [85] (http://news.gztv.com/column118

/index118.shtml) has an "English" channel, now called Guangzhou I Channel (but

still "English" according to the Chinese name), offering entertainment and cultural

programs from around the world, mostly dubbed in Mandarin and subtitled in

Chinese. Hong Kong’s international channels, TVB Pearl and ATV World, available

in most hotels, have a great selection of programs from the UK and US, plus news at

7:30pm and late (11pm or later) every day.

Newspapers and Magazines

The China Daily and/or Global Times are the two only English language newspapers

available in Guangzhou (unless you go to a library), and both can be found on

newsstands throughout the city. There are several bookstores throughout the city that

sell current English and Foreign periodicals. The South China Morning Post from

Hong Kong is also available by subscription only. South China TALK is a monthly

English-language magazine based in Guangzhou.

Places of worship

All the religious sites listed in the See section are open to worshippers.

Christian: Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship (GICF) [86](http://www.gicf.net) holds weekly service on Sundays at 10:00AM-11:30AMfor expats in English. In accordance with government regulations, the serviceis exclusively open to foreign passport holders, including Hong Kong, Macauand Taiwan nationals. Address: Westin Hotel (威斯汀酒店), 6 Lin He Zhong


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Road. (天河区林和中路6号) +86 20 28266868.

Catholic: An English mass is held at Shishi Church at 3:30PM every Sunday.English Bible study is also available on Wednesday at 7:30pm-9:00pm.Address: Shishi Church (石室教堂）No. 56 # 8, Jiu Bu Qian, Yide Zhong Road,Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. (越秀区一德中路旧部前56号之8)

Muslim: Huaisheng Mosque (怀圣寺 huái-shèng-sì) at 56 Guangta Road (光塔路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou) is exclusively open to Muslims. Jumu'ah (ة�ص.is held every Friday just after noon (الجمعة

Gym

Most public parks offer free gym facilities. For serious bodybuilders, Total Fitness

[87] (http://www.totalfitness.com.cn) has around 15 branches which are usually close

to metro stations. Membership costs about ¥2000-4000 a year, depending on your

bargaining power.

Health

Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital is near the Garden Hotel. 106Zhongshan 2nd Road +86 20 8382-7812, +86 20 2062-2031.Kaiyi International Dental Care [88] (http://www.gzdentist.com) Ice FlowerHotel, 2 Tianhe North Road +86 20 3886-4821, +86 20 3387-4278.

Mail

China Post, the official post office, is your best bet for regular letters and postcards.

For packages, other than the post office, there are many shipping centers around the

city who are agents for DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and EMS. There are usually shipping

counters at higher-end hotels. Ask your hotel for the nearest shipping locations.

Post Office (China Post) - Post Office is usually slow and little English isspoken. EMS service is available through the post office. The following arelocations close to tourist areas.

Shamian Post: Shamian 3rd Street (沙面三街) 9AM-5PM, closed onSunday.Liuhua Post: 151 Huanshixi Road (广州市环市西151号) betweenGuangzhou Railway Station and the Provincial Coach Terminal.Taojin Post: 5 Taojin North Road (淘金北路正平中街5号) +86 208357-1583

DHL [89] (http://www.cn.dhl.com/en.html) There is a branch in Garden Hotel+86 20 8384-9210.UPS 1121 Guangyuan Middle Road, +86 20 8657-9898; China Hotel, +86-208666-2696; TeeMall +86 20 8230-4008.


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Get out

The dwellings of overseas Chinese from the early 20th century in Kaiping (开平). Take a 2-hour bus form Fengcun Bus Station (芳村汽车站) (Metro 1Kengkou Exit B) ¥60.

Foshan (佛山) is only an hour away from Guangzhou. Famous for its Ancestry

Temple (祖庙), it is also the home to legendary martial art master Wong Fei

Hong. Take the Foshan Metro at the Xilang Station of Guangzhou Metro Line1.

Hong Kong (香港) is 2-3 hours away, depending on the modes oftransportation.

Humen (虎门) in Dongguan (东莞) is famous for its Opium War era relics (虎门销烟). It is a bridge away from the Nansha District. Most trains going toShenzhen or Hong Kong stop at Dongguang.

Shenzhen (深圳) is located on the border with Hong Kong. It is one of the firstspecial economic zones in China. Check out theme parks such as Windows ofthe World, the China Folk Culture Villages and Splendid China. Bus and trainservices are run frequently. The trip will take 1 to 2 hours. Tickets cost around¥60 - ¥80.

Zhuhai (珠海) is another special economic zone to the south bordering Macau.You can get a bus ride from any of the major bus stations in the city. You canalso take a high speed train at the South Station (Metro 2 Guangzhou SouthRailway Station) and it only takes about 45 minutes (¥44).

Routes through Guangzhou

Changsha ← Shaoguan ← N S → END

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