Joanna James
A history-riddled Province hosting a mosaic of enticements for every brand of traveller, from cutting-edge flower cities and artisan enclaves to intimate encounters with exotic wildlife, nature-kissed trails, and adrenaline-rich innovations, here are the must-try escapades in Guangdong.
This vast multi-faceted region of China opens up new worlds for art, culture, nature for adventure lovers who seek out the experiential and intimate rather than a typical checklist-based itinerary. One of Guangdong's most coveted tourist trappings is Chimelong Paradise, with its astounding variety of attractions, from the exotic white tigers, gentle giraffes, and triplet pandas of the Safari Park to epic jungle water-slides, rollercoasters, and nostalgic games of the water and amusement parks nearby.
A port island full of old-world sweetness, this charmingly eccentric town, with its brilliant blue Colonial-style Starbucks and a picturesque plethora of cafés, museums, and boutiques, is separated from the mainland by a tranquil canal. An ideal backdrop for an East-meets-West romance, it's the perfect spot for unwinding and taking in the contrast of Neoclassical, Baroque, and 20th Century Modernist architecture as well as oriental flavours and plenty of nature.
From mind-boggling tributes to modern engineering like the Canton Tower and the dreamy pathway across the ocean formed by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge to the architectural marvel of the Guangzhou Opera house shaped like a pearlescent rock by the Pearl River, this storied Chinese Province is filled with unforgettable man-made visions in harmony with its enriching natural surroundings. If you're spending the day in Shenzhen, head over to the city's most transporting theme park to interact with the world's cultures and iconic monuments in an interactive and entertaining manner complete with outstandingly true-to-life sculptures and dynamic rides.
A blossoming wonderland not to be missed during springtime, this hike has multiple trails strewn with idyllic wildlife sanctuaries and crystalline lakes, or you can glide up to the cloud-misted Peak Park in a cable car. Either way, the view of the Baiyun Scenic Area looking like a fantastical kingdom is phenomenal!
Regardless of whether your fancy takes you to vibrant cities filled with state-of-the-art shopping experiences and eclectic sensations or the perfect coupling of old-world grandeur and breathtaking landscapes, Guangdong is an idyllic escape that will thrill even the most blasé globe-trotter. If you've spent your trip exploring New Summer Palaces or reeling at incredible views from atop skyscrapers, then take a step into the beautiful simplicity of cherry trees and sunset-painted waters, and cycle up an appetite for some great seafood by Songshan Lake. If you're looking for avant-garde Dongguan serviced apartments that proffer prime access to Guangdong's best enticements, venture no further than Ascott Songshan Lake Dongguan.
Whether it's souvenir shopping at Ceramic cities or gracing your Instagram feed with crumbling grand courtyards and classical gardens, Guangdong has no shortage of breathtaking relics in pristine conditions to portal you back in time. For instance, the quaint Zili village is a medley of artistic fortified houses, sweeping paddy fields, and serene ponds, not to mention the UNESCO-listed heritage watchtowers graciously rising over the lush green landscape.
While a night out sampling the upmarket wonders and culinary delicacies of the vibrantly modern yet charmingly traditional Zhujiang New Town is undeniably alluring, don't miss out on the festive carnival of lights playing on the jade-green water as you float across the Pearl River to the rhythm of the cool evening breeze.
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