Roger Gary
The capital city of the Chinese province of Guangdong is the metropolitan city of Guangzhou. Located along the famous Pearl River, the city of Guangzhou is one of China's more dynamic tourist destinations, and is also a hub of commerce and trade. Here are some of the many things you can do while in the city.
Considered to be one of the birth places of Cantonese cuisine, the food experience of Guangzhou is truly amazing. With a host of high end restaurants, delectable family restaurants, and lively food streets, a visit to Guangzhou will not be complete if you do not experience its food and dining. Delicious dim sum, succulent white cut chicken, hot hot rice rolls, spicy Hafen, and mouthwatering roasted suckling pig are some of the highlights of the Guangzhou food experience. The Hui Fu Food Market, and the popular restaurants in Dongshankou are a few places you can visit to savor the Guangzhou dining experience.
The Pearl River is the central artery that feeds and sustains the city of Guangzhou. Since ancient times, the river has played an important role in the development and culture of the city. Most of the city's popular and iconic landmarks are, therefore, located closer to the banks of the river. Thus, an enchanting cruise along the Pearl River will allow you to witness the city like never before. There are many cruise operators that commence cruises from Tianzi Pier, all along the river. The night cruises along the Pearl River are considered to be among the best experiences offered by Guangzhou, and is also one of its most romantic things-to-do. Consider basing yourself at well placed serviced apartments Guangzhou has to offer such as Ascott IFC Guangzhou before heading off on your intimate cruise.
Standing 600m tall, the Canton Tower is the tallest building in Guangzhou, and the fifth tallest free-standing structure in the world. Known for its unique architectural design, the Canton Tower is home to the Rooftop Observatory at 450m, many stylish restaurants, gaming centers, exhibition halls, 4D cinemas, and many coffee shops. At nights the tower is known to 'glow' making it quite the icon in night time skyline. One of the best places to observe the Canton Tower in all its glory is from the Flower City Square, which is also a great place for photo opportunities with the tower.
Yuexiu Park is the largest park at Guanghoz, spreading over a massive 860,000m2. The park is much more than just a park for leisure as it is home to many historic monuments and landmarks. One of the main attractions of the park is the Five-Ram Sculpture, which is considered to be the symbol of Guangzhou. Other highlights of the Yuexiu Park include the Tomb of King Nanyue of Eastern Han, the River View Pagoda of Ming Dynasty, and the Cannons of Ch'ing Dynasty. The park is a great place to understand the history and culture of Guangzhou, while in the peaceful ambience of a luscious and well maintained park.
Although called an island, the Shamian Island is actually a sandbank, and is a place of historic significance. In the 17th – 19th Centuries only foreign merchants were permitted to live here. As a result, the island designed by the merchants to resemble their own hometowns. Thus, even if you visit the island today, you will be greeted with cobblestone streets, large houses with European architecture, and many colonial style structures. It juxtaposes Guangzhou as it is not only architecturally different, but is also much quieter and peaceful and the bustling streets of Guangzhou.
