Guangzhou Waits to Be Discovered and Explored
Guangzhou is the vibrant city of unstoppable mixture of ancient cultures and modern drive which will get into your imagination as soon as you come. This metropolitan south offers everything of the thousand years old temples, to the future skylines all surrounded in a whiff of Cantonese food. So, what is so special about this city to be an indispensable place on the way of your China trip?
Canton Tower Lights Up Your Evenings
Canton tower measuring 604 meters high is the tallest building in Guangzhou with the unique lattice-twisted design. Ride the fast elevator to the observation deck and have a view of the panorama of the Pearl River. At 450 meters the Bubble Tram takes its circuit round the exterior of the tower, providing an exhilarating view. Go at night when the LED light show of the tower turns it into a lighthouse that can be seen all over the city.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Showcases Cantonese Craftsmanship
The masterpiece in Liwan District of 1894 is the best manifestation of traditional architecture in Lingnan. Stroll through nine halls and half a dozen courtyards lined with complex wood carvings, stone sculptures and ceramic ornaments. The ridge on the roof has ornate pottery figures of Chinese classical tales. It is now home to the Guangdong Folk Art Museum where embroidery, ivory carvings and other local crafts are kept.
Shamian Island Offers Colonial Charm
In the 19th century this sandbank island was a European concession, which left behind tree-lined boulevards and neoclassical buildings. Take a walk down the waterfront promenade where people do tai chi in the morning. The cafes and boutiques of the island are located in the refurbished colonial mansions and they present a very quiet environment against the busy city on the other side of the bridge.
Beijing Road Connects Ancient and Modern Shopping
This pedestrian street has glass panels which conceal the old stone roads of the Song Dynasty running under your feet. Layers of archaeology (2,000 years old) are still palpable when walking through the contemporary stores. The neighborhood is also home to traditional medicine shops, teahouses as well as Dafo Temple which is ideal in taking a journey both old and modern Guangzhou.
Baiyun Mountain Provides Urban Escape
The Baiyun Mountain is also referred to as the First Spectacular Mountain in Southern China and it is 382 meters above the city. Visitors are ferried by cable cars to the top of Star Touching Ridge, the tallest peak, which is covered with dreamlike sceneries in the morning due to mist. The Mingchun valley scenic spot has lots of green vegetation and natural springs and the hiking trails are of different fitness level.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Stands as Architectural Marvel
This Gothic cathedral was finished in 1888 and is all made out of granite which has made it get the name of Stone House. It has twin spires 58 meters tall, and the stained glass windows are a pattern of color on the inside. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Southeast Asia which is located in Haizhu District along the river.
Yuexiu Park Houses the Five Rams Sculpture
The park is a 92 hectare park that is around a major model of the city of Guangzhou, the Five Rams statue which has been the symbol of the city ever since the year 1959. It is a story of five immortals who were riding rams to deliver rice to the city that was in famine. Scale Yuexiu hill till you come to the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower where today the Guangzhou Museum is located and offers an exhibition history of the 2-2000 long history of the city.
Pearl River Cruise Reveals Urban Splendor
Pearl River evening cruises highlight the lit up Guangzhou skyline in a special perspective. Cross the Haiyin Bridge and Haizhu Bridge as the architectural features of the city illuminate in synchronized shows. The boat choices vary between conservative boat models and new luxury cruises, which have open-air decks.
Taste Authentic Dim Sum at Traditional Tea Houses
Guangzhou has invented dim sum culture and morning tea is also a beloved local culture. Go to restaurants such as Panxi Restaurant in Liwan Lake or Taotaoju outside Shamian Island to have trolley-served handmade har gow, siu mai and char siu bao. Go before 10 AM to get the entire traditional ambience where residents have their time-sensitive brunches.
Explore Redtory Art District’s Creative Spirit
This old canning plant in the Tianhe District has been changed into the most important contemporary art district in Guangzhou. Galleries, design offices and cafes are now located in Soviet-style industrial buildings. The red brick walls are covered with street art, and new Chinese artists are exhibited on a regular basis. Weekends are full of life and are characterized by live music and artistic markets within the district.
Experience Opera at Guangzhou Opera House
This architectural masterpiece was designed by Zaha Hadid and it was completed in the year 2010 and this looks like a pair of river stones along the Pearl river. It has beautiful asymmetrical halls that have one of the best acoustics in the world. The exterior of the building is also spectacular to make photographs, whether you attend a performance or not, particularly with lights in the night.
