Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a historic international trading center, home to China's largest trade event the Canton Fair. It offers a rich cultural landscape with historic sites, museums, and modern skyscrapers. The city is known for its Cantonese cuisine and is considered one of China's most liberal and cosmopolitan cities.

As a historic gateway for overseas culture, Guangzhou has long been accustomed to the presence of foreigners. Beyond the central districts and their towering skyscrapers, traditional neighborhoods continue to thrive at a slower pace. The city is home to China's largest urban park, a charming island lined with restored colonial-era buildings, and a globally recognized skyline.

Locals speak Cantonese as their native language, with several accents. Mandarin is also widely understood, especially among younger people. English is spoken more than in most Chinese cities but still limited; carry your hotel's business card and have destinations written in Chinese.

Guangzhou has a fairly efficient public transportation system. Buy a Lingnan Pass - Yang Cheng Tong stored value card (¥50 including ¥18 deposit and ¥32 balance) for metro, buses, and even some taxis. The card can be recharged at many 7-Elevens, metro customer service centers, and Tiantian Laundry.

Guangzhou's long history can be experienced in Liwan and Yuexiu districts. Traditional buildings are near Yide Road, Renmin Nan Road, and Zhongshan Road. Shamian Island features colonial architecture. The Chen Clan Academy is a famous example of traditional Cantonese architecture. Yuexiu contains temples and the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. Tianhe district has the new business district with towering office buildings. Natural sites include Baiyun Mountain, a large mountain park with hiking and a cable car. The Canton Tower is a 604-meter observation tower in Haizhu district.

Pearl River Night Cruise (¥50-200 per person) is a one- to two-hour evening cruise with skyline views. For ¥5, take a daytime river cruise to ZhongSan University and back. Ride public buses (flat rate ¥2; electric trams ¥2) and enjoy the city at low cost.

Guangzhou is home to Sun Yat-sen University, one of China's premier universities. There are opportunities for international students. Other institutes include Guangzhou University of Traditional Medicine (offering Chinese medicine and acupuncture) and Mandarin House Guangzhou School for language courses.

Guangzhou is a shopper's paradise with many markets and malls. The Grandview Plaza and CITIC Plaza are notable shopping destinations. The city is known for its electronics and clothing markets.

Cantonese cuisine is famous for dim sum and preserving original flavors. Local specialties include dim sum and soups cooked for 4+ hours. The city is known for eating everything, including exotic ingredients. Due to its cosmopolitan nature, cuisines from around the world are available, including African cuisines due to the large African population.

Guangzhou is one of the best cities in China for nightlife. Tsing Tao and Zhu Jiang beer are common. Pubs are in Yuexiu and Tianhe districts, while dance clubs are clustered around the Garden Hotel in Yuexiu.

Hotels can be found across the city, especially in Yuexiu and Tianhe districts. Youth hostels are uncommon and mostly unlicensed. Price ranges: under ¥200, ¥200-500, over ¥500. During Canton Fair periods (mid-April to early May and mid-October to early November), hotel rates increase 200-400%.

Guangzhou is generally tolerant and has low violent crime. Pickpockets are active in shopping areas and transport hubs. Avoid flashing valuables, use official taxis, and change money at banks. Drug trafficking is serious and can lead to death penalty. Traffic has improved but cars do not yield to pedestrians. Emergency numbers: Police 110, Fire 119, Medical 120, Traffic accident 122.

Area dialing code is 020. From overseas: +86 20 XXXX-XXXX. Mobile numbers are 11 digits. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the airport via SSID 'AIRPORT-WIFI-FREE'. Internet cafes are common, including Worldwide Network on Jiangsu Road and Sparkice in Central Plaza.

Nearby destinations include: Kaiping (watchtower dwellings, 2-hour bus ¥60), Foshan (ancestral temple, 1 hour via metro), Hong Kong (1 hour by high-speed train), Humen in Dongguan (Opium War relics), Shaoguan (Danxia Mountains), Shenzhen (theme parks, less than an hour), Zhongshan (hometown of Sun Yat-sen), Zhuhai (45 min by high-speed train ¥44), and Chaozhou (3 hours by high-speed train, wood cutting art and city walls).