If you have never been to China and are planning your first tourist trip, then most likely you are going to Beijing or Shanghai. These are undoubtedly the most famous Chinese cities. Considering the duration of the flight (Beijing - more than 7 hours, Shanghai - about 9 hours) and the time difference (5 hours from Moscow), it is not worth going for less than a week, since you will be recovering for the first day and are unlikely to want to leave the hotel .

If you have two weeks (or more) at your disposal, you want to see Hong Kong, or this is not your first time going to China, then I strongly recommend visiting the southern Chinese cities: Shenzhen and Guangzhou. I talked about Shenzhen here. Here I will tell you about Guangzhou: how to get there, where to stay and what to see.

Road to Guangzhou

A direct flight to Guangzhou takes 9 hours, the cost of a round-trip ticket is just over 49 thousand rubles. My colleagues and I flew directly, since the costs were paid by the company. This allowed us to spend a couple of days exploring the city after our work meetings ended.

For comparison, you can fly to Beijing for 30,700 rubles, and to Shanghai for 119 and a half thousand rubles, if we are talking about direct flights. At the same time, you can get from Beijing to Guangzhou by train: the minimum travel time is 8 hours, the minimum cost is $137. You can get there from Shanghai in at least 7 hours, and tickets start at $30. Typically, the sooner you want to arrive, the more expensive the tickets will be, but you can find very affordable prices if you book in advance and take seats on the 7-8 hour trains.

Accordingly, you can either fly to Guangzhou directly, if finances allow, or allow more time for the trip and see Beijing and southern China or Beijing, Shanghai (min 4 and a half hours by train, tickets from $25) and southern China.

If I were going to China now, I would definitely plan to visit several provinces and try to save money on the flight.


Where to stay

As with Shenzhen, the cost of hotels and apartments in Guangzhou often depends on the "newness" of the area in which they are located. In contrast to the European tradition of “the older, the more expensive,” in China, newly commissioned facilities are considered premium. Let's take it - 7 nights for two adults can cost from 156 euros to 2,817 euros (and this is within one block).


If, for example, in Paris such a price difference can be found between a bed in a hostel and a five-star hotel in the historical part of the city, then in Guangzhou for 156 euros you will get into a two-star hotel in the center, which is highly praised by tourists, including Russians. According to them, the staff speaks excellent English, the rooms are clean, there are shops, a bus station, restaurants, and a picturesque embankment nearby. They will check in at any time, give a discount for early checkout, call a taxi, and so on. Here are some photos:




As for luxury for almost 3,000 euros, these are apartments of 100 square meters, located further from the embankment, but opposite a Buddhist temple. You will have to cook yourself, but you can enjoy the luxury: there is a green veranda, luxurious furniture and household appliances, as well as a stunning view from the window.




If we are talking about, an apartment for a week for two (a bedroom with 1 bed plus a bathroom) costs from 1227 rubles per night, a separate room with a shared bathroom - from 1 thousand rubles per night.

We stayed in the center at the Oakwood Premier Hotel on East Tiyu Road, where you can now rent a studio or apartment for two for 81 euros per night. The hotel was recommended to us by our Chinese partners, and the expenses were paid by the company. If I were traveling on my own money, I would not consider this accommodation option, since I always budget most of my budget for sightseeing, shopping and food. In addition, every time going down and up to the 20th floor to smoke is very tiring :).

What to see

Within the city limits, in the district of the same name, there is Mount Baiyun, where you can walk, ride cable car(South Entrance, RMB 25 per person), bungee jumping and bird watching. Entrance to the territory costs 5 yuan, and you will have to pay the same amount to visit the temples located on the mountain. Be sure to check the location of the various entrances in advance and choose the route that suits you: it is very easy to get lost in the vast area.


In clear weather, you can enjoy the view of the city from Canton Tower, and for a sense of peace and tranquility and a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, check out the Buddhist Temple on Liurong Road. You can also ride on tourist bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus, a day ticket costs $5.63, the price includes an audio guide (unfortunately, only in English) and a map of the main attractions of Guangzhou.

If you want to combine sightseeing with shopping, take a stroll along Beijing Road. There is also ancient temple, and many stores of local and foreign brands, where you will find products and prices that suit you. In the process, you can also have a snack by going to a cafe or buying fresh fruit from street vendors.


Be sure to attend Cantonese opera even if you don't like this genre, since Chinese opera traditions have nothing to do with European ones. It is impossible to describe the state of trance into which the incredibly high voices of the singers and their costumes introduce you, you need to see and hear it once, and believe me, you will not remain indifferent.


Since we only had two days, we were only able to visit Canton Tower, the Buddhist Temple on Liurong Road and walk along Beijing Road. A year before this business trip, my relatives went to Guangzhou, and from them I know about Cantonese opera and Baiyun Mountain. I still really regret that I didn’t get to hear the first one and see the last one.

Where to eat

If you're willing to drop $40 per person for steak and French cuisine in a restaurant inspired by an Agatha Christie mystery, head to Orient Express (No.1 North Shamian Street).


If you want to try traditional Chinese cuisine, check out Tao Tao Ju Cafe (DiShi Fu Road 22), located on the shopping street. It’s not cheap here (about 1,900 rubles per person, if you don’t deny yourself anything), but it’s very tasty and atmospheric. Here is an example of a traditional Cantonese dinner, which is usually divided among all those gathered using a rotating table in the center.


Inexpensive (main courses from 150 rubles) and very exotic you can eat at HeXiang Ju (FangCun Avenue ZhongDong QiShi Road), which is located near railway next to the central park and the city administration building.

I know from experience that the cheaper a Chinese establishment, the less likely it is that they speak English, but most menus have pictures. I highly recommend translating the dishes you are interested in into Mandarin and Cantonese (the dialect of the south of China) in advance and simply showing the text to the waiter. Otherwise, you risk ordering raw chicken legs, for example, as my colleagues did when we went to the restaurant located opposite the hotel :).

Let’s make a reservation right away – you won’t be able to find sea beaches in Guangzhou. However, here, within the capital Chinese province Guangdan has a well-maintained river beach. It was installed on the shore Pearl River, about which, however, they say that after rainfalls the water in it leaves much to be desired - a lot of garbage ends up there. But in this case, there are swimming pools where you can splash around without fear for your health. Getting to the beach is easy and simple - the metro runs here. The area is called Liwan, and the station is Zhong Shan Ba, you need to get out through exit D. You can also get there by bus - there are nine routes that go here. The beach is paid, or rather, you will have to pay for entry, and on site you can take umbrellas and sun loungers freely, borrow lockers for things and use showers and changing rooms.

But for those who don't think beach holiday without the sea with its salt water and big waves, you will have to make a longer trip - to the beaches of Dameisha or Xiaomeisha, which are known to all residents of Guangdan. Residents of the province love to go to these beaches in Shenzhen on weekends in the summer. There are two ways to get from Guangzhou to the beaches:

  1. By train and bus.
  2. Two buses.

The voyage may take more than 3 hours, but as a result you will be greeted by the best sandy beaches of Guangzhou, or rather, not the city itself, but its surroundings.

Dameisha Beach

Dameisha Beach is located on the shores of Dapengwan Bay. The sand on this beach is fine and light golden in color. Near the sea, the color changes from light blue to dark blue, depending on the time of year. The beach is successfully surrounded by a chain of picturesque green hills. Its beach length exceeds 1800, which made it possible to divide it into several special zones: a swimming area, an entertainment area, a sports area and a barbecue area. On the beach you can see sculptural groups expressing thirst better life, which manifested itself among the youth of the so-called “drifting generation” (1940–1980s, then it was impossible to find a stable job, and one could not even dream of good living conditions).

In addition to simple swimming, here you can practice parachuting behind a boat, water skiing or motor boats. The best period for swimming is from May to October inclusive.

Xiaomeisha Beach

More calm beach- This is Xiaomeisha. This place is only a kilometer north of Dameisha. It is not so crowded and crowded, although the beach is only 1 km long. The beach is close to Shenzhen, which attracts lovers water sports. In addition, you can rent here motor boats or fishing rods. Foreigners come here to surf, because after a typhoon you can catch very good waves. In the evenings, sometimes “Xiaomeisha Nights” are held on the beach. This free spectacle includes ethnic dances, magic performances and acrobatic shows. There is a dolphinarium not far from the beach.

This city will interest any tourist: ultra-modern architecture and thousand-year-old temples, multi-level highways and the privacy of numerous parks, the opportunity to join the world's technological innovations and enjoy traditional art.

The multimillion-dollar city amazes at all times of the year and at any time of the day: with a variety of recreation, an abundance of attractions, and entertainment. Shopaholics will appreciate it shopping centers, shops and markets. Gourmets will not be disappointed by the local cuisine. Children will delightfully remember visiting the zoo, water parks, safari park, and incredible attractions.

We tried to tell you why holidays in Guangzhou (China) are attractive in 2019. Attractions, entertainment, beaches, prices and more helpful information collected in this article.

Guangzhou, the capital of southern China's Guangdong province, is located along the Pearl River Delta and its tributaries.

The founding date is considered to be 214 BC, but archaeological finds indicate that people lived in this territory already in 1100 BC. e.

The centuries-old history of the city, which played an important role in different periods, is rich in events. From here in ancient times began the maritime Silk Road, ships from different countries they took away exotic and priceless Chinese goods: porcelain, silk fabrics, freshwater pearls, tea leaves.

The richest city in a convenient bay was known as a tasty morsel for many conquerors, who more than once besieged it, ravaged it and set it on fire.

Guangzhou on the map:

Modern Guangzhou, with a population of 14 million, is the third most populous city in the country with a developed industry. For six decades now, the Canton International Trade Fair has been held twice a year, presenting the scientific, technical and technological achievements of the Celestial Empire.

Climate

Guangzhou is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone. Seasons do not coincide with Russian ones:

  • spring occurs in two months - February and March - and is characterized by high humidity and frequent rains, attractive by cherry blossoms in city parks;
  • Guangzhou summer lasts six months - begins in April and ends in September: high temperatures, which are not reduced even by rains, especially heavy in May, salvation from the heat can be found in parks, water parks, and on the river bank;
  • two autumn months - October and November - are a comfortable time in the metropolis, but also expensive: during this period many fairs, conferences, and symposiums take place here;
  • winter lasts two months - December and January - and is characterized by coolness and rare rainy days, conducive to a leisurely exploration of the many sights of the city.

How to get there

The distance between Moscow and Guangzhou is 7012 kilometers, the minimum flight time is about 9 hours, the minimum ticket price is from 13,800 (for connecting flights with 1 change in Beijing, Shanghai or Lanzhou), from 19,000 for a direct flight.

The cost of tickets depends on many factors: the month, day of the week, even the time of departure and booking the ticket. The highest prices are in January-March and September-November, when the largest influx of tourists. You can save a lot by purchasing round-trip tickets or catching discounts and promotions that airlines often offer.

From airport to city

Baiyun Airport (translated from Chinese as white clouds) is located 30 kilometers from the city center. Recognized by the level of service as one of best airports world, although it was built relatively recently - in 2004.

There are three ways to get from Baiyun to the city center:

  • by metro: the fastest (30 minutes) and cheapest (up to 10 yuan, depending on the number of stops to the final destination) option;
  • by bus: from the terminal to the city there are express trains on 10 routes, stopping at popular hotels and attractions. Travel time – from 40 minutes, fare – up to 30 yuan;
  • by taxi: by official taxi, payment by meter starts from 120 yuan.

Note: most taxi drivers speak only Chinese. The best option– pre-book a taxi online, which guarantees a fixed price for the trip.

Transport

Conveniently organized in the metropolis transport system, there is no problem getting to any area of ​​the city and the suburbs.

Types of transport:

  • metro,
  • buses,
  • trams,
  • Taxi,
  • water transport.

Metro

In Guangzhou, this is not only a popular mode of transport with easy navigation, but also safe: the platforms are separated from the tracks by glass barriers, the doors to them open only when the train arrives. Even during rush hours, there is no crowding and jostling: special barriers regulate the flow, and passengers calmly enter the carriage.

The fare depends on the number of stops, the minimum is 2 yuan, the maximum is 19. Entrance is by tokens, which are sold in vending machines. Stops are announced in Chinese and English languages.

It is important to know: if your stay in Guangzhou lasts for weeks, the “Lingnan Pass - Yang Cheng Tong” transport card will help you save money, with which you can pay for trips on public transport and some taxis, purchases in shops and vending machines, entrance tickets to museums and attractions, receiving discounts.


Bus

Ordinary

Almost 500 bus routes cover the entire city. The fare is directly dependent on the “age” of the transport: in old ones - 1 yuan, in modern ones - 2 yuan. Travel on night buses will cost 3-4 yuan.

Express

Express trains operate on 30 routes, mainly to popular shopping areas, major attractions, and during peak hours. The cost depends on the route: 1-4 yuan.

Express

Another type of bus in Guangzhou is express buses, which can be identified by the letter “B”; a special line is allocated for them. Travel costs 2-4 yuan. The advantage of these buses is not only speed, but also convenience: the system allows, like in the subway, to change to other routes an unlimited number of times, paying once for the ticket until you exit through the turnstile.

Electric

Today there are still few such new products on the streets of the city, but the management plans to completely replace the fleet of traditional buses with electrified ones by 2020.

Tram

Wireless trams designed and manufactured in China ply around the city. The supercapacitors used in such trams are recharged at stops.

This is interesting: “Art on Track” is the name of a special tram, where during the trip, using wireless headphones, you can hear an audio recording of the sounds of the part of the city along which the route follows. The headphones are equipped with backlighting and GPS, which signals the need to switch recording when entering an area with different sounds. A 25-minute ride on such a tram is very popular, especially among young people.

Taxi

There are no problems with taxis in Guangzhou, which are represented by several companies. The fare includes: 10 yuan upon boarding, from 2.6 yuan per km after a 2.5-kilometer trip, 3.5 yuan if the distance exceeds 35 km.

It is important to know: if a taxi driver offers a fixed amount for a trip, do not agree: it is clearly overpriced. Insist on paying at the meter or take another taxi.

Water transport

In the city you can use not only land transport, but also water transport.

Ferry

It runs between the banks of the Pearl River, is popular among city residents, but is unattractive among tourists, as it makes only 4 stops. The fare is 1 yuan.

River tram

More than 50 water buses ply the river daily, stopping at 27 piers, which are usually located close to metro stations. The cost of a one-way trip: on the lower deck - 2-3 yuan, on the upper deck - 5.

Excursion water transport

2-hour cruises on the Pearl River are very popular, especially at night, when the city is illuminated and illuminated. From the river you can see architectural monuments and other attractions, and learn from the guide’s stories interesting stories and legends associated with the city and the river. The cost of the walk is from 30 to 20 yuan and depends on the place on the ship: the higher, the more expensive. This amount includes the cost of drinks and light snacks.

Where to stay

The cost of living in Guangzhou depends on the season. Prices are highest in April and October, when the International Canton Fair attracts businessmen and trade representatives from all over the world. The large influx of tourists during the Chinese New Year also keeps hotel prices high. The most low prices– November-March. During this period, many hotels offer discounts from 20 to 50 percent.

Average prices for 1-day accommodation in the city (in rubles):

  • hostels – from 500,
  • 2-star hotels and apartments – from 1150,
  • 3-star – from 1400,
  • 4-star – from 1600,
  • 5-star – from 3200.

The hotels are located in both old mansions and original modern buildings. Two made it to the top unusual hotels China.

"Four Seasons"

The 5-star hotel is located in the International Financial Center, a skyscraper ranked 23rd on the list of the 60 tallest buildings in the world. The hotel is close to city attractions such as the Opera House and the TV Tower.

The rooms are located from the 68th to the 103rd floor, the cost of daily accommodation is from 14,000 rubles. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, seven restaurants (including Cantonese and Japanese cuisine, seafood), and a gym.

"Langham Place Guangzhou"

Considered the most luxurious 5-star hotel in the city. Located next to Pazhou Exhibition Center. The cost of living is from 5,500 rubles per day. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, 5 restaurants, and a cafe.

Where to eat

Guangzhou is considered the birthplace of one of the best culinary schools in China - Cantonese. The peculiarity of this cuisine is that many dishes are steamed, they have a balanced taste, and spices are used to a minimum.

The most popular dish of Cantonese cuisine is Dim Sum, which can have a wide variety of fillings, wrapped in a thin layer of special dough, they are given different shapes. This dish is usually prepared in a special bamboo steamer.

In the city, among the many restaurants, cafes, canteens, you can find familiar cuisine or try something new.

Popular inexpensive cafes and restaurants:

  • the Cantonese restaurant “Lian Xiang Lou” is famous for its amazing pastries, the cost of which starts from 200 rubles;
  • Cantonese restaurant “Taotao Ju Restaurant”, which serves the best Dim Sum in the city - from 400 rubles;
  • Cantonese restaurant “Four Seasons Restaurant”, in addition to Dim Sum, here you can try roasted pig and Peking duck - from 1900 rubles;
  • Thai restaurant “Cow and Bridge Thai Restaurant” - from 400 rubles;
  • Indian restaurant “Sharmaji Vegetarian Indian Restaurant” - vegetarian cuisine - from 380 rubles;
  • Australian restaurant “Zebra Star Cafe” - from 400 rubles;
  • Italian restaurant “Oggi Trattoria” - from 500 rubles.

Shopping

The most common tours in Guangzhou are shopping tours: there are huge shopping centers, wholesale markets, shopping districts and streets where you can buy almost everything. Popular trips are for furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, bags and other goods.

If you need exclusive Chinese souvenirs, then you should pay attention to:

  • miniature Jade figurines made of jade, opal or quartz;
  • products embroidered with silk threads in the traditions of Guangdong embroidery;
  • porcelain and dishes;
  • natural Chinese silk;
  • green and black Chinese tea.

Attractions

There are many amazing places to visit in Guangzhou, scattered throughout the city.

Opera theatre

The building, recently built, amazes with its unusual architecture. On weekends, for 30 yuan you can take a guided tour to see all the beauty of the interior design.

TV tower

Built in 2009, the 600-meter-tall tower ranks 7th among the tallest buildings in the world and 1st among those using a hyperboloid structure. On different floors of the building there is a bar, restaurants (Cantonese, Italian, Japanese and European cuisine), and several observation platforms.

You can see the city from a height of 455 meters through the windows of one of 18 glass cabins moving on rails around the tower. Open Observation deck at an altitude of 488 meters - the highest in the world. For those who want to tickle their nerves, there is a “free fall” attraction of 30 meters from a height of 485 meters.

Admission fee: 150 yuan – closed observation deck, about 300 yuan - indoor and outdoor areas, about 400 yuan - all areas.

Skyscraper "Golden Donut"

They planned to call it the “Jade Disc,” but the “Golden Donut” took root—that’s how the city residents dubbed it. The unusual 138-meter skyscraper with a 50-meter hole in the center houses residential and office premises, shops, Entertainment Center, winter Garden.

Shamian Island

Only here in the 18th century were foreigners allowed to settle; the island is also called colonial: most of the buildings were built in the European style. Beautiful mansions, well-groomed streets, rare centuries-old trees in the park, fountains, sculptures, flower arrangements, the Catholic Chapel of Lady Lourdes - you find yourself in another dimension after crossing the Pearl River.

The island is also famous for its markets, including night ones. Some specialize in selling certain goods: wool, fabrics, antiques, Jade figurines.

Temples

There are many temples of various concessions in the city, the most interesting are:

  • the current Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1863) - with a clock and stained glass arched windows, built of granite slabs in the Gothic style;
  • Huai Sheng Mosque (over 1300 years old) with the Guantaza Minaret (Temple of the Tower of Light) 36 meters high;
  • Temple of the ancestors of the Chen clan (72) - richly decorated both outside and inside: carvings of wood, stone, ivory, ceramics, a large exhibition of paintings, vases and other works of Chinese art. Entrance – 10 yuan;
  • Guangxiao (over 1,700 years old) is a wooden Buddhist temple with a statue of a sleeping Buddha. Entrance – 10 yuan;
  • Temple of 6 Banyan Trees (537) - a Buddhist temple where ancient relics are kept, there are statues of a smiling Buddha and a standing Buddha, next to the temple is a 9-level flower pagoda. Entrance: 5 yuan - to the temple, 10 yuan - to the pagoda;
  • Hualin (over 1,400 years old) - a Buddhist temple famous for its images of 500 argali saints and a male figure in a wide-brimmed hat, which is considered a statue of Marco Polo, who inspected Chinese cities;
  • Guangxiao (IV century) - the Buddhist temple has another name - piety of sons, attractions: a 10-meter statue of Buddha and a statue of the goddess of compassion Guanyin;
  • Taoist Temple of the Five Immortals (1377) - in honor of the deities who, according to legend, saved the city from famine by bringing them rice and giving them the knowledge of its cultivation. Attractions: a stone sculpture of the saviors and a 5-ton bronze bell;
  • Renwei (over 1000 years old) is a Taoist temple decorated with elaborate wood carvings.

Baiyun Mountains

This picturesque natural attraction of 30 peaks is located 17 km from the city center. The observation deck of Mohsin Li Peak (382 meters high) offers incredible views of the city and the Pearl River.

The park is divided into several zones:

  • Yuntai Garden;
  • butterfly park,
  • Botanical Garden,
  • sculpture park,
  • amusement park,
  • bird park.

The park has many architectural objects, ponds, flowers, stunning flower arrangements. Maybe that's why Guangzhou is also called the city of flowers.

You can get to Baiyun by metro, by bus, or by cable car up to the observation decks. Entrance - 5 yuan, additional fee for entering individual zones (up to 10 yuan for each), 25 yuan for the cable car ride up, 20 yuan for the ride down.

Parks

In Guangzhou, a lot is being done to improve the environment: preference is given to electric transport, new parks are being added to the existing ones, no less beautiful and interesting.

Parks that are worth visiting first:

  • Yuexiu - the largest, greenest, most picturesque park in the city is located on the hills of the mountain of the same name, covering an area of ​​about 900 thousand square meters, captivating with landscapes, sculptures, one of them is dedicated to the five rams - the symbols of Guangzhou. The park has several artificial lakes, a 5-story Zhenhai Tower, and tombs of rulers. The entrance is free;
  • orchid park - located near Baiyun Mountain, here you can enjoy the blooming of more than 20 thousand varieties of orchids, stroll in the shade of various trees, and breathe in the freshness of reservoirs;
  • sculpture park – also located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, here in various corners among the greenery and near ponds you can find sculptures by authors from different countries of the world.

It is important to know: it is not forbidden to walk or even lie on the grass in the park - a rare permission for visitors to Chinese parks.

Treatment

The city is famous not only for the Canton Fair, numerous attractions, but also for medical institutions. The glory of Guangzhou as one of the best treatment centers has long crossed the borders of the Celestial Empire, and residents of many countries come here to restore their health. Clinics use both advanced technologies and methods of traditional Chinese medicine to treat various diseases.

Beaches

Although the city is located on the banks of a river, there are no natural beaches in the city. Tourists are saved by outdoor and indoor swimming pools in hotels.

An open artificial beach with a swimming pool in the Liwan area, which is located on the river bank, is popular among tourists and residents. A beautifully designed swimming pool with golden sand is a great place to relax with children. Sun loungers and showers are available for free use. Entrance: 35 yuan for adults, 25 for children.

To soak up the seaside, city residents go to the beaches of the South China Sea or to Hainan Island.

Entertainment

IN huge city It’s easy to choose a variety of recreation and entertainment.

The zoo and aquarium are located in the same place, which is undoubtedly convenient. The third largest zoo in the country houses more than 5 thousand species of animals: birds, reptiles and fish, a separate zone for goldfish, and the fauna of the tropical world. Entrance - 20 yuan.

The oceanarium is located on the territory of the zoo and is amazing in size. Sharks, rays, dolphins, inhabitants of the South China Sea and freshwater bodies are represented here. Admission: 130 yuan for adults, 90 yuan for children and senior citizens.

Note: the price includes admission to the zoo, Jinlin Garden, and 3D cinema.

There is no shortage of amusement parks in the metropolis. But none of them can compare with the Shimelong complex, which houses:

  • an entertainment area with 70 attractions;
  • Safari Park;
  • aquapark;
  • golf park;
  • circus.

Life in the city continues at night. Restaurants, bars, pubs are open, and the city has several popular bar streets.

A walk along the Pearl River embankment at night will amaze you with the illuminations and illumination of buildings, and their reflection in the water creates the effect of infinity. A night cruise along the river will reveal the city and bridges over the river, painted in different colors.

Safety

The safety of tourists largely depends on their behavior, vigilance and attentiveness. Fraud in big city common not only in China. You should also beware of theft. It is advisable to always have small bills, because most often you will hear that there is no change. Or even worse: they will declare your bill counterfeit and demand another, keeping the first one. Of course, there is no need to walk along dark alleys at night.

Every year China becomes more open and attractive to the whole world, it reveals its mysteries and attracts with a culture and traditions that are unusual for many countries. The growth of the economy and the development of industry and trade are creating entire metropolises from little-known towns recently, which happily welcome new business partners as well as lovers of tourism and recreation. One of such cities can be called Guangzhou, which we will get acquainted with in this article.

Getting to know the huge port city

Modern Guangzhou is one of the three most major cities China (together with Beijing and Shanghai) with a population of more than 10 million inhabitants. This main city Guangdong Province, which is the transportation gateway of southern China. Political and cultural life, is an educational, scientific and technical center of the southern region with a powerful economy.


The city is located on land and sea, its area is 7434 km² and 744 km² respectively. Guangzhou has an ancient history, having been founded back in 862 BC. e. It was here that the famous Silk Road began. It is often referred to as the city of rice ears Sui Chen or the city of goats Yang Chen, which is associated with legends about a blessing descending from heaven on the inhabitants of this settlement.

In Europe it was previously known as Canton, and its modern name translates as “city center of Guangdong Province.” The ancient city has become a technologically advanced and modern center of global industry and trade, continuing to develop and grow.

Where is

Geographical position Guangzhou is extremely profitable. The city is located on the continent in its southern part and has access to the South China Sea. The port complex is the third largest in the country. The proximity of Hong Kong and Macau is also a significant economic factor influencing its strength and prosperity. The Pearl River crosses Guangzhou and, united with three tributaries eastern, western and northern rivers, flows into the sea.

Guangzhou Map

A little history

Historical finds found on the site of modern Guangzhou indicate that the first human settlement was here more than 2 thousand years ago. Geographical location was the reason for the emergence commercial port, which is confirmed by the relict remains of a shipyard dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties. They demonstrate the level of development of shipbuilding and the scale of trade relations. The great Silk Road began here.

History shows the moments of the city's prosperity and its decline. For example, it was a developed trading center until the Tang Dynasty. There was a period in the life of the city when it was plundered by the Persians and Arabs, who burned many warehouses and sailed away by sea. The reign of the Southern Song Dynasty influenced the life of Guangzhou in such a way that it ceased to be the center of political events, but concentrated industry.

Although often many political figures, being opponents of the current government, found refuge here and then organized rebellions, protesting against Beijing. For a long time, only this port was open for foreign economic cooperation, and until 1840, ships from Europe went only to Guangzhou.

How to get there

Since the city is a very large global industrial and commercial center, getting to it from most major cities and capitals of the world is not difficult.

Video: how to get from Moscow to Guangzhou

Let's look at the most popular options for how to get to China's southern sea gate:

  1. From Moscow. It is possible to book a ticket for a direct Aeroflot flight or use the services of Turkish Airlines or Emirates, but with a transfer. The flight will cost about 220 USD and more. The entire flight lasts just under 10 hours.
  2. From Saint-Petersburg. A direct flight will cost from 19 thousand rubles. or 330 USD.
  3. From Kyiv. A direct connection to Baiyun Airport, located just 28 km from the metropolis itself, will allow you to quickly reach your desired destination. The trip will cost about 14.5 thousand UAH, which is 550 USD.

Moscow is one of the largest transport hubs through which transfers to Asian countries are carried out. Thanks to this, the number of flights from here is much greater, and the ticket prices are comparatively lower. Air traffic is also often carried out through Almaty, Astana, Doha, and Dubai.

While in China, you can get to the southern port either by train or by bus. For example, in Hong Kong you can take high-speed train and be there in 2 hours. And such a trip will cost 190 HKD or 24 USD. A longer trip will be by bus or ferry, which will cost 220 HKD and 350 HKD respectively. You can fly from Beijing and Shanghai by plane, which will cost about 800 CNY or 127 USD.

There are several ways to get to the city from the airport:

  1. Metro. The airport is 28 km from Guangzhou, but metro line 3 will take you to the center in 50 minutes. Trains run every 5–10 minutes. The fare costs 12 CNY or 1.9 USD.
  2. Bus. The fare will be 20 CNY (3.18 USD). However, frequent and long traffic jams can keep you on the road for a long time.
  3. Taxi. A comfortable transfer will cost 120–150 CNY or 19–24 USD. But the risk of getting into a traffic jam is quite high due to the large number of cars.


Districts

Geographically, the city is divided into 10 districts and 2 counties; we will describe the most popular among tourists below:

  1. Yuexiu. Popular area among traveling foreigners. Here you can get acquainted with the statue of 5 goats, which has a very important symbolic meaning in the legend of the creation of the city, as well as see a garden with orchids, ancient and most beautiful temples. Most 4 and 5 star hotels are located in this area.
  2. Lebanon. It attracts tourists with a garden of lakes and the Cheng Clan Academy, a castle where there is a folk art museum and where ancient Chinese rulers lived. Hostels and hotels with 3 stars can accommodate travelers visiting Lebanon.
  3. Tianhe. The place is a paradise for shopaholics all over the world. An abundance of shops, shopping centers and markets attract shopping lovers. Here you can also see the Guangding Provincial Museum and go to the Opera House.
  4. Haizhu. It is famous for being the location of the Guangzhou TV Tower. The view from the upper floors of this building can charm even the most experienced travelers.


 Night Guangzhou

Climate and weather

Guangzhou is located in the subtropical zone and its climate is significantly influenced by proximity warm sea. It's always humid and warm here - average annual temperature is about +21 °C. When planning a trip, it is worth considering that the best time to travel is winter and autumn. Between October and December the weather is sunny, dry, with warm, heated air. But in January or February you should take a sweater or even a jacket with you.

At this time, the temperature outside the window can drop to a maximum of +4 °C; there is no frost here. Given such a warm climate, most institutions and homes are not equipped with a heating system, and if the humidity level is high, it can feel uncomfortable and cold. The rainy season lasts from April until the beginning of the summer season. In summer the city is very hot and the air can warm up to +40 °C. The peak of heat occurs in August-September. Typhoons often occur at this time. Then the weather stabilizes, becomes dry and moderately warm.

Interesting places and attractions

Guangzhou is a place where ancient history and modern scientific achievements and technology meet. Here you can see a huge number of temples, unique architectural structures, historical attractions side by side with incredible and modern aquatic and zoos, and entertainment venues. One thing is certain: no one will be bored in this city, since everyone will find relaxation and entertainment to their liking.

First of all, I would like to talk about the most outstanding and unique objects that make this metropolis so attractive:

  1. - business card cities. It is located in a huge natural park"Yuexiu", where the chrysanthemum exhibition and fair is held annually.

  2. One of the highest in the world, the top of which is located at a distance of 600 m from the ground. It was opened in 2010. It has 4 observation platforms at an altitude of 33, 116, 168 and 449 m. Interesting entertainment You can call visiting revolving restaurants at an altitude of 418 and 428 m.

  3. Built in 2011 in futurism style by architect Zaha Hadid. The façade looks like two large pebbles on the banks of the Pearl River. An ultra-modern approach to the construction of such structures made it possible to create unique acoustics inside the theater and equip it with the latest stage equipment. The ceiling inside the room has several tiers and represents a starry sky.

  4. Mount Baiyun or White Cloud Mountain. It has 30 peaks and is located just 7 km from the city center. Here you can entertain yourself by visiting the Yuntai Botanical Garden with a huge number of rare species of plants and flowers, thanks to which Guangzhou is sometimes called the city of flowers. Here you can see the most beautiful Mountain Lake and visit the Art Nouveau sculpture park, as well as look into the largest poultry house.

  5. Shamian Island- a place that was a colony of England and Great Britain even before the mid-20th century. Over time, it became part of mainland Guangzhou, and a modern 900 m long bridge was built to it. All the streets and buildings on the island have the appearance of a small European town and are protected as an architectural monument.
  6. - the oldest Buddhist temple in the province. The age of the building is more than one and a half thousand years. It was the residence of the Nanye king and ruler of Guangdong. This is a complex of pavilions in traditional Chinese style with carved wooden elements.

  7. Huaisheng Mosque or Tower of Light- one of the oldest in the world, built by the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. It has a 35-meter minaret, thanks to which it was considered the most tall building Guangzhou until the middle of the 20th century.

  8. This iconic place for all of southern China. The building has the appearance of a flower pagoda 57 m high, topped with a five-ton bronze column. Inside the temple you can see the oldest and world-famous Buddha statues. The architectural structure was erected back in 537, but was rebuilt several times and in 1099 received its current name, thanks to the charm of the banyan trees that grew nearby.

  9. A unique collection of orchids, grown by the skillful hands of Chinese gardeners, will certainly delight you with its unusual and exquisite beauty. Visitors can stroll along winding paths through the vast territory of the garden, covering about 8 hectares of land, and relax in comfort, enjoying the beauty and fragrance of flowers. You can also attend a tea ceremony here.

  10. - the largest Christian temple in China. It is entirely built of granite, which was brought from Hong Kong along the Pearl River by ship. Its appearance with amazing stained glass windows and white columns is very reminiscent of the Basilica of Saint Clotilde in Paris.

  11. Kingping Market. A place where you can not only observe, but also buy live turtles and scorpions. Here you can also purchase various medicinal herbs to treat many ailments.
  12. The exhibition complex of Guangdong Province is ready to introduce the “local history” collection. There is also an exhibition here, by visiting which you will learn a lot of interesting things about the culture of tea drinking and the types of tea.

Important! When visiting temples, there are several unspoken rules according to which you cannot take pictures of the interior decoration or stand on high thresholds. In Guangzhou, tourists are also not recommended to take photographs of government institutions and strategic sites, bridges, and dams.

Best beaches

There are no sea beaches in Guangzhou, although the city has access to the coast of the South China Sea. But the Pearl River can offer a river beach as an option for urban recreation. It is located near the Zhong Shan Ba ​​metro station, in the Liwan district. The river beach is ready to welcome its visitors with comfortable sun loungers, showers, and changing cabins.

Entrance to this territory is paid and will be 10 CNY or 1.6 USD. However, local residents are not very fond of this place, especially during the rainy season, when the river becomes very muddy. Sea holiday can be found near Guangzhou, in Shenzhen, which is 3 hours away.



The following places are popular here:

  1. Dameisha. Sand beach with fine golden sand is located in Dapengwan Bay. The sea here is sky blue, there are almost no waves. This place offers an excellent comfortable stay, there are offers for lovers active rest who can test themselves with water skiing and motor boating.
  2. Xiaomeisha is located just north of Dameisha. The number of visitors to this corner of nature is smaller, perhaps due to the fact that the sea here is rougher and waves often rise, which please only surfers. The entrance fee to the beach is 15 CNY or 2.40 USD.

Festivals and holidays

The city is full bright colors and vibrant life, which are reflected in numerous exhibitions and festivals:

  • flower festival- held in January, during this period the city is dressed in colorful decorations from all kinds of flower arrangements and captivates with its fragrance;
  • Chinese New Year - the main holiday of the year, which is usually celebrated for 2 weeks, traditionally it ends with a festival of fireworks and aerial lanterns;
  • dragon boat festival- takes place in May, and the tradition of this competition has very ancient roots;
  • International Food Festival- presents masterpieces of traditional cuisine and high modern culinary art;
  • wine and liquor festival- local producers of alcoholic beverages treat tourists and townspeople with strong rice wine and liqueur made from sorghum grains;
  • lovers of music, especially a unique culture that is gaining popularity Lingnan, can become participants or simply listeners of “glass” music in Guangzhou.

Other types of entertainment

In addition to inspection historical monuments and architectural structures, in Guangzhou you can have a fun and active time with your children or in the company of friends.

Leisure

For those who do not like to sit still and are ready to discover a lot of new and interesting things, Guangzhou has to offer:


Night life

Night rest is very varied. In Guangzhou they say that the city only wakes up at night. Many restaurants are happy to open their doors here, offering late dinner to their guests. And the three most famous “bar” streets - Binjiang, Baiye Tan and Huanshi - will leave only pleasant impressions of your vacation. A night cruise along the Pearl River will demonstrate the beauty of the shimmering lights of the night metropolis. And a visit to the night zoo will be easy an unforgettable experience. Here you can watch the Changlong Night Animal World circus performance.

Did you know? Interior hotel rooms is created in accordance with the laws of Feng Shui, and the most expensive apartments are considered to be those that have a view of the mountains or river from the window.

Holidays for children

In Guangzhou, children will definitely not be bored, because there is a lot of entertainment for them here:

  1. This place is known not only in China, but also far beyond its borders. Here you can visit the modern amusement park Chime-Long Paradise with a record-breaking 40 m high roller coaster, racing tracks and hundreds of other attractions.

  2. will give a lot of positive emotions, thanks to a variety of water activities and fantastic slides, wave pools, waterfalls and bridges. More than 40 thousand people visit it per day.

  3. In the Chimelong resort area you can visit a crocodile farm, where more than 100 thousand reptiles live.
  4. Chime-Long Safari Park Xiangjiang offers an incredible opportunity to observe animals in natural habitats created specifically for 300 species of birds, animals and reptiles. Here you can see white tiger and lion, black antelope and many other rare animals.
  5. famous all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you hear that this is the “Chinese Cirque du Soleil”, because the skill of the artists deserves such praise. Exotic animals, acrobats and dancers from all over the world take part in the performance, accompanied by musical and lighting special effects at the highest technological level.

  6. Zoo in Guangzhou is home to more than 5 thousand animals and birds that live on an area of ​​430 m². Children can watch the animals being fed, take part in circus performances, ride a camel or take a photo with a beautiful parrot. Communicating with living nature always brings joy.
  7. And those who like a relaxing holiday may enjoy a quiet and interesting tram ride to the accompaniment of soothing music. During the trip, the conductor tells fairy tales to the children in a pleasant voice.

Where to stay

The tourism industry in Guangzhou is well developed, so the number of hotels and hostels with a high level of service is quite large.

Important! When planning a visit to Guangzhou, keep in mind the fact that hotel prices increase sharply during the Canton Fair period, when the city is crowded with businessmen from all over the world. Typically, this period is from mid-April to early May and from late October to early November.

Hostels

The choice of affordable housing in this metropolis is very limited. Unlike many other Chinese cities, there are practically no cheap hostels here, and those that operate successfully operate underground. Therefore, many guides recommend using the services of inexpensive but official hotels. The cost of a night in a hostel will cost 100–300 CNY or 15.9–47.7 USD.



 Lazy Gaga Hostel in Guangzhou

Hotels

The city is always full of businessmen, visiting clerks and managers, as well as a large number of tourists. People with good financial condition have a large selection of 5* hotels, where a night's stay costs from 600 CNY or 95.5 USD. Rooms in a 4* hotel will cost its guests from 450–800 CNY or 70–130 USD. It is worth noting that large hotels 5% city tax is added to the cost of accommodation.

Important! Hotels do not have central heating. Although the average air temperature does not fall below +10° C, Be sure to check to see if there is a heater in your room when traveling to Guangzhou during winter.

During the period of major fairs in the city and the Chinese New Year celebrations, available hotel rooms are very difficult to find, they are booked and purchased in advance. Upon completion, many hotels offer discounts and make attractive offers to their potential clients.

Public transport and car rental

Main types public transport You can call metro and buses. The metro appeared in the city relatively recently, in 1999, and today has 8 lines. Stops are announced in English and two local dialects. The fare costs from 2–15 CNY or 0.3–2.3 USD, depending on the number of stops and travel distance.

Bus service allows you to get to any corner of the city. However, the large number of vehicles causes long-term traffic congestion. Bus stops in Guangzhou may seem unusual for a European tourist, since they are divided into “departments”, each of which accepts a bus of a certain route. You will hardly be able to find out the name of the stop in English. Daytime flights run from 6:00 to 23:00 and their cost is from 1 CNY (0.16 USD), night flights - from 23:00 to 3:00, where travel costs from 4 CNY (0.64 USD).



Taxi services are popular among both locals and foreigners. You can use the service by catching a car on the street, calling it through a dispatcher by phone, or finding it in the parking lot. The disadvantage of many taxi drivers is their lack of knowledge of English. The cost of the trip is calculated depending on the distance of the trip: for example, for the first 2.5 km you will be charged 10 CNY or 1.6 USD, and then 2.5 CNY/km. If your trip was long, more than 35 km, then you will have to pay an additional payment of half the total amount.

The ferry crossing across the Pearl River is very popular among tourists. The ferry runs every 10–15 minutes from 6 am to 10 pm. The ticket price is 3 CNY. Cycling is prohibited in the central part of the city. The Haizhu region is perfect for this purpose, where there is a special bike path along the picturesque river. Renting a vehicle for a day will cost 30 CNY or almost 5 USD.

For payment transport services you can use:


Car rental is not a very popular service in Guangzhou.

Important! International standard rights are not considered valid here. If you want to rent a car, you will have to pass a local test and obtain a temporary Chinese permit to drive a car.

Fans of comfortable personal transport often prefer to rent a car with the services of a local driver, which will cost from 500 CNY per day. International rental services such as Hertz and Avis are present in Guangzhou, along with local agencies. Due to the large number of personal vehicles among local residents, the number of traffic jams in the metropolis is very high. There is an acute shortage of parking, especially near business and shopping centers. The cost of paid parking is 10 CNY/hour.

Cuisine and restaurants

Guangzhou's culinary traditions are sure to leave lovers of traditional European cuisine in a state of shock, as the Chinese follow their saying that "Any animal whose back faces the sky can be eaten."

In the city's restaurants you can find treats made from snakes, worms, frogs, snails, ants, cats and dogs. The number of establishments where you can eat is off the charts - there are more than 20 thousand of them. These include traditional Chinese restaurants, as well as establishments representing cuisines from different countries of the world. Most of them are very affordable. They offer quick food for 50 CNY. You can taste more refined dishes in restaurants at expensive hotels. Here dinner can cost from 100–150 CNY.

Video: review of cafes and restaurants in Guangzhou

The basic rule of culinary experts in Guangzhou is that food must be fresh. For this reason, you can often see cages with live animals, reptiles and insects near restaurants. Visitors can independently choose the individuals they will eat.

Highlights local cuisine can be called:

  • dish “Battle of a tiger with a dragon” - cat and snake stew;
  • salt baked chicken - White Cut Chicken, which will be served with head and feet;
  • roasted pig with fruit;
  • wild dog stew;
  • Cantonese herbal soup;
  • "Dim sum" - snacks of shrimp and other ingredients in a thin rice dough, served with tea, and the meal can last several hours;
  • Xiu Mei is a Cantonese-style barbecue: pork or duck meat with sweet seasonings and sweet and sour sauce.

Did you know? Guangzhou has a list of products that are only sold in tourist areas and for a very high price. Interestingly, it includes such traditional products for us as sour cream, kefir, beets, celery and dill.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Mobile communications in Guangzhou are provided by three operators: China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile. The last company on this list has better coverage, and it often makes great offers and runs interesting promotions. It is worth noting that all mobile operators do not have the option of unlimited calls, and you must pay for incoming calls.

To purchase a local SIM card, a tourist must present a passport. Its cost is about 100 CNY or almost 16 USD, with half of the amount going to the subscriber’s account. The balance can be topped up with a scratch card in denominations of 30, 50, 100 CNY, which allows you to instantly deposit money into your account. You can purchase a card in stores mobile communications, shops, news kiosks.



Mobile Internet available to all subscribers of the above operators. You can also get access to the World Wide Web by visiting an Internet cafe, where the cost of an hour of services will cost 5–10 CNY. Most restaurants, cafes and hotels have Wi-Fi Internet access; there are also access points in many parks and even at bus stops.

For shopping lovers

Guangzhou is a shopaholic's paradise. There are more than 10 shopping streets here, and each of them has its own characteristics and specifics. Fabrics, shoes, accessories, clothing from Chinese and international brands can be found walking along the streets of Shipulu and Beijing. You will find furniture made from precious wood and jade jewelry on the street of Hualinza. Marine life dried ones are sold on Ide Road, and antiques can be found next to books on Wendelu.

Shanxiajiulu Street is very popular among visitors, because here you can find souvenirs for every taste, from traditional Chinese to very unusual ones. When visiting the Kingping Market, you will be able to see many different animals. In addition to street retail outlets, Guangzhou has a large number of shopping malls.

Particularly popular are:

  • "Tianhe", which is located on the square with the same name;

  • "Plaza", in which all 18 floors of the building are occupied by shops, entertainment centers and restaurants;

  • "La Perle", named after the Pearl River, is an elite shopping center where only branded stores of world famous brands are located;

  • "Mopark"- a place where you can buy goods for more affordable prices for every taste and budget.

Most stores and shopping centers hold annual sales in honor of the Chinese and traditional worldwide New Year, in honor of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, and also on May 1 - All Workers' Day. In addition to this, at the end of the season there are various promotions and sales. A visit to Guangzhou will certainly be an unforgettable event for you, since the city has a unique flavor, intertwined here ancient history and the achievements of modern science, in this place you can see Chinese traditions and the latest world trends.

Guangzhou from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Guangzhou.

  • Last minute tours To China

Guangzhou, one of the largest cities in the Celestial Empire, is so diverse that it even has several names: Suicheng, which translates as “city of rice ears,” or Yangcheng, “city of goats.”

An old legend says that there was once a small village on this site, whose inhabitants were dying of hunger. To save them, five gods came down from the sky, sitting on five goats, and each animal had five ears of rice in its mouth. It was with these ears of corn that the residents not only satisfied their hunger, but also sowed their fields, which saved them from destruction and led to the prosperity of the settlement.

Guangzhou is the third most important city in China after Beijing and Shanghai, one of ancient cities world, founded back in 862 BC. e., retaining its rich history and a unique flavor to this day. At the same time, it is an ultra-modern center of trade and industry of global importance. In addition, the legendary Silk Road originated from the port of Guangzhou.

Shopping lovers will be interested in the Tianhe district, where large markets and shopping centers of the city are located. Main attractions: Guangdong Provincial Museum and Opera House.

Another tourist area is Haizhu. In this part of the city stands Guangzhou TV Tower, by climbing it you can admire the city from above.

The most suitable place for tourists to stay is Yuexiu, the greenest and cleanest area of ​​Guangzhou. Travelers are welcome here best hotels 4 and 5*. More modest options, three-star hotels and student hostels, are worth looking in the Livan area.

Transport

Residents of Guangzhou travel around the city by subway and buses. The Metro appeared here in 1999, and now 8 lines operate. It can take you to the railway station, airport, bus station, downtown Guangzhou and Foshan County, which is located in the suburbs. Stops are announced in English and 2 local dialects: Mandarin and Cantonese. The fare depends on the distance: from 2 CNY (no more than 3 stops) to 15 CNY.

Guangzhou Metro operates from 7:00 to 23:00, trains run every 3 minutes until 21:00 and every 7 minutes after.

The bus network covers the entire city. However, due to heavy traffic, the trip may take longer. Stops are usually divided into “sections”, each corresponding to a specific bus number. Unlike the metro, in ground transport stops are rarely announced in English. Daytime buses run from 6:00 to 23:00, night buses - until 3:00. The fare is from 1 CNY, at night - from 4 CNY.

Taxi is a popular mode of transport among both foreigners and locals. You can catch a car on the street, find it in a parking lot, or call it by phone. Please be aware that most drivers do not speak English. The cost is 12 CNY for the first 3 km plus 2.6 CNY for each subsequent one. For a long trip (more than 35 km), the taxi driver will charge an additional fee of half the total amount.

What to try

Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, the same cuisine that is commonly associated throughout the world with traditional Chinese cuisine. At the same time, all the oddities of Chinese cooking and exotic dishes like fried grasshoppers also come from Guangzhou. Locals They are proud of their “omnivorousness”: they eat insects and snakes, worms and snails, duck tongues and chicken feet. If you are brave enough, you can try all this in any food shop.

If you're not ready for such adventures yet, try the usual Cantonese-style White Cut Chicken. Here, too, there will be surprises: they will bring you the whole bird, with paws and head (even the comb is in place!) - such is the tradition.

Xiu Mei - Cantonese BBQ. Prepared from pork or duck with sweet seasonings, served with sweet and sour sauce. By the way, a sweetish taste is a distinctive feature of all Cantonese dishes; you will hardly find chili here.

“Dim sum” is a ceremonial dish and the calling card of Guangzhou. Guests are shown several carts of freshly prepared snacks in thin dough, the company chooses the ones they like and goes to the table. Each appetizer is a work of culinary art. Everything matters here: the transparency of the rice dough, the balance of ingredients, and the sweetness of the king prawns. Dim sum comes with a large pot of tea. The meal can last several hours. If you run out of tea, just put the lid of the teapot on its handle - the waiter will immediately top up the drink.

Cuisine and restaurants of Guangzhou

There are more restaurants in Guangzhou than anywhere else in China. In addition to traditional Cantonese cuisine, there are European, Japanese, Uzbek, Russian and even Ukrainian establishments. Look for the most sophisticated restaurants at hotels; dinner in such an establishment will cost 100-150 CNY, excluding alcohol. Simpler restaurants are ready to serve you food for 50 CNY. There are hundreds of eateries on the streets of Guangzhou, they are open 24 hours a day and usually specialize in Cantonese cuisine. The most popular street dishes are rice spring rolls, rich soups, noodles and Chinese dumplings. You can eat at one of these food pavilions for less than 10 CNY. Portions in eateries are such that they are enough for two.

For a unique flavor, go to one of the many restaurants located on the banks of the Pearl River, where they wash dishes with green tea right in front of visitors. The “restaurant with a tree” on Shamian Street is popular among tourists. It is easy to find; not every establishment has a powerful green crown peeking out from under the roof.

Guides in Guangzhou

Entertainment and attractions

Guangzhou has ancient pagodas and modern skyscrapers, green parks and laconic pedestrian areas, unique architectural, historical and natural attractions.

Among the attractions you should see first of all famous statue Five goats are the symbol of the city. It is located in one of the largest and most picturesque parks in Guangzhou - Yuexiu. One of the few five-story Zhenhai Towers that has survived to this day is also located here, offering stunning views of the park. Yuexiu Park is the largest in Guangzhou; a large fair and exhibition of chrysanthemums is held there every spring and autumn. In summer it is worth visiting the exquisite and sophisticated Orchid Park and Botanical Garden South China.

In Haichuan Park there is the ancient and once largest monastery of the Ocean Banner. In general, there are a lot of temples in the city that amaze with the majesty and beauty of their architecture - the ancient Temple of Filial Piety, the Temple of the Five Spirits, the Huaisheng Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

There are many memorials and mausoleums in the city; there is even an imperial tomb, which preserves unique monuments with a centuries-old history. It is worth visiting the area of ​​world architecture, where the best examples of world architecture are collected, the backdrop of which is unsurpassed nature.

Don't forget to look at the city from the top of [Guangzhou TV Tower|Guangzhou TV Tower]], one of the tallest in the world. This youngest attraction of the city opened in 2010, and the observation deck on its top floor even later.

Today ancient city Guangzhou is changing at a phenomenal rate: new neighborhoods of expensive high-rise buildings are springing up along the Huangpu River every year. However, the most interesting thing for its guests is to delve into the old quarters on Shamian Island, to walk along narrow streets to the Qingping market with live scorpions and turtles, walk to the Liurong Temple, built back in 537 - and since then remains the tallest building in the old city.

For those who like to wander through museums, Guangzhou has the Gaundong Province Exhibition Complex with an impressive “local history” collection. A special pride of the museum is the exhibition dedicated to tea and tea culture (website with English version). With Chinese fine arts You can get to know each other better at the Guandong Museum of Art and Guangzhou Museum of Art.

8 things to do in Guangzhou

  1. Get lost in one of the many markets.
  2. Take a ride on the most scary rides at Chimelong Paradise Park.
  3. View the city from the heights of the Guangzhou TV Tower.
  4. Eat something amazing, like raw snake or at least an assortment of dim sums with intricate toppings.
  5. Take a ride on unusual tram, in the cabin of which soothing music plays, and a voice announcing stops tells tales. The tram runs from Canton Tower Station towards Wanshengwei Subway.
  6. Take a walk through the glowing and shimmering city at night. At the same time, have a hearty snack. Night is the time for a late dinner.
  7. Visit the Changlong Night Animal World. He also works during the day, but many animals sleep at this time - resting after the night show.
  8. Sing. Loudly and from the heart. In one of the crowded night karaoke clubs or, say, at the opera. Yes, people here are not shy about singing along with opera singers during the performance.

Guangzhou for children

"Chimelong" is the largest entertainment center in China and the calling card of Guangzhou. It will take more than one day to visit all the recreation areas. The local Xiang Jiang amusement park has the world's tallest roller coaster, the water park has dozens of water slides for children and adults, and the crocodile farm is home to more than 100 thousand crocodiles. Separately, it is worth mentioning the Chimalun Safari Park, where the conditions are recreated wildlife. 300 species of animals, birds and reptiles live in their usual conditions. Chimalong International Circus is called the “Chinese Cirque du Soleil.” Performances take place in an arena with a diameter of 100 m, the hall is designed for 5,000 spectators (website with English version).

The pride of Guangzhou is the city zoo, the third most important and largest after Beijing and Shanghai. More than 5,000 animals and birds live on an area of ​​430 square meters. Children can watch them being fed, take part in theatrical and circus performances, go on excursions, ride a camel and take pictures with pythons or parrots. Website in Chinese and English: (website with English version)

Weather

Guangzhou has a subtropical climate: humid, warm, with monsoons. The most rain falls in the spring months, although summer cannot be called dry. Best time for a trip to Guangzhou - winter and autumn. In September the weather stabilizes and there is practically no precipitation. In winter the city is cool and dry. When traveling to Guangzhou between November and February, be sure to take a warm sweater or jacket with you. At the beginning of autumn, a raincoat may come in handy.

Holidays and Events

Well, they know how to celebrate and celebrate here. Every year, bright and noisy celebrations attract spectators from all over the world. It is during the festival period that it is especially interesting to visit Guangzhou.

Every year, since the Qing Dynasty, in honor of the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year), the Flower Festival is held - on January 28, the streets are filled with flower arrangements, turning the entire city into a real garden. Chinese New Year is the main event for people throughout the country. The celebrations stretch over two weeks and end in the second half of February with the traditional fireworks and lantern festival. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the whole of Guangzhou is filled with lights, and housewives prepare a special delicacy - rice balls filled with berries, fruits and chocolate. Lighting lanterns is believed to ward off spirits, and sweets bring good luck throughout the year.

On the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, a competition of the best Chinese dragon boat rowers takes place in Guangzhou. This one of the most ancient and vibrant Chinese festivals usually occurs at the end of May - beginning of June.

The end of July and the beginning of August is the time of the wine and liquor festival. At the festival you can try the best alcohol from local producers. No light drinks - only strong rice wine and a liqueur called "White Imp", made from sorghum grains.