GUANGZHOU

As the third-largest city in China and the capital of Guangdong province, Guangzhou is a cultural, political and financial center, boasting a population of 12.7 million. Located at the heart of the Pearl River along the country’s southern coastline, the city is acclaimed as the “South Gate” of China, serving as an ideal trading port and transportation hub. Though a thriving metropolis today, Guangzhou has retained its 2,800-year-old history, offering numerous historical spots to visit.

GETTING THERE

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is situated approximately 17 miles from Guangzhou’s downtown area. China’s second-busiest airport, it offers service to more than 100 domestic and international cities and is the main hub of China Southern Airlines and a focus city for Hainan Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines. In June 2013, Guangzhou introduced a 72-hour visa-free policy, allowing passport holders from 45 countries with confirmed plane tickets from Baiyun International Airport to visit the city for up to 72 hours without a visa. Fares for shuttles into the city range $2–5, and routes cover several hotels and bus stations. Taxi service costs about $20.

GETTING AROUND

The city offers an efficient transportation system, including more than 450 bus lines, a bike-sharing program, a metro and a bustling rail system. Visitors should look into purchasing Yang Cheng Tong stored-value transportation cards, which can be used to pay metro, bus and ferry fares as well as purchases at many convenience stores and vending machines.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Canton Tower
Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower, is the world’s tallest TV tower, topping more than 1,900 feet. Tourists can take a short ride on a high-speed elevator to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Pearl River from observation decks. The Tower also offers restaurants, entertainment facilities and the world’s highest Ferris wheel, with 16 transparent cars that take 20 minutes to circumnavigate the track.

Temple of Six Banyan Trees
One of the oldest Guangzhou attractions, the Temple of Six Banyan Trees is a well-maintained Buddhist temple built in the year 537 featuring a collection of cultural relics. Tourists from all over visit to climb the temple’s Six Banyan Pagoda (also known as the Flowery Pagoda), an octagonal building with 17 levels. At the top, visitors can enjoy excellent views of Guangzhou. Though it is located in the city, the area, with its abundant greenery and serene environment, provides a respite from the hustle and bustle.

Yuexiu Park
Located in the north of Guangzhou, Yuexiu Park is the largest urban park in China, featuring three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain. Pavilions and various historic sites dot the lush landscape, including the Zhenhai Tower, a fivestory tower built in 1380 housing the Guangzhou Museum; the Five Rams Stone Sculpture; and the Sun Yat-sen Monument. One of the most festive times to visit is in spring when the park hosts the Guangzhou Garden Fair and is filled with flowers and paper lanterns.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Canton Fair
Held in the spring and autumn each year since 1957, the Canton Fair is the largest, most popular international trade fair in China. Also known as the China Import and Export Fair, the event sells numerous products and attracts more than 200,000 foreign participants and 24,000 professional exhibitors from more than 200 countries.

Dragon Boat Festival
Guangzhou celebrates several local festivals each year, including the Dragon Boat Festival in June. Dozens of dragon boats from China and countries all over the world race on the Pearl River.

Guangzhou International Food & Ingredient Fair
This festival not only provides the opportunity to taste traditional Chinese cuisine such as Sichuan, Hunan and Cantonese, but also the chance to sample delicacies from countries all over the world including Russia, Spain, Brazil and Japan.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit gz.gov.cn