GUANGZHOU HOTELS

ABOUT GUANGZHOU

Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong province in southern China. The city has a blend of rich history and modernity nestled along the Pearl River.

Guangzhou was historically known as Canton. It was established as a city during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE).

In the 19th century Guangzhou was significantly impacted by the Opium Wars. The British captured the city during the First Opium War (1839-1842). This lead to the Treaty of Nanking which ceded Hong Kong to Britain.

Guangzhou today is one of China’s largest cities with a population exceeding 18 million.

Guangzhou’s efficient transportation system makes it easy for travelers to navigate the city streets. The extensive metro network connects key shopping areas like Zhujiang New Town to the more remote cultural heritage locations.

ATTRACTIONS IN GUANGZHOU

• Canton Tower which stands at 604 meters was once the tallest tower in China until 2017. Visitors can visit the Cloud Observation Deck and Star Observation Deck. These observation decks are on the 107th and 108th floor. The two themed blue sky and white clouds decks are at 428 meters. The starry sky observation deck is at 433.2 meters. The observation deck also has a rotating restaurant and the Sky Walk with extended outside glass bottom walkway.
• The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy was built in the late 19th century. It serves as a place of worship and a study hall for the descendants of the Chen family. Today it houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
• The Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King built around the burial site of the Nanyue king Zhao Mo. He ruled over the southern regions during the Han dynasty. The well preserved tomb was discovered in 1983. It contains a wealth of artifacts like the jade burial suits and numerous gold jewelry ornaments.
• Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. It covers over 200 acres with picturesque landscapes, serene lakes and historic relics. The Five Rams Sculpture is the symbol of the city. It is also a reminder of Guangzhou’s historic legend of the five immortals. The park is covered with lush greenery and has numerous pavilions, ancient city walls and the Zhenhai Tower.
• Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. Well known for dishes like dim sum, Wanton noodles, steam rice noodle rolls, roast goose and roast pork originated here. Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong share similar cuisine origins found Guangzhou. The street markets and restaurants along Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street offer tantalizing traditional flavors.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT GUANGZHOU

The best time to visit Guangzhou is –

• Autumn Time (late September to early December) when the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Daily temperatures range from 68F to 82F.
• Spring time (March to May) also has mild weather but it brings along the rainy season.
• Summer time (June to August) with daily temperatures exceeding 86F bring with it hot and humid weather. Summer time also coincides with the typhoon season that occasionally hits Guangzhou.

DO’S AND DON’TS

• Don’t give anyone white flowers. They are for funerals.
• Don’t give clocks as gifts (especially to the elderly) as it is equivalent of telling someone that their days are numbered.
• Don’t stick your chopsticks upright into your food or bowl of rice. This resembles offerings to the deceased.
• Don’t point your finger at someone. It is considered hostile and extremely rude.
• Don’t use first names unless they tell you to. Always address them formally as “Mrs.” or “Mr.”
• Don’t whistle. In China it is considered a nuisance especially at nighttime. It is said to attract spirits.
• Don’t: Give sharp objects (like knifes) or use number # 4 as they symbolize death or severed relationships.
• Do: Wrap gifts in festive colors like red. Do not use all white or all black wrapping paper as it represents offerings to the dead souls.
• Don’t: Finish all the food on your plate (have some left overs). An empty plate implies you are still hungry and want more food.
• Do: Avoid sensitive topics like politics or criticism of the government.
• Do respect local customs: Avoid loud conversations in public spaces and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
• Tipping is generally not expected: It’s not a common practice to tip in China.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and scam tactics.