Guangzhou > Guangzhou Vacations 2019: Last-Minute Tours and Prices

Guangzhou — a city with a centuries-old history, a center of culture, economy and political life in the southern part of the PRC. Colorful and flourishing, it attracts multi-million tourist flows every year. In importance it competes with Beijing and Shanghai. The city concentrates educational and research centers, representative offices of the largest trading companies and large-scale industrial conglomerates.

Where it is located

Guangzhou is located in the southern part of China, to the north of the Pearl River Delta, in a sheltered bay protected from storms. Macau and Hong Kong are within easy reach. The port city is about 2,000 years old; the Silk Road started here. Initially it served as a trade center, but with the development of global industry it became a large conglomerate with various industrial enterprises operating on its territory.

When it is best to go

Humid and warm climatic conditions are the result of Guangzhou’s location in the subtropical zone. Traveling around the city in the summer heat is not comfortable, but late spring and September to December are a suitable time to wander the streets and get acquainted with the city’s architectural and cultural attractions. If the purpose of your holiday in Guangzhou is to visit the orchid garden and admire blooming plants, you should plan your trip for late spring to autumn. May is a rainy month. In the summer it is hot and there are many tourists in the city. An influx of foreigners is observed in late February to early March, when the New Year is celebrated in China according to the lunar calendar.

What to do

There is no shortage of things for foreign travelers to do in Guangzhou. Its centuries-old history has left traces in the form of temple complexes and artefacts. The modern pride of Guangzhou’s residents is futuristic buildings with fantastic architectural features. City guides list 700 attractions recommended for tourists to visit.
Having arrived in Guangzhou on holiday, be sure to see the main sights:

Canton Tower — the tallest in China. It rises above the city in the form of a huge skittle woven from steel cables. The tower was built in 2010. The sight is striking in its scale. Observation decks are located at every level, so you can view the surroundings from any height. Inside there is a cinema, a post office and other infrastructure facilities for leisure. The most interesting are the “Bubble Tram” (Ferris wheel) and “The Sky Drop” attractions. They are designed for thrill-seekers and are listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, founded in the 6th century. This Buddhist temple houses relics of Indian origin and statues of deities. The exquisite wood carving is astonishingly beautiful.
Huaisheng Mosque – a mosque with a 35-meter minaret, whose history dates back to 630 AD, since the time when the Prophet Muhammad visited Guangzhou to preach Islam among the city’s inhabitants.
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, founded in the 19th century as a memorial in honor of the ancestors of wealthy members of the Chen family. The complex consists of several buildings where descendants of the clan study, and where architectural treasures, paintings and more are kept. Tours are paid.
The Mausoleum of the Nanyue King – a museum complex included in the top 100 archaeological museums. The central figure of the exhibition is the mummy of the ruler and artefacts found in the tomb.
Yuexiu Park — a park with cozy pavilions, bridges over streams, playgrounds and paths through green thickets. Here stands the “Five Rams” monument, a cultural treasure of the city. The air is filled with the aromas of orchids and other tropical flowers. Small cafés are surrounded by lush greenery. In such an environment, food seems especially tasty and relaxation unforgettable. Entrance to the park is free.
Xiangjiang Safari Park. A huge territory has been landscaped for the animals’ habitat. At the entrance brochures are handed out — without them it is difficult to navigate the maze of alleys and the schedule of shows involving animals.
We suggest diversifying the daytime entertainment program by visiting the water park, zoo and local circus.
Shoppers will enjoy shopping on the ancient Beijing Road located in the center. Lively trade has been conducted here for 700 years. Shops and stores are located in old buildings and in modern malls built quite recently. You can buy anything your heart desires — from small trinkets to antique interior items.

Where to eat

Guangzhou is Cantonese cuisine at its best. The dishes are not spicy, but are rich in sweetish notes. Restaurant chefs cook seafood, meat and all kinds of cold-blooded animals – snakes, worms, etc. When visiting a restaurant, read the menu carefully — an attractive name may hide an unappetizing dish. But in the menus of not all establishments are the Chinese names translated into Russian.
Catch
An upscale restaurant of Chinese and European cuisine with a selection of seafood and fish dishes. A candlelit dinner at a table in a pleasant atmosphere with the best view of the city is an excellent choice for tourists who want to have a wonderful evening. The waiters serve grilled shrimp, scallops and lobster, salmon. The menu includes seafood and taro salads, beef, tenderloin and truffles. The minimum bill is 344 yuan (about $53), but the dinner will be remembered forever.
Lia Café Bar & Restaurant
An inexpensive restaurant – the average bill is 69–172 yuan (about $10–$25). You can choose from Asian and Italian dishes. There is an excellent selection of seafood – shellfish, squid rolls, crabs, shrimp. Lobster, seafood salads, soups and toasts are served. The wine list, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect choice for a dinner for two.

What to combine it with

It is unlikely that a tourist will want to combine a holiday in Guangzhou with other excursions. The city streets never let you go, no matter how long the trip is planned for – a couple of days or two weeks. However, Hong Kong is not far from here – another colorful Chinese metropolis suitable for entertainment and shopping. More about holidays in Hong Kong