|
Guangzhou the City by the Pearl Delta
 Pack-up
your bags and head to Guangzhou. There is always something magical about
this city which makes it among the favourite Chinese destinations for
tourists. The city is also known by its English name, Canton, and it has a
population of more than 9 million.
Located on the banks of the Pearl River Delta in South China, its
location provides a scenic view of the ancient waterway and the port which
it is famous for. A port city, Guangzhou, was first visited by Arab and
Indian traders. The port flourished due to the trade of spices and silk.
Later on in the 16th century, the Europeans namely the Portuguese were the
first to come to the port to trade and this was followed by the British.
The Opium War brought a halt to all commercial activities. The city
re-opened to foreign trade following the Treaty of Nanjing. After the Boxer
revolution, French and British forces occupied Guangzhou during the 19th
century.
The city and its region enjoy humid, moderate weather. Flowers bloom all
year round and this helps create a picturesque scene of the city, making it
the perfect getaway destination. One thing you should know about Guangzhou
is that it is famous for its dishes and its cooks are reputed to be the best
in China. Hence, take your time by indulging in good quality sumptuous food
that would satisfy your taste buds here.
As to places of visit, there are a lot to choose from, as from its history,
you know that it enjoyed a wide range of influences, from Asia to Europe,
due to its status as a port.
Birth of Kuomintang
 Guangzhou was the birthplace of the Kuomintang party, the Chinese national
party led by Dr Sun Yat Sen. Hence, visiting Guangzhou would not be complete
if you did not go to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. The hall was
built to commemorate this Chinese nationalist leader and his contributions
to democracy. A statue of Dr Sun Yat Sen greets visitors at the entrance of
the hall.
Another interesting place to visit is the Chen family ancestral temple
which was built in the 19th century from donations of the Chen clan from all
over the world. It is also now the Guangdong Folk Craftwork Museum.
The Temple of Six Banyan Trees is another popular place. Built in the
6th Century, it is one the few Buddhist temple complexes in Guangzhou. There
is a pagoda with Buddha relics built under it and thousands of Buddha
statues.
Nearby, there is the White Clouds Mountain famous in South China. It
is called that because the summit would be filled with clouds on a clear day
and from atop the mountain you will get a scenic and beautiful view of the
city.
If you are interested in history, why not try Guangdong Provincial Museum
and the Museum of the Tomb of the King of Southern Yue. Both are also
famous tourist attractions that attract thousands of visitors every month.
Due to its rich influences, you will find many places of worship like the
Shishi Sacred Heart Cathedral, Huaisheng mosque and many other
temples around town.
To get around town, you can opt for various types of guided tour offered.
They have half-day or full day or two days tour which would take you to the
interesting places that have been mentioned. Guided tours are the safest way
round the huge modern city, as it would ensure your safety and minimise
opportunities of you getting lost.
The various parks around town make Guangzhou an interesting place to visit
especially between October and November which is the recommended period for
tourists to come. The parks include Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park,
Yuexiu Park, Yuntai Garden, Huadu Square, Xiangjiang
Wild Animal Safari Park and the Grand World Scenic Park.
As China is opening up, more and more tourists have been making their way to
this populous state not only for tourism but also for commercial purposes.
Book Guangzhou Hotels
here |
