travel to Guangzhou

Famous for its prosperous economic development, Guangzhou is praised as “the South Gate of China”. Located at the north of the Pearl River delta, it is an important trading center as well as a busy port and the capital city of the province of Guangdong. There are plenty of things to do and see.

Like Athens of Greece and Rome of Italy, Guangzhou also has a history of more than 2,800 years. There are a lot of interesting legends concerning its past. One of the beautiful stories which gives the city its name Goat Town says that five gods riding on five goats brought the first grain to the city. So, it is also known as the City of Five Goats.

Have you ever heard of the Chinese Export Commodities Fair, also called Canton Fair? It has been held two or three times a year in the city since 1957, winnig its renown of “China’s No.1 Fair” for the longest history, the highest level, the largest scale, the most complete exhibit variety, the biggest buyer attendance, the broadest buyer distribution, the greatest business turnover, and the best credit standing in China. Besides traditional way of negotiating against samples, the Fair holds Canton Fair online.

"Eating in Guangzhou" has become a popular saying both at home and abroad. Guangzhou ranks first in the number of restaurants and tea-houses in the country. While here, trying Yue Cai (Cantonese Cuisine), one of eight Chinese famous cuisines, is definitely a must in Guangzhou! Cantonese cuisine is good in color, fragrance, taste and presentation.

While exploring the city, stop and admire the beautiful scenery of Pearl River at night, which is the most famous sight in Guangzhou. In the mood to shop? Enjoy a visit to Shangxia Jiu Lu, Beijing Lu and Di Shi Fu Lu, which are full of vigor and current fashions, you can find something worth taking home. Be sure to stop in Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall, severed as a place of worship in honor of Sun Yatsen, the forerunner of Chinese democratic revolution. Inside, you will find significant outlooks and delicate designs.

If you are in the mood to travel outside of the city, travel to Conghua Hot Springs, Xiqiao Hill Scenic spot, Seven Star Crags, and Foshan City. Lots of tourists to Guangzhou like to cover one or two of them for out-of-city pleasure.


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In ancient days, Guangzhou was the capital city for three Chinese dynasties: the Nan Yue (South Yue), the Nan Han (South Han) and the Nanming (South Ming). Thus it was put in the list of the 24 most famous historical cultural cities and became a tourist destination. You can not understand most Chinese cities deeply until you know their history. This is true of Guangzhou. Many historic sights: the Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum, the Zhenhai Tower and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall tell us the 2,000-year history of Guangzhou.

Here and there stand monuments of the city's democratic and revolutionary past. The monument to the Anti British struggle at San Yuan Li is in remembrance of the 1841 uprising against a British invading force. The Huang Hua Gang Park keeps alive the spirit of the 72 martyrs killed in an 1911 uprising against the Manchu dynasty. The National Peasant Movement Institute is the former cadre-training school founded and run by Mao Zedong and Zhou En Lai in 1925-1926. The Guangzhou Memorial Garden is in memory of those who lost their lives during the Communist Uprising in 1927.

Hotel facilities and service in Guangzhou are fine. A word of warning: Do make a reservation beforehand if you decide to visit Guangzhou during the Canton Fair. For visitors, especially those plan to attend the Canton Fair, transportation in Guangzhou is more and more convenient. You can choose plane, train, ship or bus.