Guangzhou广州

Food CapitalCity of FlowersLingnan CultureTrade Gateway

Overview

Guangzhou (Canton), capital of Guangdong Province, known as the 'City of Flowers' and 'Goat City', is China's important trade gateway and a UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy'. The Canton Tower (Little Waist) is the modern landmark, while Chen Clan Academy, Shamian and Xiguan Houses preserve the essence of Lingnan culture. Guangzhou's food culture is world-renowned - dim sum, roasted goose, rice noodle rolls, and sweet soups are unforgettable. As one of the starting points of the Maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou has over 2,000 years of opening history. The Canton Fair is held here every year.

Key Facts

Area7,434 km²
Population1,868万
LanguageCantonese (Guangzhou dialect)
Best timeOct-Mar (avoid summer heat)

Top Attractions

Canton Tower (Little Waist)

Canton Tower (Little Waist)

600m tall, world's 3rd tallest TV tower. Features Ferris wheel, Sky Drop ride, spectacular night view.

Chen Clan Academy

Chen Clan Academy

Qing Dynasty ancestral temple of Chen clan, famous for exquisite wood, stone, brick carvings and pottery decorations. Treasure of Lingnan architectural art.

Shamian Island

Shamian Island

Sandbank in Pearl River, former British-French concession, preserves numerous European-style buildings. Guangzhou's most exotic corner.

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain

Guangzhou's most famous mountain, main peak 382m. Summit overlooks entire city. Great for sunrise hike.

Chimelong Safari Park

Chimelong Safari Park

China's largest wildlife park, with giant pandas, koalas and rare animals. Self-drive safari available. Perfect for family trips.

Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park

Guangzhou's largest comprehensive park, with Five-Ram Statue (city symbol), Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum), and Ming Dynasty city wall.

Food & Snacks

Cantonese Dim Sum

Cantonese Dim Sum

Guangzhou's most beloved dining culture. Har gow, siu mai, rice noodle roll, chicken feet, char siu bao etc. Pair with premium tea, enjoy life!

Roasted Goose

Roasted Goose

Classic Guangzhou roasted meat, crispy skin tender meat, dip in plum sauce. Shenjing roasted goose is the most famous style.

Rice Noodle Roll (Chengfun)

Rice Noodle Roll (Chengfun)

Classic Guangzhou snack. Thin rice noodle sheet steamed, wrapped around fillings, rolled and drizzled with soy sauce and sesame. Smooth and delicious.

Double-Skin Milk Pudding

Double-Skin Milk Pudding

Classic Guangzhou sweet soup, made with water buffalo milk, has double-layer milk skin on top. Fine, smooth, sweet and delicious.

Festivals & Events

Guangzhou Spring Festival Flower Market — Lunar last month 28th to New Year's Eve
Canton Fair — April, October

World & Intangible Heritage

Practical Tips

Dim Sum Recommended Before 9am

Guangzhou dim sum is truly 'early' tea, arrive before 9am for most authentic atmosphere

Summer Hot and Rainy

Guangzhou summer is extremely hot with sudden heavy rain, bring umbrella and heat protection

Cantonese Differs from Mandarin

Guangzhou dialect (Cantonese) differs greatly from Mandarin, but service industry widely uses Mandarin

Public Transport Convenient

Guangzhou Metro and buses cover extensively, use Yangcheng Tong card

Taste All Delicacies Takes Days

Guangzhou cuisine is extremely rich, reserve 3+ days to taste slowly

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