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Guangzhou is a bold, vast sprawl of a city with all the hallmarks of an Asian megalopolis: neon, traffic and good dining. Tourists and travellers come to this mecca to shop and eat: but there are plenty of alternative attractions just off the beaten path that will open your heart and mind.
1/tab.galleryImage.size}Get a bird’s eye view of Guangzhou from the observation deck of the Canton TV Tower
2/tab.galleryImage.size}East meets west on Shamian Island where Guangzhou’s first western traders settled in the late 1800s, bringing European and colonial architectural styles with them
3/tab.galleryImage.size}Designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, the asymmetrical Guangzhou Opera House is a must-see attraction
4/tab.galleryImage.size}See collections of contemporary and historical art from all around China at the elaborately decorated Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou
5/tab.galleryImage.size}Admire the grandeur of mother nature at Baiyun Mountain Park in Guangzhou
6/tab.galleryImage.size}Browse on Shangxia Jiu Lu, Guangzhou’s first pedestrian shopping street and home to more than 200 stores and traditional Qi Lou architecture
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Get a bird’s eye view of Guangzhou from the observation deck of the Canton TV Tower
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East meets west on Shamian Island where Guangzhou’s first western traders settled in the late 1800s, bringing European and colonial architectural styles with them
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Designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, the asymmetrical Guangzhou Opera House is a must-see attraction
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See collections of contemporary and historical art from all around China at the elaborately decorated Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou
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Admire the grandeur of mother nature at Baiyun Mountain Park in Guangzhou
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Browse on Shangxia Jiu Lu, Guangzhou’s first pedestrian shopping street and home to more than 200 stores and traditional Qi Lou architecture
Things to do
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
Drink
Lili Marleen
The up-and-coming financial district of Huanshi Road and Taojin Road is lined with banks and upscale hotels. Most of the hotel bars are marked by an upscale ambiance and upscale prices to match. Popular clubs such as Lili Marleen are on the pricey side – but there are less expensive options in the area, too.
Location
1/F Guangzhou International Building, 339 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District
If you're looking for the authentic xiaochi experience, go to Guangzhou Gourmet Paradise, home to a plethora of small and big eateries. Try the "No. 1 Scholar" congee, "boat" congee and traditional bamboo noodles from various vendors.
Location
Pantang Road, Liwan District
Eat
Xiguan Renjia
Another magnet for snack lovers, Xiguan Renjia in the Shangxiajiu area's Liwan Plaza aggregates branches of established local eateries. Examples of good Guangzhou eats on offer include double-layered milk pudding, fresh wonton soup and beef rice rolls.
Location
4/F, South Tower, Liwan Plaza, 9 Dexing Road, Guangzhou
One of the best known bar areas, Bai E Tan is on the southern bank of the Pearl River in the Fangcun area. The street becomes packed late at night, with the lawn running along the river’s embankment affording a great water view.
Location
Changdi Street in Fangcun
Eat
Panxi Restaurant
One of the city's most popular establishments, this restaurant features a garden setting and is located near the picturesque Liwan Lake. Its water chestnut cake, prawn dumplings and Sister Er's steamed dumplings are a must.
The liveliest bars are found on Yanjiang Road and Changdi Street on the northern bank of the Pearl River. These include hip hangouts such as Heihei Club, Muse and Soho Bar. But for live music, the happening True Color nightclub is the place to be.
This 133-year-old restaurant with an elegant décor was once the hangout for elites and literati. Before entering the restaurant, note the calligraphy on the large signboard overhead, which was the work of Kang Youwei, a heavyweight politician who played a vital role in a cultural reform movement of 1898. Today, the restaurant is most famous for its steamed egg custard bun and roasted suckling pig.
Guangzhou Restaurant has been open for more than 70 years. Gourmands should not miss its Wenchang chicken and milk tarts. The restaurant also offers a variety of modern and traditional Cantonese banquet menus.
Location
Main restaurant: 2 Wenchang South Road, Liwan District
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