Situated in the southern tip of China, Guangdong province is a commercial behemoth. The province has developed into one of the most high-tech areas of China and is also the most dynamic market/investment environment in the country. The provincial capital, Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton), has long served as a window of China to the world. Commerce flows through the veins here, and this is reflected in the supreme affluence of the dominating mega-cities (Shenzhen may well be the world’s most advanced city). Besides all the urban attractions (and scrumptious food) you could possibly ask for, Guangdong is also home to some lesser-known natural beauty and sublime sights: these are a great counter-balance to the fast-paced life of the province’s cities. So let’s start to travel Guangdong province!
Travel Guangdong province: Guangzhou
The provincial capital of Guangdong, Guangzhou is an international metropolis with a rich trading history. Formerly known as Canton, Guangzhou was the only Chinese port accessible to foreign traders between 1760 and 1842 in the Qing Dynasty. This early mercantile history has resulted in today’s super-rich and cosmopolitan mega-city. Guangzhou may not have the amount of cultural attractions found in some of China’s other cities, but the city’s modernity (and food!) will most definitely leave a lasting impression. Tucking into some traditional dim sum or classic Cantonese food should in itself keep you busy for awhile…
The observation platform at the unique Canton Tower is a great place for a bird’s eye view of the entire Guangzhou skyline. The tower has a stunning night time display and is also home to the world’s highest Ferris wheel. Canton Tower really does capture Guangzhou’s modern prosperity.
Chimelong Safari Park is a favourite with locals and tourists. Definitely not just a zoo, the park spans over 2,000 acres of land and includes a large section of undisrupted subtropical rainforest (making it the largest zoological garden in China). The park contains many wild animals from all over the world, many of which are rare species.
The food safari begins (and if you can’t control yourself, ends) in Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. A true foodie paradise, cut-loose on the traditional snacks of Guangzhou. Shrimp dumplings, rice noodles, double skin milk, egg tarts, yum cha, wonton noodles, sweet and sour pork… Making it down this 800 meter (2,600 foot) long strip without needing to loosen the belt is a great achievement…
Shamian Island is a former concession area and a must-visit attraction in Guangzhou. The proliferation of cafes, restaurants and bars set against 19th century English & French architecture (along with an intricate collection of historical buildings, statues, pavilions, flower beds and fountains) makes for a well-spent evening.
Head over to the immaculate city-centred Baomo Garden. There are some astounding porcelain sculptures and wood carvings on display here, as well as a huge collection of bonsai and koi fish pools. Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area is also a great urban attraction with a beautiful spring-time cherry blossom. In summer, be sure to catch the lotus flower bloom.
Baishuizhai Scenic Area is further out from Guangzhou city-proper and is a great place for hiking and sightseeing. The scenic area is endowed with lush trees and a 9,999 stone step hiking trail. The nearby Baishui Village is also famed for its waterfalls.
Travel Guangdong province: Shaoguan
The renowned historical and cultural city of Shaoguan is where you need to head for the most beautiful scenery in Guangdong province. The mountainous terrain here is also home to a splendid concentration of minority groups. Do not miss Mount Danxia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of more than 680 stone peaks, stone fortresses, cliffside inscriptions, historic ancient cottages, stone temples, and mountain-hanging coffins.
Cap-off the natural extravaganza with Guangdong Great Canyon. The canyon is 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) long and has a depth of more than 300 meters (980 feet). The canyon is densely forested with waterfalls, streams, and an abundance of wildflowers.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is rich. This modern metropolis is one of the primary financial and commercial centres of China: Shenzhen is one of the world’s biggest hubs of market capitalism. The eye-watering level of wealth which has poured into the city is evident in its numerous skyscrapers, grand architectural designs and modern buildings. Although the city may lack a certain level of history and natural beauty, the many theme parks, creative areas, art galleries, 5-star hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, shopping malls and countless other modern facilities draw in many.
Shenzhen may also well be the world’s ultimate (and apex for others to strive for) modern city. Forests cover 41.2 percent of the city’s total land. There are over 1,000 parks in the city. There is over 300 kilometres (190 miles) of biking trails. There are 23 water purification plants. The majority of the city’s operational vehicles are electric. With a continuously expanding economy and fast evolving science and technologies, Shenzhen is upgrading its industries to promote an environment-friendly lifestyle and low-carbon growth. This high-quality, optimally structured and low-energy consuming development mode has become the city’s new normal. Shenzhen is a glimpse into (hopefully) the world’s future…
Besides eating and just enjoying the overall ambience of this amazing modern city, begin the site-seeing trail with the view from the Shenzhen Ping An Financial Centre. The 116 floor high view allows you to soak in the immensity of the city. Head over to the Window of the World and explore vivid replicas of the world’s wonders. There are miniatures of famous landscapes from all over the world, such as the Thai Royal Palace in Thailand, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Dongmen Pedestrian Street (and it’s thousands of stores) is the place to head for your shopping and food fix. Finish up with Gankeng Hakka Town for some cultural enlightenment and agricultural experiences.
Travel Guangdong province: Foshan
Ultra-modern Foshan is actually a city with a 5,000 year old history. Cantonese opera, Wushu, dragon dancing and ceramic arts are all common place (and damn refined) in Foshan. Indeed, the city’s Wushu scene (or Kung Fu), gave birth to a certain Bruce Lee… This old-meets-new city is also fittingly famed for its scrumptious food. Foshan is the origin of one of the most important schools of Cantonese cooking and, as a result, attracts the interest of many gourmets and gourmands. The food is so good here that the Shunde District of Foshan is listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy… Overall, Foshan is full of all the attractions you would expect in any affluent city.
Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area is a blend of beautiful scenery and cultural attractions. The main mountain peak of the area is actually an extinct volcano: translucent lakes and spectacular waterfalls now dominate this post-dormant fissure. Gaoming Yingxiang Ecological Park is a conglomeration of all things sport: rock climbing, swimming pools, football fields, basketball courts, and water sports. If you do visit the park, dine at the famed farmhouse restaurant (scented chicken, roast whole lamb and citronella chicken should excite). For all the Kung Fu fanatics out there, a pilgrimage to the Bruce Lee Ancestor’s House is a must-do.
Zhuhai
Facing Hong Kong and Macau to the east, Zhuhai is an affluent city full of urban parks, long coastline and islands. With more urban attractions than we can delve into, the city is jammed-packed with state-of-the-art theme parks, museums, resorts and hot springs. Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is an enormous marine theme park with eight theme areas, amusement facilities (20 story high roller coasters etc) and animal performances. The proximity of the city to Hong Kong and Macau is underscored by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This 55 kilometre (22 mile) long bridge is a spectacular engineering feat.
Travel Guangdong province: Qingyuan
A 20 minute bullet train ride from Guangzhou, Qingyuan is known for it’s rafting culture. The abundant rainfall, numerous canyons and rivers make this an ideal place for rafting enthusiasts. The area is also a great place to immerse in traditional culture. With a large population of ethnic minorities (especially the Zhuang and Yao ethnicities), there are plenty of opportunities to take in cultural performances and explore traditional water villages. Begin with the Gulongxia Glass Grand Canyon (the world’s widest glass bridge is found here). Follow this up with a visit to the Millennium Yaozhai Village (an ancient Yao village built atop a mountain with spectacular views – the folk songs and dances are definitely worth seeing).
Once you are finished above the surface, venture into the subterranean attractions. Lianzhou Underground River is characterized by subtropical karst caves and (as the name suggests) an underground river. Dongtian Xianjing (or Cave Fairyland) has both sinkholes and karst caves, along with stalactites of various shapes and sizes.
Zhaoqing
Home to some breath-taking natural scenery, Zhaoqing is also China’s inkstone (a technique used by calligraphers and artists) capital. The city is rich in Cantonese culture, and our picks of must-see focus on the beautiful scenic areas found here. Qixingyan (Seven-Star Cave) is a classic karst formation of seven limestone peaks. The mountains and lakes here offer an opportunity for hiking and swimming. Cave enthusiasts can also explore the hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites (and stone carvings) within the cave area.
Nearby Dinghu Mountain is a healthy dose of clear lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. The area is also home to some ancient temples and is great for rock climbing.
We hope that this has inspired you to travel to Guangdong province!