How to plan a trip to Guangzhou?

The third largest and thriving city in the Guangdong province of Southern China, Guangzhou, or Canton as it was known beckons loads of international visitors to experience the array of sites and attractions of this important Southern Gateway to China. The Iconic Canton Tower and the unique Guangzhou Opera House by Pearl River are just two modern examples in the city where the old historic China and new modern China blend beautifully while still retaining the rich history and embracing modernity.

Guangzhou_Twin_Towers | img via wikipedia commons

Travel formalities for Guangzhou

Valid travel documents such as Passport, air tickets or train/cruise bookings must be arranged in advance. With the new visa-free policy introduced by Guangdong Province in 2019, eligible visitors from 53 countries can arrive in Guangzhou for a stay/layover of not more than 6 days without obtaining a visa to China. 

To be eligible for this visa waiver, visitors must possess confirmed onward or return bookings for travel out of Guangzhou.These 53 countries can be easily checked online. Many visitors using serviced residences in Guangzhou are from these countries (on the visa-free stay option) as well as many others (with valid visas) visiting Guangzhou throughout the year.

Best time to visit Guangzhou

Blessed with a subtropical monsoon (wet-dry) climate typical for Southeastern China, visiting Guangzhou can be done all year through. However, knowing a little more information is useful.

The Spring (from March to May) and Autumn (September to December) seasons are cooler, dry and more comfortable and hence are ideal periods.In the winter months from January to February, the temperature drops to around 14 degrees centigrade. 

June to August months brings in summer and is hot with temperatures rising above 30 degrees centigrade.When planning your visit, also take into consideration what specific attractions you want to experience before deciding on the period of travel as well as the busy periods in Guangzhou for example the Spring Festival and Canton Fair where more people travel in and out of Guangzhou.

Getting to and about Guangzhou.

Arriving in Guangzhou - Being a busy hub of China there are many ways in which to arrive such as by flight, train, long-distance coach service and even on board a cruise liner.Once in Guangzhou, there are many modes of travel out of which the Metro System is predominantly used by most visitors such as those booked at Ascott ICC Guangzhou for their stay in this city.

Metro System – An advanced System, which has been in operation since 1999, the Metro provides excellent connectivity between the airport to the city centre, train station, main tourist attractions and the ferry port at very reasonable rates. 

Public Taxis – These can be easily hailed within metro areas and are more efficient when a few people need to get to a point faster.Local buses and 

public Bikes – Some intrepid travellers love to explore the province using these cheaper modes of travel.

Exploring Guangzhou

With a 2000-year-old rich history and culture, there is so much to see in this highly developed and modern city. Furthermore, for those interested in doing business this is one of the largest trading centres in the world and home of the popular Canton Fair.

Places of interest in the old part of the city are Liwan and Yuexiu areas, out of the many sites in these areas Zhenhai Tower, Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy and  Nanyue King Mausoleum are some of the places you can explore and many others as time permits.It is equally interesting to see the vast development in the modern part of Guangzhou with the scenic Pearl River complementing the glittering skyscrapers such as the Canton Tower, Chigang Pagoda etc. and even opt to do a cruise on the Pearl River.

Cantonese Food

Whether you are in the old part of the town, or the modern part take time to savour wonderful Cantonese food such as Wonton Noodles, Char Siu (barbecued pork), white cut chicken, sweet and sour pork and so much more delightfully filling and yummy. These are available at malls and many restaurants as you go about.

Desserts like egg tars and ginger milk pudding are also enjoyed by many visitors.

Other Useful Tips

Follow the weather in the city before you leave so that you have an idea of the climatic conditions.Carrying sunscreen and sun hats is vital.  A compact umbrella and raincoats are good to have as you go about in Guangzhou considering the weather patterns.