"Guangzhou" Guangzhou by xiquinho

Located at the tip of the Pearl River in the southern end of Mainland China, Guangzhou is also known as Huacheng (the Flower City) and Yangcheng (the Goat City). As one of the well-developed modern cities in China, it is the capital city of Guangdong Province (Canton) as well as a vital trading port. Today, it serves the major role as a gateway into the Mainland and has successfully attracted business investments from around the world. The Chinese Export Commodities Fair, an important half-yearly event, has been a major channel for Guangzhou to maintain trading ties with foreign merchants.

The central part of the city is occupied by several religious venues, such as the Huaisheng Mosque, which was among the first Muslim mosques built in China. The Temple of Six Banyan Trees, a Buddhist counterpart in the vicinity, has an interesting architectural style featuring a century-old octagonal pagoda. There are even traces of Western culture here as represented by the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a typical French construction built some 120 years ago.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Huanghua Gang Commemorative Park are places that you cannot miss, particularly if you are interested in the recent history of China. In the neighbourhood, the Yuexiu Park and Orchid Park are the ideal places for flower lovers. For some grand mountain views, outside the city border on top of the Baiyun Mountain, you can get an undisturbed view of the entire city, or in the Conghua Hot Springs Scenic Region, you can relax yourself in soothing hot springs. Elsewhere, the Shamian Island gives you a light European touch, while the Xiangjiang Wildlife World offers you a great escape to the wild.

"When it comes to eating, you must go to Guangzhou" is a saying that is often heard among Chinese people. With the variety and creativity in Cantonese cuisine, no one will be disappointed when dining out in Guangzhou. Similarly, when it comes to shopping, you will definitely find the trip very fruitful, as commodities from all provinces across the country are available here for your selection.