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Guangdong Travel Guide


Guangdong MapGuangdong Province is situated in the southern part of China mainland. It adjoins Jiangxi and Hunan provinces to the north, Fujian Province to the east, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the west and to the south across the Qiongzhou Strait is the island Province of Hainan. Guangdong province covers an area of over 180,000 square kilometers (69,502 square miles) and has permanent population of 74,730,000. It also has 3,368 kilometers (1,300 miles) of winding coastline, which is the longest in the country. Rivers from all over the province meandering through the fertile Pearl River Delta discharges into the South China Sea at the half waypoint of the coastline. The Pearl River Delta is one of China's most densely cultivated areas. Situated right at the top of this river delta at the confluence of the North River, East River and West River is the provincial capital city of Guangzhou, which was formerly known as Canton to the western world.

History

Five-Rams Statue in Guangzhou Yuexiu Park
Five-Rams Statue
in Guangzhou Yuexiu Park
Statue of Sun Yat-sen
Statue of Sun Yat-sen,
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is an ancient city with a history of 2800 years. It is named 'the spring city' because with long summer the city is always with green plants and blooming with fresh flowers all years round. Myth legend tells of Guangzhou was founded by Five Immortals riding five rams, each ram planted a stalks of rice grain which symbolizes abundant of harvest or prosperity. And this is how Guangzhou got its nickname, 'Yang Cheng' literally means 'Goat City'. Guangzhou provides traveler with their first taste of mainland China, thus resulting in also been the first place of mainland China where foreign influences enters into the country.

Guangzhou is also the main communication center of Guangdong with generous amount of railways, highways, bridges, multi levels of flyovers and labyrinth of waterways. Ferries are still very much in use as a mode of transport, which also provides river excursion. With so many types of transport, it's not difficult to go to other places, towns and other areas in Guangdong Province.

 Cities in Guangdong

 Chaozhou

 Dongguan

 Foshan

 Guangzhou

 Heyuan

 Huizhou

 Jiangmen

 Jieyang

 Maoming

 Meizhou

 Qingyuan

 Shantou

 Shanwei

 Shaoguan

 Shenzhen

 Yangjiang

 Yunfu

 Zhanjiang

 Zhaoqing

 Zhongshan

 Zhuhai

What to See

Window of the World, Shenzhen
Window of the World, Shenzhen
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Guangzhou
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Guangzhou
Guangdong has many picturesque tourist places of attractions. No matter be it a natural scenic spot, a historical or cultural site, it has its own highlight and interest. Here, each tourist can find what he or she wants to see. If you want to appreciate the beautiful natural landscapes, you can go to climb Guangdong's four famous mountains. They are Danxia Mountain in the north, Xiqiao Mountain at the South China Sea, Luofu Mountain in Boluo and the Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing. Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan) and the Pearl River water front could be enjoyed in Guangzhou.

Up North by the Hunan and Jingling borders is the Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan. Journeying to the east from Shantou you may see much beautiful countryside scenery. To the west may lead you to Guangxi Province with picturesque lakes and hill landscapes. At the south is China's Special Economic Zone with the two well known cities of Shenzhen just north of the former British colony of Hong Kong and Zhuhai on the border with the former Portuguese enclave of Macau. At Shenzhen, you can complete a round-the-world trip in one day by visiting Splendid China and Window of the World. It exhibits collection of scale models of the world's famous structures or monuments such as the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower of France and many others. Downtown in Shenzhen you may find the China Folk Culture Villages. This folk culture village introduces to tourist the different natural conditions and social customs of all the various Chinese ethnic groups. Different colorful ethnic group cultural dances and performances were held at every interval of thirty minutes. Besides that you may also get to see some arches, pavilions, huts and paintings on rock.

For sports enthusiastic people, there are some golf courses built with international standards in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and other cities. You can also have much fun in some excellent beaches existing along the thousand kilometers of coastline.

When to Go

Guangzhou Yuexiu Park
Guangzhou Yuexiu Park in Spring
Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou
Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou
Guangdong has a subtropical climate. Summer can be sweltering hot and wet. Typhoon hit this province frequently in summer and autumn. Annual rainfall averages nearly 1500-2000 millimeters and annual temperature averages 19C - 26C. So the best time for travelers to Guangdong is in spring and autumn.

Related Links: Guangzhou Weather     Shenzhen Weather

Guangdong is famous for its fine gastronomy Cantonese cuisine. Many returning oversea Chinese would enjoy dinning in the various restaurants. All in one words Guangdong is graceful and charming. The bustling markets, the brightly lighted night fair, the Cantonese restaurants and tea house that can be found everywhere and the wholeness of it tells you, the full essence of Guangdong Province. What you have to do is to visit, experience and relish it.

 Recommended Guangdong Tours:
Guangzhou Sightseeing Tour: 3 Days to Guangzhou highlight attractions
Shenzhen City Tour: 2 days to visit Splendid China and the Folk-Custom Culture Village
 More China Tour Packages

Q & A Search:

Q & A on Guangdong

1.

Jul. 30,2010 22:12 Reply

Mrs.Tung(USA) said:

We will be arriving in Guangzhou by train from Beijing. We want to take the subway from the main railway station to East Railway Station to catch intercity train to Hong Kong. Will subway maps and stops be listed in pinyin as well as Chinese? Will train stations have foreigner's window with English-speaking clerks where we can buy tickets?

Jul. 31,2010 02:52
Mr.Shan replied:

Please take it easy that all of the metro map and stops do have Pinyin version. The direction map is also shown in English. And, you could purchase ticket at the vending machine which has English service.

I think you could refer to this website's Guangzhou metro map in English. So, will not miss your stop!

2.

Jul. 29,2010 05:28 Reply

Ms.Lui(Philippines) said:

Dear Mr. Jamie:
I plan to be in guandong next week. How's the weather there? Please advise so i can bring appropriate clothing.

Thanks in advance.

Jul. 29,2010 23:16
Mr.Tyler replied:

Short Sleeves, at most a long sleeves, seems would rain in the beginning of next week but later it would be sunny. Prepare sone sun lotion.

3.

Jul. 23,2010 02:44 Reply

Mr.Manuel Pascual(Philippines) said:

I would like to travel Guanzhou next year 1st week of June. What are the places can I visit for tourist attraction.

Jul. 23,2010 22:05
Mr.Jamie replied:

You could go to the Yuexiu Park, the White Cloud Mountain, Ancestal Temple as well as take a night cruise on the Pearl River. It is suggested that you read the Guangzhou attraction introduction on this website.

4.

Jul. 10,2010 07:08 Reply

Ms.Dominick(USA ) said:

I am going on a trip to Hong Kong and Guangdong for business next week. I am looking for all areas for production of handbags and all materials associated with that production. How easy will it be to find my way around? Will taxi's understand english?

Jul. 17,2010 01:35
Mr.Daniel replied:

Most taxis don't understand English, you can ask for a local travel agency for help. Good Luck!

5.

Jul. 3,2010 02:51 Reply

Ms.josette(philippines) said:

hi! where specifically in China are the bamboo plantations located? I planning to visit bamboo plantations and its manufacturers. Is it possible if I can get contacts?

Thank you.

Jul. 5,2010 21:20
Mr.Kevin replied:

You can go to Anji County in Zhejiang Province. It is a product place for bamboo.

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