• Guangzhou

• Name in Chinese characters: 广州市
• Name in Pinyin: Guǎngzhōu Shì
• Status: Sub-provincial city

• -

• Located on the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong and the largest trade port in southern China.

  Many westerners know Guangzhou as Canton, an early, and very poor, transliteration. This is now largely associated with Cantonese food; the style found in take-aways abroad rather than the more delicate local style. Cantonese is also the name given to the local dialect which is quite distinct from putonghua (standard Mandarin).

  Those who know their history may also remember that Canton was the focus of the trade that led to the two Opium Wars in the 19th Century.

  Travel

  Baiyun airport (Airport code: CAN) is Guangzhou's new and impressive international hub. This offers a complete range of both domestic and international flights. International flights are often cheaper than those to nearby Hong Kong because landing fees are lower.

  Guangzhou has two main railway stations. The central one offers connections to much of the mainland (including Beijing and Lhasa) with some impressive high speed services (now to Wuhan in just 3 hours). More high speed services are being planned.

  Guangzhou East Station services points to the south including Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The latter is serviced by the KCR a fast and convenient means to enter the Special Administrative Region (effectively a border crossing).

  Guangzhou is the focal point of many express-ways and road transport is therefore a viable option. Bus services operate directly to Hong Kong and Hong Kong's International Airport as well as to a variety of mainland cities.

  Attractions For Visitors

  Bright Filial Piety Temple:

  Chen Ancestral Hall:

  Nanyue King's Tomb:

  Qingping Markets:

  Shamian Island:

  Six Banyan Tower:

  Yuexiu Park:

  Zhenhai Tower:

  Canton Tower:

  Excursions further afield can take you to:

  Lianhua Shan Lotus Hill:

  Kaiping City - Diaolou:

  Baiyun Shan:

  The following can be visited from Guangzhou in a day but are best enjoyed as overnight stays, or longer:

  Hong Kong:

  Macau:

  We offer the following itinerary within Guangzhou Prefecture:

  • Guangzhou Review

  The following China Journeys include Guangzhou:

  • Brave New China
  • Minority Rapport
  • The Meridian Line
  • Beyond Guangzhou: Hong Kong
  
  
  
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• Current Comments

  4 comments so far (post your own)

  Hi Ewan
  
  The wording from the fco.gov.uk website is as follows:
  
  "British nationals require visas to enter mainland China, but not Hong Kong or Macao. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island."
  
  You must get your visa before arrival in-country. Airlines should check that you have a valid visa and will not let you check-in without. At a land border you will simply be sent back.

  Posted by China Journeys on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

  Is it possible to get a visa on arrival at Guangzhou airport?

  Posted by Ewan on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

  Hi Brian
  
  Thank you for poitning out that oversight. It should have been added when we completed the relevant page.

  Posted by China Journeys on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

  The Canton Tower is not on your list of attractions. The last time I passed through only a few sections were open

  Posted by Brian Card on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

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