Discover the best places in Guangzhou

At the heart of the Pearl River Delta in southern China, the city of Guangzhou remains one of the country’s most influential cities. It is the capital of Guangdong Province, formerly known in the West as Canton. For over two millennia, it has played a central role in overseas trade, and has evolved from a thriving maritime port into a modern international metropolis. In addition to its striking urban skyline, Guangzhou has a rich cultural landscape shaped by the Pearl River. The city is interwoven with huge parks, wetlands, reservoirs, and beautiful natural sites. To the north, the forested slopes of Baiyun Mountain offer scenic walking trails that pass historic temples, while the waterfalls, streams and lush woodlands of Shimen National Forest Park provide a peaceful retreat within the surrounding countryside. The nearby Nansha Wetland has a remarkable diversity of birdlife, particularly during the migratory season, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. In the evening, visitors can take a cruise along the Pearl River, as the city’s colourful lights illuminate the water.

Predominantly inhabited by Han Chinese, Guangzhou is regarded as the cultural heartland of the Cantonese-speaking region, also known as Lingnan. Lingnan culture is vibrant and dynamic, preserving cultural heritage from the Tang and Song dynasties that is rarely seen in other Han traditions. The elegant Lingnan architectural style can be admired at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an academic temple built during the Qing dynasty that now houses a museum of traditional folk art. The region is also renowned for Cantonese opera, intricate ivory and jade carving, and colourful folk festivals. Guangzhou’s colonial history can be explored on Shamian Island, where streets are bordered by European-style buildings dating from the nineteenth century.

Cantonese flavours may be the most familiar of the Chinese cuisines to a Western palate, largely defined by freshness and light seasoning to preserve the original flavour of the ingredients. For example, ‘white cut chicken’ is served with a dipping sauce of ground ginger and spring onion to savour the true taste of the meat. Dim sum is a meal made of small dishes like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mei (an array of spit-roasted meats) and char siu bao (sweet pork buns). It is often eaten with a pot of tea, and is a common social pastime for locals. The area also has an abundance of fresh seafood, with fish, prawns, crab and lobster featuring in seasonal dishes. Adventurous eaters can try snake soup, braised goose intestines or roasted pigeon, all of which are long-established specialties in Cantonese cuisine.

A trip to Guangzhou is a great opportunity to see a distinctive side of China, shaped by its maritime heritage and enduring international relations.