Top 10 Tourist places in Guangzhou

Guangzhou, otherwise known as Canton, is a popular place for its cuisine and foreign trade, which dates back to centuries. It is not just the skyscrapers and the glitzy malls that make Guangzhou a tourist hotspot, the rich culture is its real allure. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Guangzhou:

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: The busiest pedestrian streets in Guangzhou, there are 300 shops that line this street. The street is a mix of South European and Cantonese Style, which in itself is an attractive proposition altogether. It is only natural that you will find anything from Eurpean to Cantonese cuisine at the restaurants and the corner shops.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (Photo Courtesy: http://www.joguru.com)

A Night Boat on the Pearl River: The longest river in China, Pearl River is a combination of four river systems, which flow as one and reach the South China Sea. You could marvel at the endless neon lights reflecting on the river. The Scenic Corridor alongside the river is the perfect way to enjoy a walk with a gentle breeze against your torso.

A Night Boat on the Pearl River (Photo Courtesy: http://www.chinatourguide.com)

Former Site of Whampoa Military Academy: Guangzhou, the Whampoa Military Academy founded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen to groom military officers. The academy used to organize the revolutionary military talents at the time. The old school buildings, an exhibition of historical records, and Sun Yat-sen Monument are places you wouldn’t forget in a long time.

Former Site of Whampoa Military Academy (Photo Courtesy: http://www.china.org.cn)

Sacred Heart Cathedral: The oldest Cathedral in Guangzou, this Gothic style church was built in 1888. This church is 35 metres wide, 78.69 long with twin towers as high as 58.5 metres. No surprise that this is called the Notre Dame de Paris.

Sacred Heart Cathedral (Photo Courtesy: http://www.china.org.cn)

Baiyun Mountain: Baiyun Mountain lives up to its monicker of White Cloud Mountain. With its rich collection of historical relics and natural scenery, this mountain is a fascinating sight to behold with the white clouds that gather around its base.

Baiyun Mountain (Photo Courtesy: http://www.china.org.cn)

Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum: This museum gives a great account of the elegant Han Dynasty architecture as well as Guangzhou’s 2000-year heritage. The colorful murals and a silk-jade garment made up of 2291 pieces of jade, all joined by a single silk threat is the highlight of the mausoleum. 

Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum (Photo Courtesy: http://www.expedia.co.nz)

Yuexiu Park: The largest park in Guangzhou is also the most famous picnic spot around. This park is perched atop Mount Yuexiu, and known for its cultural relics and natural beauty.

Yuexiu Park (Photo Courtesy: http://www.visitourchina.com)

Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family: This ancestral temple is an academic and spiritual temple Guangzhou is proud of. The temple also houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum which showcases work from southern part of China including wood carvings and pottery.

Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Photo Courtesy: http://www.mychinatours.com)

Shamian Island: This is one of the best places to experience European architecture which include churches, consulates, schools, banks and offices. Styling cues range from gothic, boroque to the neoclassical.

Statues in Shamian Island Guangzhou (Photo Courtesy: http://www.panoramio.com)

Ours Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Shamian Island Guangzhou (Photo Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org)

Bright Filial Piety Temple: The history of this temple dates back 1700 years. The temple has a longer history than than the city of Guangzhou. The temple gives great insights into the history of Chinese Buddhism, culture, and architecture.

Bright Filial Piety Temple (Photo Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org)

China has seen a surge in tourism in the last decade, especially holiday makers from neighbor, India. A spate of international and India carriers operate flights to Guangzhou from India. A visit to China and Guangzhou in particular would be a fascinating holiday experience. Many of these carriers offer discounts and price-cuts on fares when you travel during the summer months or the months immediately following them. So plan a holiday. Guangzhou and China will be a exciting trip with many interesting stories to tell your friend once you are back home.