Guangzhou, China

Posted on Oct 11, 2016 in Places

Guangzhou (previously Canton) is China’s third largest city and a major port but it’s not a nasty, heaving metropolis.  It’s clean, green, easy to move around.  Traffic can be heavy at peak times but it has an uncrowded feel.  Strangely, there don’t seem to be any birds or animals of any type – even cockroaches!  In fact, it feels a little eerie at times.

The International Import Export Fair (or Canton Fair as it’s been known for years) is held twice a year and this is by far the biggest influx of international travellers to the area.

Given the size of the city, major hotels are scattered across a number of different districts so it’s important to be clear about the focus for your visit but in the end, the transport system can get you anywhere you need to go.  The Asian Games were held in Guangzhou in 2010 and apparently the Metro network received a major overhaul.  Today it’s user-friendly, efficient and accesses most areas of the city.  Much of the signage includes English however the ticket machines do not so even though English is minimal at the ticket office, it’s much easier to attempt communication there than guess.  We found a one day pass the best value – at Y20 (about $4) it can be used for a full 24 hours anywhere on the network.  Taxis are also cheap and plentiful most times except peak hours (and rainy days) but it’s important to have your destination written in English because most taxi drivers will not understand otherwise.

Currency exchange is not easy and counterfeit notes are everywhere – even from banks!  Away from the international airport, there are not a lot of exchange offices so if possible, hotel reception is a good option and they usually check all notes as they exchange.  You can access cash via ATM but without a human to check the notes, the risk of receiving counterfeit is high.  Otherwise, a visit to a bank is necessary but it’s extremely time consuming, we’re talking hours here!

Eating and drinking in Guangzhou is easy.  There are choices for all western palates but in my opinion the only thing you really must do is dim sum in a garden restaurant.  There are just a few left in the older area of town and they’re definitely worth seeking out.  We tried Panxi and even though there was no English menu, the staff were friendly and the pointing method worked well.  I didn’t find a great variety of top end restaurants in town but there were a few modern bistro style offerings (Social & Co was very pleasant).

Our primary purpose for visiting was the Fair, however, we did set one day aside for local sightseeing and we covered lots.  The Metro delivered us to the Chen Clan Academy (well worth a stop for a dose of history), we walked to the lake for dim sum, explored the Liwan District on foot and made our way to Shamian Island.  Special mention here… a tiny ‘island’ in the centre of town with tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets, beautifully preserved buildings and cute cafes.  It’s such a peaceful oasis that you could completely forget where you are.  In fact, it’s like being inside a bubble!  If sightseeing isn’t your thing, shopping malls are everywhere and all the usual stores are plentiful if required for supplies.

That’s about it from me.  I suppose I would say, Guangzhou isn’t a huge holiday destination but if it comes up on your radar as a stop over, I would definitely rate it.

Visited: October 2016