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Globetrotter

22 May 2023 - 4 min read

Getting Around Guangzhou, China

The city of Guangzhou serves as the capital of the province of Guangdong. One of the most populous and industrially advanced provinces in China, Guangdong is also one of the largest. Its exceptionally clean and user-friendly public transit infrastructure can gauge this city's development.

Hotels in Guangzhou

Guangdong, China · 1467 hotels available

Those visiting for a vacation can be certain that you will have no issue going to any of the various locations in this city. The months of October through December are ideal for a trip to Guangzhou. Throughout these months, the temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius. Moreover, there is continuous sunshine throughout the day.

Moreover, various celebrations are held annually in Guangzhou. A good example is the Canton Fair, which takes place in China from October through November. There are still plenty of fun celebrations in the other months.

How to Get around Guangzhou

If you plan to explore the city through its hidden places, you should know how to get around. Here are the options for transportation you can try in Guangzhou.

Guangzhou Bus Rapid Transit

The Bus Rapid Transit system in Guangzhou is the simplest kind of public transportation. Guangzhou's BRT system, which includes the BRT with the world's longest track (260 miles, including the bridge), has been operational since 2010. Between 6:30 and 23:30, you can catch this bus once every minute. Thanks to the plethora of fleets and the persistent arrival frequency, you shouldn't be concerned about missing this bus.

Route: Getting around Guangzhou is easy, as there is only one bus route. The route leaves Tianhe's western district and travels to Huangpu's eastern district. There are a total of 26 stops along the route.
Tickets: In Guangzhou, bus fares can cost anything from CNY 2 to CNY 14, depending on the route taken. Only electronic currency or a dedicated travel card will do for this transaction type.
Tips: You should always double-check the next stop to ensure you don't get off at the wrong one. Just remember to wait at designated stations and stops at all times.

Guangzhou Metro

The Guangzhou Metro is a public transit system that runs nearly around the clock. This mode of transportation has been around since 1997. The advancements made in this transportation system are remarkable. Over 200 kilometers per hour is possible on some of the trains used. Guangzhou's metro line, at around 621 kilometers, is the world's third-longest.

Route: There are currently 16 lines that make up the Guangzhou metro system; 14 of these run within the city itself, while the other 2 extend outside its borders. You can use either the Guangfo line or the Zhujiang New Town APM line to get out of the city.
Tickets: Tickets cost between 2 and 14 CNY. Tickets for a single day are 20 CNY. Three-day passes can be purchased for CNY 50 if you plan to stay longer. Your ticket will become part of a unique card in the future.
Tips: Plan ahead by researching the train's itinerary and departure times. It's fine to arrive early in order to study the map.

Guangzhou Tram

With service beginning in September 2021, trams are a relatively recent addition to Guangzhou's public transportation options. Guangzhou's trams link the central business areas and the city's many suburbs.

Route: The Huangpu and Haizhu lines are the primary routes in use today. Around 13 stations may be found along the Huangpu line, but just two are found along the Haizhu line.
Tickets: The price range is from CYN 2 to CYN 14. Cash is not accepted; only a designated card can be used for payment.
Tips: In order to better prepare yourself, you can view the routes and times of departure in advance. In addition to asking at the ticket booth, you can check out the station's map.

Bike Rental

To navigate around the city, you may also rent bicycles. Renting a bicycle in Guangzhou is simple. If you ride a bicycle, you can go around town without fear because of the city's dedicated bike lanes.

Tickets: Daily rates average between CYN 20 and CYN 30.
Tips: Both regular bicycles and electric bicycles are available for rent. If you're going to hire an electric bicycle, pick one that has a fully charged battery.

Taxi

Taxis are another option for getting about the city. It's not hard to hail a taxi in Guangzhou. They populate the areas surrounding major transportation hubs like airports and train stations. Almost 90% of cabs in Guangzhou have meters. In addition, many of the drivers are fluent in English and keep a clean vehicle.

Tickets: CYN 2.6 for the first 2.5 kilometers, with a CYN 1 rise for each additional kilometer traveled. Moreover, gasoline charges at a rate of CYN 1 per km must be covered.
Tips: Pre-boarding fare calculation is recommended. It is possible to do a rough calculation of the route.

Angkong

You can readily locate rickshaws or Angkong, Guangzhou's traditional mode of transportation, wherever in the city. Drivers of Angkong rickshaws sit in front of their passengers. This rickshaw operates similarly to a bicycle but with the addition of a rear-mounted cart for carrying passengers. Some rickshaws are just meant to transport merchandise, while others can also transport people.

Tickets: Costs are determined by the route taken. Short trips, often between 10 and 20 CYN.
Tips: Prices and rates can be discussed in advance. You might bargain down the price if you find it too high.

Tips on Getting Around Guangzhou

If you want to learn something in English, ask a foreigner. Many Caucasians can speak Mandarin well. Most of them live in China and teach English there. They know Chinese well.
Also, try asking school-aged teens or people who work in an office. Not for sure, but it's more likely that you'll find someone who speaks English.

Guangzhou's excellent public transit system will help you have a more enjoyable trip. Don't forget to download Traveloka for added fun.

When you book your trip via Traveloka, you gain access to various helpful services that will make your trip much more enjoyable!

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