Since ancient times, Baiyun Mountain has been a famous spot to experience the natural beauty of Guangzhou. Through late spring and after a rain shower, a wreath of airy clouds can be seen encircling the mountain. This is why it’s also called the White Cloud Mountain. Baiyun is about 17 kilometers from the city and consists of 30 different peaks, the highest one being 1,253 feet tall. Most locals and tourists come here to escape the bustling city life, as well as see a spectacular view of Guangzhou while taking in the fresh mountain air. Intense trekking is not required because some points can be accessed through cable cars and stairs.

Canton Tower, the landmark of Guangzhou, stands tall at 1,968 feet by the south bank of the Pearl River facing Haixinsha Island to the north. It’s the highest TV tower in all of China and the third highest in the world. This allows visitors a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Get to enjoy many entertainment features, highly rated restaurants, and lookout platforms for you to get that perfect Canton Tower shot when you go inside the tower! Designed by Mark Hemel, it is also an architectural marvel. It was inspired by the bones of the female hip joint and a slim waist in the middle, making it look like a woman twisting and looking behind.

Chimelong Safari Park is considered the best safari park in all of China and the largest one in the world for having the most species of wild animals. This park covers an area of more than 1,333,340 square meters that you can explore on your own. You can do a self-driven tour, which makes the tourists feel like they’re in an actual wilderness. Get to see over 20,000 rare animals from more than 500 different species, such as giant pandas, white tigers, orangutans, koalas, and many other endangered animals.

At the southern side of Yuexiu Mountain is Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, one of Guangzhou’s most popular landmarks. It is the largest hall built in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. Get to know about the life and deeds of Sun Yat-sen in the exhibition hall and also see many different ancient trees that surround the area.

Shamian Island, which means “sandy surface” in Chinese, is an elliptic sandbar in Liwan District, Guangzhou. It’s surrounded by water and is often visited by locals and tourists for a quick escape or a leisurely stroll. Others go here to visit the many historical buildings that line up the streets as you go further along the island. Coming here is like walking back in time and living in simpler times, only you’ll find more European structures and designs and a mix of many different people.

The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, also known as the Chen Clan Academy or Chen’s Lineage Hall, was once a place for offering up sacrifices to ancestors and for study. Today, it serves as the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum to display the unique architecture of the province. It is also regarded as one of the four major cultural sites in Guangdong Province. This temple consists of nine halls, six courtyards, and nineteen buildings connected by corridors and covered by walls to separate them from the outside world.

Aside from being famous for its cuisine and attractions, Guangzhou is also known for its fantastic selection of wholesale markets. Each specializing in garments, leather, furniture, crafts, electronics, fake designer goods, and more. For clothing and other fashion items, go to Liuhua Garment Wholesale Center and choose from its four markets such as Baima, Yima, Tianma, and Hongmian. Check out Guangzhou Leather Wholesale Market and find good quality items at Mensa Plaza, Gain Hall, and Yifa Square if you're planning to buy leather products. If you're looking for gadgets, electronics, and IT products, head on to Ego, Pacific, and Buynow Digital Plazas.

Stretching to about 2,214 kilometers, the Pearl River is the third largest river in China and the largest one in Guangzhou. Here, tourists can enjoy the beautiful sights of the city–the night lights, lush trees, historical sites, and unique building structures lining up the river. Keep an eye out for the buildings in Shamian with the European-inspired architecture dating back to ancient times. You’ll also spot one of the eight most famous scenes in the city, the White Goose Pool. This is the widest, deepest, and most torrential part of the river. During the Dragon Boat International Invitational Tournament boats gather here.

Located 30 minutes away from downtown Guangzhou is Chimelong Paradise, one of the largest theme parks in China. Opened in 2006, it showcases the most advanced designs and techniques in the world. Thrill seekers are going to love the Uprightness Roller Coaster, which is ranked the top one roller coaster in the world, or the U-shaped Slide Board, which is the largest one in Asia. You’ll get a kick out of the other rides in this theme park, especially in the Water World section. You’re guaranteed to get soaked, so make sure you bring extra change of clothes!

If you’re a fan of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S TV show (who isn’t?), you need to check out Central Perk Cafe, which also goes by “Friends Cafe” or “Smelly Cat Cafe.” The interior of this delightful cafe is sprinkled with similar pieces from the show, and the beer and burgers on the menu are named after the show’s cast. True to character, the best-seller is Joey’s Burger! Come by early so you can lounge on the iconic orange couch while the song “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts play in the background.

Now is the best time to explore this amazing changes happening in Guangzhou. Check the latest cheap flights deals here and discover cheap hotel deals! ]]>