As capital of Guangdong, Guangzhou is most well-known for being an economic power house as well as a paradise for epicures.
The central part of the city is occupied by religious venues, bearing evidence of the vicissitudes of the different cultural periods that Guangzhou has undergone. The Huaisheng Mosque was the first of its kind to be built in China, contrary to many people’s belief that the first one must have been built somewhere along the Silk Road.
The Temple of Six Banyan Trees, its Buddhist counterpart, has as interesting an architectural style with a century-old octagonal pagoda. There are even traces of Western culture here represented by the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a typical French construction built about 120 years ago. For those into Communism, head to the Communist Party Military Academy.
In the northern part of Guangzhou, there is little to see beyond a few parks. Yuexiu Park, the largest one in the city, is an ideal place for taking a stroll in and it also boasts the Monument and Memorial Hall to Sun Yatsen, China’s first, and arguably most popular, democratic revolutionary. Orchid Park is the Guangzhou Mecca for flower lovers (but not during winter).
For grand mountain views, you will have to go outside the city proper. Located at the mouth of Zhujiang River, Lotus Mountain boasts some interesting pagodas, temples and other Ming dynasty constructions, while to get an undisturbed view of the entire city, especially at sunset, you should head to Baiyun Mountain, whose popularity can be seen from the city airport.
Probably the best of all sights in Guangzhou, and the easiest way to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, is Shamian Island, shrouded in European atmosphere thanks to its colonial past.
| Yuexiu Park | Orchid Park | Liuhua Lake Park |
Related Informations:
