Located in Guangdong Province in southern China, Guangzhou was known as Canton under British rule. It is one of the most important cites in China and a main southern seaport. This city is a large, flourishing industrial and foreign trade center.
Guangzhou hosts the bi-annual China Export Commodities Fair, which attracts over 40,000 international visitors to this city in spring and fall every year.
Guangzhou is not just one of China’s most ancient cities, but one of the oldest cities in the world. Records of Guangzhou can be found dating back 2,100 years ago, as an important seaport in China. It is thought that Guangzhou was founded around 214 BC during the reign of First Emperor Qin Shihuang. Nicknamed Huacheng (the Flower City), Suicheng (the Rice-ear City), and Yangcheng (the Goat City), Guangzhou is currently the political, economic, educational, cultural and technological center of South China.
A Brief Description of Guangzhou City’s Map
This city is 7,475 square kilometers (4,635 sq. mi.), has a population of around 6 million and is divided by the Pearl River. Guangzhou itself is divided into eight districts and has the towns of Huadu, Conghua, Zengcheng and Panyu under its administration. With a sub-tropical and humid climate throughout the year, Guangzhou is full of greenery and flowers from which it gets the nickname Huacheng. This city is in a very advantageous position with its strategic geographical location. The Baiyun Hills lie in the north and in the south is the Zhujiang (the Pearl River) Delta. The rivers Dongjiang, Xijiang and Beijiang also converge here.
China’s Guangzhou is a modern metropolis said to have more tea-houses and restaurants than any city in the country. It is from here that the popular Chinese saying "eating in Guangzhou" (meaning “having it made”) originated. It is said that Guangzhou's catering industry is the best in the country. According to statistics, there are about 10,000 catering companies and restaurants in the city, some of which are more than a 100 years old. Most restaurants in Guangzhou, China offer three teas, two meals and one night snack, and are usually open until midnight.
There are also several universities in Guangzhou, China. These include the National Peasant Movement Institute, founded by Mao Zedong; the Zhongshan University, the South China University of Technology and the Ji-nan University. The main tourist attractions of this beautiful city include:
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family
Flowery Pagoda in the Liurong Temple
Baosheng Temple
Sever-star Crags in Zhaoqing
Ancestral Temple in Foshan
hot springs of Conghua
Guangzhou Districts:
Yue Xiu District
In the center of the Guangzhou, China the Yue Xie district encompasses the three important shopping streets of Guangzhou Beijing Road, Yang Zhong Womens Street and Gao Di Street (Fashion Street). Known for their wide variety of products and low prices, these streets are frequented both by locals and tourists alike. Also located here are Fu Qian Park, and the tourist hotspot of Yue Xiu Park, which has many historic sites.
Li Wan District
Li Wan district is situated in the western part of Guangzhou and is the city’s most developed area. The most popular places here are Shang Xia Jiu Road, a well-known shopping destination; Sha Mian Island, a small island on the Pearl River; the White Horse Shopping Plaza; the Mediterranean Marketplace and the Qing Ping Market. Also located in this district are many traditional businesses and homes with fabulous Chinese architecture. It is believed that the reason many people come here is because the women in Li Wan are considered to be the most beautiful in the city.
Dong Shan District
The Dong Shan district lies on the eastern side of Guangzhou. Many foreigners live in this part of the city. Located here are two of the Guangzhou’s most important business areas - Qu Zhuang and Tao Jin Keng, the Friendship Store, World Trade Plaza and many popular shopping malls and bars.
Da Sha Tou District
Many electrical appliance businesses can be found in Da Sha Tou, with second-hand appliances available at great bargain prices.
Hai Zhu District
South of the Pearl River is the Hai Zhu District. Formerly home to many of the city’s factories, this district is now a residential area. It also has China’s biggest market for bridal and evening gowns.
Tian He District
Tian He District is often referred to as Guangzhou’s ‘Silicon Valley’ because south China’s biggest computer market is found in this region. Many local youngsters roam the streets here to check out the latest in computer games.
Bai Yun District
In this district is the Bai Yun Mountain which offers a magnificent view of the city. Aside from the beautiful natural surroundings, there are also many historical sites.
