Guangzhou is one of the oldest seaports in the world. From the ancient Romans and Arab traders to the Portuguese and British merchants, this city has had many foreign influences over the years. The biggest port in China, Guangzhou is known by many names such as Huacheng (the Flower City), Suicheng (the Rice-ear City), and Yangcheng (the Goat City). Because of its nearness to Hong Kong, Guangzhou has adopted many of Hong Kong’s influences such as keeping a second job. Many locals usually work two jobs to earn extra cash which is why people here have the highest average income in the country.
Guangzhou Weather
The weather in Guangzhou is pleasant year round with an average temperature of 22° C (72° F) because the city has a sub tropical climate. Guangzhou receives plenty of rain with the average annual rainfall at 3,450 mm (11 feet). Autumn is the best time to visit the city because the weather is cool and pleasant.
Shopping in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a shopper’s paradise. You can find fashionable dresses and jewelry, watches, cosmetics, computer and electronic goods, sports goods and antiques. There are many specialty streets in this city.
Agricultural or medicinal products are at Qingping Market
Different varieties of jade are at Hualin Street
Different antiques are at Wende North Street
Food and dry goods are at Yide Road
You can buy just about anything on the pedestrian only streets of Xiajiu Lu, Dishifu and Beijing Lu
The popular shopping centers in the city include Nanfang Mansions, Guangzhou Department Store, Guangzhou Wangfujing Department Store, Xin Da Xin, Dongshan Department Store, Nanda Tianmao Square and Wankelong Shopping Center.
What to Wear in Guangzhou
Deciding what to wear in this city depends on the kind of vacation you want. If it is a business trip, pack good suits because the executives in this city are normally very well-dressed. For the average tourist, jeans, t-shirts and shorts are perfect. Include some clothes with sleeves if you like, keeping in mind that you cannot wear any revealing clothes to religious places like a mosque or the various temples in the city.
Travel Around Guangzhou
There are plenty of ways to get around Guangzhou. Buses, taxis, the subway and rental cars are great ways to see the city. The best way to tour Guangzhou is by taxi. Since most Chinese people read and speak very little English you should have your destination written in Chinese on a slip of paper and hand it to the driver. Taxis charge ¥7 for the first 2 km (1 mile), but after that the rates vary. Do use a taxi without a meter since they are illegal. If you prefer to see the city by yourself, consider hiring a driver to because the traffic here is quite rough and gets very congested at rush hour.
Health Services in Guangzhou
There are many hospitals and clinics in Guangzhou in case of a medical emergency. For emergency medical assistance you can call the Guangzhou Emergency Center at (telephone number) 120 and they will dispatch an ambulance and a medical team to your residence. Some important hospitals in the city include SOS Clinic (run by foreign doctors who have had overseas training and experience); Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Global Doctor Medical Center and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital.
Guangzhou Nightlife
Guangzhou’s nightlife is mild comparated to a city like Shanghai. Although there are many bars and pubs in the city, the nightlife is restricted to drinking and some clubbing. There is a ‘bar street’ called Bai-E-Tan Bar Street on Changti Road in the Fangcun District that stretches along the Pearl River. This street’s design was based on Hong Kong's famous Lan Kwai Fong area. Cave Bar, Elephant and Castle, Hard Rock Café, Harley Disco Bar, Hill Bar, 50 Cent and House Disco are just some of the many bars/karaoke clubs in the city. For those who prefer a milder but equally entertaining evening, the Guangzhou Grand Theater is ideal. It is an amusement park with a theater hall, cinema and dancing hall. Another option is to go see a Cantonese opera performance.
Dining Out in Guangzhou
Dining out in this city is an amazing experience beacuse some of the best food in the country is found here. Cantonese cuisine is one of the four major cuisines in China and is absolutely delicious. Dumplings, pastries, and noodle dishes are popular items on any menu in Guangzhou, but perhaps the most famous popular of all is dim sum. Some good restaurants to eat at include Lucy’s, Banxi Restaurant, Cow and Bridge, Rose Club Garden, Banana Leaf Curry House and Lan Kwai Fong.
Guangzhou Business
As Guangzhou is a commercial and industrial city the locals are involved in many businesses. Shipbuilding, textiles, sugar-refinery, household electrical appliances, computers, petrochemicals, rubber products and garments are some of the main businesses in Guangzhou. Many natives are involved in the shipping industry as well because this city is a major shipping port.
