Guangzhou Facts

Yuexiu ParkYuexiu Park

Name: Guangzhou (广州; Guǎngzhōu (/guang-zhou/)
Meaning: 'broad prefecture'
Previous names: Panyu, Canton
Most popular food: dim sum

Features

  • This has long been one of China's richest trading cities.
  • Guangzhou is a base for foreign merchants and traders.

Main Attractions

History

Sun Yat Sen Memorial HallSun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

The city has been a provincial capital city since the Han Empire era 2,200 years ago and a major trading port since about the year 226.

  • 206 BC The area became the capital of the Nanyue Kingdom.
  • 111 BC Panyu became a provincial capital of the Han Dynasty.
  • 1700s Under the Qing Dynasty, Canton became the biggest international trading port in the country.
  • 1841 The British Empire captured Canton.
  • 1938 The Empire of Japan conquered the city.
  • 1949 The Communists conquered the city.

Geography

  • Significance of city: international merchants center; China's third largest city
  • Nearby cities: Dongguan (50 km/31 mi), Shenzhen (244 km/152 mi), Hong Kong (134 km/84 mi)
  • Municipality terrain: Pearl River Delta and low mountains with the South China Sea as the southern boundary
  • Average altitude: 21 meters (68 feet)
  • Main rivers: Pearl River

Location Information

  • Municipality location: 22.26N to 23.56N, 112.57E to 114.03E, in southeastern China
  • Municipality Population: 12,700,000
  • Municipality Area: 7,434 sq km (2,870 sq mi)
  • Urban area: 3,843 sq km (1,484 sq mi)
  • Urban population: 11,000,000
  • Urban population density: 2,862/sq km
  • City center: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (23.13N, 113.36E), in Yuexiu District

Climate

Shimen National Forest ParkShimen National Forest Park
  • Average highest temperature in July: 32.8 °C (90.9 °F)
  • Average lowest temperature in January: 10.3 °C (50.5 °F)
  • Humid subtropical climate with annual monsoons from April to September; annual precipitation: 1,735 mm (68.3 in). There is a sudden onset of the monsoon season involving rainfall and a change of temperature each spring.

Economy

  • Average annual income: (2008) 89,498 RMB (13,111 USD)
  • Development: developed; the per capita income is among the highest of China's large cities. It is an electronics and clothing manufacture center and a trade hub for international merchants.
  • CBD: Tianhe East Train Station (23.15 N, 113.33 E)
  • Shopping streets: Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Tee Mall

Transportation

Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on March 13, 2013
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Q: Rozita Asked on 2013-03-30 Reply
Hi there. We are going to guangzhou from 11-15th April. We are looking for an aprtment somewhere at Yuexiuu or Liwan district. Can u suggest an apartment with a ggod rate for family of four? Xie xie

Hi Rozita, Dongfang Hotel Guangzhou in Yuexiu District is recommended. http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/guangzhou-hotels/dongfang-hotel-guangzhou.htm

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-04-02
Q: tom Asked on 2013-03-25 Reply
Nihao, I had planned to come to Guangzhou this week but I just found out I need a Visa for China visit. I was wanting to see the Tianhe Sports Center and the pingpong championships Mar 28-31 but I will not be able to make it in time. I was looking at hotels & flights in the Tianhe district and thought Hengdong Business Hotel would be OK ? but I see you recommend Sha Xing Hotel - Maybe I will travel in the future and was wondering if you might tell me if Hengdong Hotel is near the Sports Center? I have studied Japanese and do read many Chinese characters but only know a few words in Chinese - but I can always use sign language yes ?? and am sure many Chinese speak some English - OK, thank you, tom

Hi Tom, Hengdong Hotel is about 6km to the Sports Center. Yes, some of the Chinese( especially the young one) speak some English.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-27
that hotel is about 6km from sports center - is there a hotel closer to sports center which is nice, clean hotel w/maybe restaurant? also, what is best way to get to Tianhe district from Airport ? thank you guest Replied on 2013-03-27
Hi Tom, for hotels in Guangzhou, please check here:http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/guangzhou-hotels/ And here is a map of Guangzhou metro for your reference: http://images.chinahighlights.com/chinamap/city/guangzhou/guangzhou-subway-map.jpg You can take metro from the airport to the sports center in Tianhe District. Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-27
Q: Priscilla Tsvaki Asked on 2013-02-03 Reply
hi.i am planning a trip to Guangzhou to shop for kids clothes,shoes and accessories for 0 to 12 year olds.i would like to know how much it will be to have a tour guide per day to guide me and bargain for me.i also want to know how many days i need to really go around and shop well so i can resell my products and get a good profit.i also need to know a cheap hotel that is near the shopping malls with the kids accessories.is it also possible for the guide to pick me up at the airport and drop me at the hotel...thank you

Hi Priscilla, it is CNY550 for an English speaking tour guide to assist business for you per day(8hrs). The price doesn't include the meal or transportation cost. Our tour guide can pick you up from the airport and escort you to the hotel, however, as we state before,  the cost on transportation is on your expense.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-02-05
Q: Farha Asked on 2013-02-02 Reply
Hi,I am planning a trip to china with my son who is 16,we want to shop,sightsee,and hv fun time,please suggest us places to visit keeping these things in mind,also suggest us good and reasonable hotels in the Center place which is safe and around shopping...we are coming from mumbai,India and want to spend 15 days there...thanks
Dear Sir or Madam, Guangzhou is a good place for shopping. There are some attractions for visiting. We listed some options on our website for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/ For shopping: http://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/shopping.htm Sha Xing Hotel(2*) and Lido Hotel(3*) are usually recommended to our clients because of their good location and good rate. You could search more hotels on line. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/guangzhou-hotels/ Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-02-04
Q: pakiso pule Asked on 2013-01-09 Reply
Dear MadamI am would like to travel to Guangzhou for shopping some time in March and would be interested to get a reasonable hotel close the malls. I have been told one can get quality clothes and electronics at reasonable amounts. I will be flying from Johannesburg and would like to know the best route. Could it be to Hong Kong then connect to Guangzhou? How much could the hotel cost? And connecting transport, if by train? Or alternatively I could take direct flights.Kind regardsMs Pule
Dear Sir or Madam, You could find many shopping malls in Yuexiu district and Tianhe district. Please check the good places for shopping on our website. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/shopping.htm Sha Xing Hotel Guangzhou is a cheap hotel, located at Tianhe district. You also could find a good one on the website. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/search-hotel.asp Guangzhou is near Hong Kong, there are many trains between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. It takes about 2 hours and it costs about USD31 per person. It is easy to buy it on arrival. If the rate of the flight ticket from your country to Hong Kong is cheap, you could flight to Hong Kong, then take a train to Guangzhou. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-01-11