Discover Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a richly historical city with a history stretching back more than 2000 years. During the Qing Dynasty, Guangzhou was the only operational trading port in China and had regular access and contact with foreign traders and merchants. Guangzhou was one of the original cities of China’s modern revolution.
Guangzhou is the centre of politics, the economy, culture and transportation in southern China, as well as being a city of national historical importance. With its long history, Guangzhou possesses many places of interests.
Check out the latest Teaching Jobs in Guangzhou.
Food in Guangzhou
Guangzhou deserves its reputation for fine and varied dining. Even Chinese people themselves often speak of Guangzhou as being ‘a dining city’.
Drinking tea and having soup are features of dining amid Guangzhou’s distinct local culture. The taste is often fresh, light and soft, and Cantonese people insist on fresh, local ingredients.
Most of the authentic Cantonese-style restaurants can be found in Dongshan District, Yuexiu District and Liwan District. Panfu Road, West Jiangnan Road and Huifu Road are recommended for sampling the many tasty snacks on offer.
Getting Around
Guangzhou tourist transportation is developed, with comprehensive and convenient sea, ground to air transportation network. The city is the starting point of Guangshen (Guangzhou to Shenzhen) Railway, Guangsan (Guangzhou to Sanshui) Railway, and the destination of Jingguang (Beijing to Guangzhou) Railway. Besides, Guangzhou city public transportation is easy.
Shopping in Guangzhou
Guangzhou products are popular all over China. Stores and malls are easily found on both sides of the street, and tourists can find a multitude of different products. The city has many dedicated commercial streets and districts.
Yide Road is notable for its dried seafood. Shangxijiu Commercial Street, Beijing Road and Shifu Road are renowned shopping districts boasting a myriad of different products, including clothes and electrical goods. Hualin Temple Jade Article Street features jade wares and padauk furniture, and Wende Road is a popular local antique market.
Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price. Far from being considered rude, it would be seen as more unusual not to!
Must sees in Guangzhou
- Zhenhai Tower – The Zhenhai Tower is the Tomb of the Kong of Nanyue.
- Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family – This temple has been turned in to a folk museum called the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
- The Temple of Six Banyan Trees – the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road, translating to ‘the Six Banyan Trees Road’.
- Guangxiao Temple – Guangxiao Temple, also known as Bright Filial Temple, is a magnificant and ancient temple and is in fact one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Guangzhou.
- Sacred Heart Stone House Cathedral – Also known as ‘the stone house’, this cathedral is the largest granite Catholic structure in Southeast Asia, and one of only four all-granite Gothic churches in the world.
- Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall, Huangpu Military Academy, Huanghuagang Park and Guangzhou Peasant Movement Institute all played an imortant role in modern Chinese history.
- Baiyun Mountain Scenic Spot – Baiyun Mountain Scenic Spot is highly recommended for appreciating Guangzhou’s natural sites.
Cost of living in Guangzhou
| Item | CNY/RMB | GBP £ | USD $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at Chinese Restaurant | 25.00 | 2.92 | 3.63 |
| Meal at Higher End or Western Restaurant | 65.00 | 15.17 | 18.88 |
| Draught Beer (0.5 Litre) | 6.00 | 0.70 | 0.87 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 Litre Bottle) | 3.18 | 0.37 | 0.46 |
| Water (0.33 Litre Bottle) | 2.29 | 0.27 | 0.33 |
| Regular Milk (1 Litre) | 10.82 | 1.26 | 1.57 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | 8.00 | 0.93 | 1.16 |
| White Rice (1kg) | 7.92 | 0.92 | 1.15 |
| Skinless Chicken Breast (1kg) | 18.00 | 2.12 | 2.64 |
| One Way Public Transport Ticket | 2.00 | 0.23 | 0.29 |
| Monthly Pass (Unlimited Trips) | 300.00 | 35.01 | 43.58 |
| Taxi Start | 10.00 | 1.17 | 1.45 |
| Taxi After 1km | 2.60 | 0.30 | 0.38 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Inner City Journey | 30.00 | 3.50 | 4.36 |
| Monthly Utility Bills | 390.48 | 45.57 | 56.72 |
| Cinema Ticket (Western Release) | 55.00 | 6.42 | 7.99 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Monthly Rent (City Centre) | 4,010.50 | 468.04 | 582.54 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Monthly Rent (City Centre) | 8,350.00 | 974.47 | 1,212.86 |
