The first time for foreigners to visit Guangzhou
Guangzhou, a city with a long history and rich culture, attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique Lingnan style, rich food and convenient transportation. For foreigners visiting Guangzhou for the first time, here is a detailed guide to help you better understand the city and plan a pleasant trip.
First, prepare for the trip
Visa and entry
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance. Please visit the official website of the Chinese Embassy or consulate in your country to learn about the specific requirements and procedures for visa application.
Transportation reservation
Air tickets: Book a round trip ticket to Guangzhou, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the main international airport, there are many domestic and foreign flights.
Hotels: Based on personal preference and budget, book in advance for hotels located in the city center or easily accessible areas. It is recommended to choose the hotel along the subway for convenient travel.
Money and payments
Guangzhou uses RMB (CNY). Most places support mobile payment, such as Alipay, wechat Pay, etc., but it is recommended to exchange some cash for backup in case of emergencies.
communication
Buy a mobile roaming plan or buy a local data sim card online to access the Internet and make calls using your mobile phone.
Download utility APP
It is recommended to download a map APP(such as Amap) to plan your trip and check the distance between locations; Download delivery and dining apps (like Meituan) to find food.
Second, must visit the scenic spot recommendation
Canton Tower
Highlight: The landmark building of Guangzhou, the tower is 600 meters high, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the whole city of Guangzhou. At night, the Canton Tower is brightly lit and beautiful.
Suggestion: Go in the evening, enjoy the city view during the day, and then wait for night to fall, feel the bright night view of Guangzhou Tower.
Samando
Highlights: European-style buildings full of romance, known as Guangzhou’s little Europe. The island is tree-lined and quiet, perfect for walking and taking photos.
Suggestion: Take a stroll around Shamian Island for an exotic experience and a relaxing afternoon at one of the island’s cafes.
Chen Family Memorial Hall
Highlights: Displays the essence of Lingnan culture, exquisite carving techniques, is a good place to learn about the history and culture of Guangzhou.
Suggestion: When visiting, you can ask a guide to explain, or rent an audio guide to understand the story behind each exhibit.
Yuexiu Park
Highlights: The largest comprehensive park in Guangzhou, with Five sheep statues, Zhenhai Tower and other attractions. The natural landscape is rich and there are many historical sites, suitable for morning exercise, walking and leisure.
Suggestion: Spend a day in Yuexiu Park to experience the natural beauty and history of Guangzhou.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Highlights: One of the busiest commercial districts in Guangzhou, home to a variety of fashion brands and food and snacks. There are also historical and cultural relics such as the thousand-year ancient Road ruins, shopping and sightseeing.
Suggestions: During the day you can go shopping and taste authentic snacks; At night, you can enjoy the night view of the pedestrian street and feel the prosperity and vitality of Guangzhou.
Chimelong Tourist Resort
Highlights: Set tourist attractions, hotel catering, entertainment and leisure in one, with Chimelong Happy World, Chimelong International Circus, Chimelong Wildlife World and other theme parks, suitable for family travel.
Suggestion: Choose the park according to your personal interests, it is recommended to spend a whole day to fully experience the charm of Chimelong.
Pearl River Night tour
Highlights: Take a cruise on the Pearl River, the two sides of the brilliant lights, picturesque scenery. Is one of the experiences not to be missed.
Suggestion: Choose to board the ship in the evening, enjoy the Pearl River scenery during the day, and then wait for night to fall, feel the bright night scenery on both sides of the Pearl River.
Yongqing Fang
Highlights: Retain the architectural style of old Guangzhou shophouses, while incorporating modern elements. It’s a creative and cultural community, perfect for taking photos, punching in and hanging out.
Suggestion: Stroll through Yongqing Fang and feel the collision of old Guangzhou’s historical charm and modern creativity.
Third, food recommendation
Guangzhou’s food culture is rich and colorful, and here are some food and restaurant recommendations that should not be missed:
Morning tea
Recommended restaurants: Tao Tao House, Guangzhou Restaurant, Dian Du De
Must-order dishes: shrimp dumplings, chicken feet, barbecued pork buns, quicksand buns, sausage noodles, etc
Experience suggestions: Morning tea is one of the traditional lifestyle of Guangzhou people, it is recommended to go on weekends or holidays to experience the authentic Guangzhou morning tea culture.
Guangdong Cuisine
Recommended restaurant: Bing Sheng, Big Dragon Phoenix
Must-order dishes: Roast goose, barbecued pork, white cut chicken, steamed seafood, etc
Experience suggestions: When tasting Cantonese food, you can choose some traditional cooking methods, such as steaming, white cooking, etc., to feel the original flavor of the ingredients.
dessert
Recommended restaurant: Nan Xin milk dessert expert, Renxin old shop
Must order dishes: double skin milk, ginger milk, poplar branch nectar, red bean paste, etc
Experience suggestion: In the hot summer, tasting a bowl of cold dessert is a good way to relieve the heat.
snack
Recommended location: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Must-try food: beef miscella, radish beef brisket, Wonton noodles, boat porridge, glutinous rice chicken, etc
Experience suggestions: In the streets of Guangzhou, you can always find a variety of delicious snacks. It is recommended to eat while walking and feel the city customs of Guangzhou.
Fourth, itinerary planning advice
Three day Tour Recommended Itinerary:
Day 1:
Morning: Visit Guangzhou Tower, overlooking the panoramic view of Guangzhou.
Noon: Have morning tea near Zhujiang New Town.
Afternoon: Head to Shamian Island for an exotic experience.
Evening: Shopping and snacks at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
Day two:
Morning: Visit the Chen Family Temple to learn about Lingnan culture.
Noon: Taste authentic Guangzhou snacks at the Upper and Lower Ninth Pedestrian Street.
Afternoon: Go to Yuexiu Park, walk and relax.
Evening: Experience the Pearl River night tour, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides.
Day 3:
Morning: Go to Chimelong Tourist Resort, choose the park according to personal interests.
Noon: Dinner at the restaurant in the resort.
Afternoon: Continue to the Chimelong Tourist Resort, watch the wonderful show or animal display.
Evening: Return to the city, end the pleasant trip to Guangzhou.
Fifth. Practical tips
Transportation trip
Guangzhou has a well-developed subway system that covers major scenic spots and business districts. It is recommended to use the subway to travel easily and quickly.
The bus routes are dense, and taxis and online car hailing are also convenient. However, it should be noted that there are more motorcycles and bicycles in Guangzhou, so be careful when crossing the road.
Climate and dress
Guangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot and humid summers and warm and comfortable winters. Please choose the appropriate dress according to your personal schedule.
Be prepared for sun protection and heat in the summer, and bring items such as sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Verbal communication
Guangzhou is an international city and most of the attractions and restaurants are available in English. You can also enlist the help of local people if you need it.
Safety tips
Take care of personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
Comply with local laws and regulations and scenic area regulations, civilized travel.
Other suggestions
Restaurants and public places in Guangzhou may not provide enough paper towels, it is recommended to bring your own paper towels.
The weather in Guangzhou is changeable, it is recommended to keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust clothing as needed.
Through the above guideline, I believe you can better plan your first visit to Guangzhou and feel the unique charm and profound heritage of this city. Wish you a pleasant trip!
