Delve into the Delta
A short train ride away, Guangzhou is filled with plenty of fun things to see and do—you just have to know where to look.
Shop Til You Drop
Mall Trawl
Shang Jiu and Xia Jiu Lu, commonly known as Shangxia Jiu, is where most of Guangzhou’s 10 million-strong population can be found on any given Sunday. Stand in the center of the pedestrianized piazza and admire the thrum of humanity scurrying around you, or lose yourself in the labyrinthine malls opposite the larger complex, where young Guangzhouers buy trinkets, gadgets, leatherware and funky outfits. But even in this melee, the district loses none of its charm; gorgeous buildings with stained glass windows and a distinctly historical air can still be seen lining the streets, nestled among the larger complexes.
Escape the Buzz
After shopping at the big malls in Tianhe District, walk to Tianhe Nan Yi Lu and enjoy a more tranquil shopping experience. A residential area with boutiques and cafes dotted along its road, the trendy Guangzhouers love the area for its unique fashion items and cozy, alfresco cafes.
Liu Yun Xiao Ju, Tianhe Nan Yi Lu (right behind Zhengjia Shopping Mall).
Bargain Hunting
Guangzhou’s answer to Fa Yuen Street, Zhuangyuan Fang is one of the city’s more popular street markets. Situated in the Yue Xiu district, the 200-meter alleyway is home to a cluster of tiny shops and street side stalls selling everything from tea cozies to mobile phone cases. Cheap imitation goods are available on almost every corner, with a pair of “Guxi” sunglasses going for as little as USD$3. Be sure to sample some of the tasty street snacks while you’re there, but avoid the seafood.
Renmin Nan Lu, just south of Daxin Lu
Computer Malls
Think Hong Kong’s the heart of modern-day technology? OK, maybe it is, but that doesn’t mean Guangzhou isn’t slowly catching up. From the latest laptops fresh out of the factory to questionable devices that are only legal in this part of the world, their multi-storied mega-malls house everything that your geeky mind would ever need. But buyers beware: this is mainland China after all, the epicenter of pirated goods, so take that into consideration when weighing your options.
Along Shipai Xi Lu and Tianhe Lu.
Indoor Fun
Paintballing
What better way to relieve the Guangzhou stress than by pelting fellow combatants with paint-filled pellets? Be sure to make use of the various trenches and old tires on the battleground for cover. If you want to surrender, whether for lack of ammo or cojones, simply wave the towel. It’s USD$12 per head, inclusive of a helmet eyewear, shoes, army fatigues and 30 pellets.
Southern China Arboretum, Citic Plaza, Xing Ke Lu, Tianhe district, 8523-1756.