Trip to Guangzhou: 118 year old Tutorial Center, an Opera House, The Canton Tower and The Four Seasons
Hana R. Alberts braves the smog to venture into the Pearl River Delta, and discovers that our mainland neighbor has more to offer than she thought.
To most Hongkongers, Shenzhen’s a destination for shopping, while Guangzhou is pigeonholed as that polluted place you’re dragged to visit relatives during Chinese New Year. But despite misconceptions that it’s all factory smoke and mall mirrors, the city has experienced a renaissance of sorts over the last few years that has resulted in tons of cool activities sure to fill at least a weekend. As for where to rest your head, the newly opened, architecturally stunning Four Seasons Guangzhou is a prime spot, but considering that the Mandarin Oriental and W have all opened properties in the last few months, it seems that travelers to this PRD metropolis have more options to choose from—in all respects—than they bargained for.
For The Traditional Traveler
Guangzhou’s chock-full of new sights, but for the traditionalists among you, make sure to check out the Chan Clan Academy. This 118-year-old giant temple adorned with intricate carvings and other pretty details was used as a place to prepare students for their examinations; today it houses folk art exhibitions, making it a nice retreat within the old city. Nearby Shamian Island is a vestige of western colonial concessions—the Qing dynasty granted the sandbank to UK and French powers in the 19th century—and it’s full of peaceful greenery and European-style façades. The White Swan Hotel has become well-known over the last decade as the place for western couples to stay when arranging to adopt Chinese babies.
For The Indie Artist
For the Daredevil Partier
All right, so now you know that Guangzhou’s got its spots for old-world lovers and ultra-cool scenesters, but what about those who just want to cut loose? Fear not, there are a couple of options for you too. The tallest building in Guangzhou (and in all of China, too) is the Canton Tower, which is known by locals as the “lady with the slim waist” (roughly translated) because the building looks like an elongated hourglass that thins out in the middle before becoming wider again at the top. At the building’s pinnacle lies an observation deck and a slanted Ferris wheel with transport cars that revolve around the building’s diameter, giving you panoramic views of the city at a staggering height. Down at the ground level nearby is the Zhujiang Party Pier, which is basically wholly dedicated to the consumption of beer. Located right along the Pearl River, it becomes neon-lit at night and is filled with bars, restaurants and more. Head here for booze and to boogie until the wee hours.