Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou, which is located near Hong Kong, is a metropolis and a commercial center, with modern shopping centers and exotics markets. You can buy live snakes from the markets, but if reptiles are not your cup of tea, you can also buy herbs, silk and tea to take home with you. According to an old saying, the Cantonese will eat anything that flies, except airplanes and anything with four legs, as long as it’s not a table. Guangzhou is one of China’s fastest growing cities – entrepreneurship runs in the blood of the locals. Guangzhou is the ultimate shopping city. You can shop in shopping streets, which specialize in certain products, or visit to the huge department stores and abundant markets. The city is also the culinary capital of the world. Innumerous restaurants serve innovative delicacies from all over China and the world. Canton is one of China’s most developed cities, but the city still has some original Chinese features with its low buildings and narrow alleys. The contrast between old and new is fascinating. China is also a safe country, where people are friendly and full of life. When compared with the rest of China, Guangzhou is intense, because it has more of everything; wealth, want and bustling streets. It is an incredible, enormous, buzzing city and the development center of China. Most of the world’s leather products and 90 % of the world’s watches are made in the region. It’s also the most inexpensive place to buy such goods. Guangzhou is also known as an exposition city, because enormous Import and Export Fairs are arranged every April and October and the city is filled with businessmen and merchants. The university is located in the University Mega Center, an island on the Pearl River with ten different institutions of higher education. This modern area has all the necessary facilities, such as a shopping mall with restaurants, sports facilities, a library and excellent transportation connections to Guangzhou.

Facts and History

Country: People’s Republic of China
Population: 9.94 million
Area: 3,843 sq. km
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Currency: Renminbi (RMB)
Electricity: 220 Volts
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity
Time Zone: UCT + 8

Guangzhou was established during the Qin Dynasty. Indians and Romans were the first to come to the area and during the next 500 years trade grew with many neighbors. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to sail to Guangzhou for silk and porcelain. The British came next, but the trade was restricted to Guangzhou and foreigners had to remain on Shamian Island.

The British were annoyed with the trade restrictions and they introduced opium to the country. This later led to the Opium Wars.

During WWII the Japanese occupied Guangzhou after bombing it violently and communists took over the city in 1949.

Climate

Guangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate. The summers are wet, hot and humid and the winters are mild, dry and sunny. The average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius. There is plenty of rainfall and greenery.

Must-See Sights

1. The Pearl River Zhu Jiang
The Pearl River flows through the city from West to East. An evening cruise is a great way of seeing the city. The trip from Guangzhou Bridge to Shamian Island is beautifully lit in the evenings, when the bright neon lights are reflected on the surface of the river. The cruises are about two hours long and are easiest to book via a hotel.

2. Quing Ping Market
The best-known animal market in all of China. Walking through the maze-like streets is a real adventure. There are Chinese medications, lobsters, snakes, seahorses, monkeys, cats, dogs, turtles and birds for sale. Smaller animals, such as scorpions and grasshoppers, are sold by the cup.

3. Shamian Island
Shamian Island is the former British area of the colonial era. The bridges were closed every night at 10 p.m. and learning Chinese was punishable by death for the inhabitants of the island. Some of Canton’s oldest buildings are located on the beautiful, peaceful island.

4. Yue Xiu Park
The largest park in Canton, Yue Xiu Park, covers a total area of 93 hectares and has several man-made lakes and a large swimming pool. The park is known for the Zhenhai tower and the Sculpture of the Five Rams, which is the city’s symbol. The Zenhai tower has a city museum, which showcases Guangzhou’s history from the very beginning.

5. The Temple of the Chen Family
Chenjia Si, the temple of the Chen family was built by the wealthy Chen Family during the Quing Dynasty. The temple is also known as the Chen Classical Learning Academy, because it used to serve as an altar and a school, where students were trained for military exams. The temple has beautiful frescos, mosaics and clay sculptures.

Transportation

Guangzhou has a metro system, a bus system and trams for traveling within the city. An extensive railway network runs from Guangzhou to other cities and provinces. Ferries run from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. Many expressways have been built to ease the jammed roads.

The nearest airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International, is the third largest airport in China.

Food and Drink

Cantonese cuisine is renowned both within China as well as all around the world. The cuisine is very versatile and made from the freshest possible ingredients. Chefs take pride in making sure that the food never tastes greasy and that the flavors are well-balanced. Fresh herbs are not used extensively. Steaming and stir-frying are very popular methods of preparing food.

Rice and noodles are included in the cuisine as are almost all kinds of edible meats, except for lamb or goat. You can try snake or intestines or stick to tofu, if it feels safer. The food is very affordable; you can have a large meal for a few euros. Tap water is not drinkable, buy bottled water instead.

The Super Star Seafood restaurant is across the street from the Shamian Park. The ingredients are visible in the aquariums. Take your pick from snakes, shrimps and clams.

The Guangdong Victory Hotel’s first floor restaurant serves delicious dim sum, which resembles steamed ravioli. The menu is in English and the ample amounts of green tea are a great beverage.

Lian Xiang Lou is located on Dishifu Lu Street, which is also a good place for finding affordable clothes stores. The restaurant is famous for its moon cakes, which are filled with lotus paste and also serves large portions of roast pork.

Nanyuan, which is said to be the best restaurant in Canton, is located on Qian Jin Street. The restaurant serves delicious dim sum for breakfast, and fish and poultry dishes, such as chicken steamed in Maotai liquor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese_cuisine

Currency

The renminbi, or Chinese Yuan, is the currency of the People’s Republic of China. One yuan is divided into 10 jiao and one jiao is divided into 10 fen.

One euro is approximately 10 yuan. Money can be exchanged at 4 and 5-star hotels as well as banks.

Vaccinations

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Tetanus-diphtheria are should be kept up-to-date. Hepatitis A and B are recommended. Japanese encephalitis is recommended for those who are planning on spending a month or more in rural areas or who are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in rural areas after dusk.

Safety

Guangzhou is a very safe location for students; however, it’s always good to keep in mind a few things. Beware of pick-pockets in crowded areas. Make sure your money belt is not visible and carry your purse so that it can’t be snatched from your shoulder and do not leave valuables in your hotel room.