My Epic Fail Guangzhou Weekend (A Warning Post!)
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Guangzhou really is all about the food, haha!
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As a local, I think the best two routes for tourists are: ① Yongqing Fang - Shamian Island - White Swan Pond/Yanjiang Road, and ② Zhujiang New Town - Canton Tower - Tram. One old route, one new route, that's pretty much enough, and you can do it all as a city walk. There's no real need to go to Beijing Road or Shangxiajiu (they're all pretty much the same and touristy). The food on Xihua Road is actually quite average; its main draw is that everything's concentrated in one place. Alternatively, after Shamian Island, you could head to Tongfu Road to eat.
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Guangzhou is best appreciated by those with some background in its history and culture. This May Day, I took a friend (we're both history MAs) around Guangzhou. From the Peasant Movement Institute, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqing Fang, and museums to Shamian Island and Yuyin Garden, we had a really profound experience and learned so much. We both agreed that Guangzhou has a truly deep cultural heritage. At the same time, it has such a vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere. Delicious food is everywhere, especially the tasty and cheap eats you find in small alleyways. You don't need to plan every meal meticulously; just try things as you stumble upon them. It's a great city for young people. That's how I think travel should be: do a bit of homework beforehand, adjust your mindset, and aim for a deeper appreciation rather than just a superficial look.
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Hi there! Can I be your friend? Take me with you on your next trip! I'm eager to learn and I love to listen.
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I hope there are more posts like this one. Maybe it'll mean fewer tourists, and we locals can finally get some peace and quiet.
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And then some comments say we locals are too 'Zen' or laid-back. Honestly, we just can't be bothered. We actually wish they'd all have terrible experiences so they won't come back. Seriously, please don't come! You just cause traffic jams and complain about everything.
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To be honest, the natural scenery in Guangzhou, and Guangdong province as a whole, is just okay—nothing compared to northern China. But it absolutely lives up to its reputation as a food paradise. Especially in Yuexiu and Liwan districts, you don't even need a guide or to be overly choosy; just walk into any restaurant that's been open for over 10 years, order their house specials, and you're almost guaranteed a great meal. If your budget allows, I highly recommend trying a proper, high-end Cantonese dinner (not just dim sum). Places like Lei Garden, He Yuan, Ah Yat Abalone, or Bingsheng are excellent choices. You'd struggle to find this quality in other cities, or it would be much pricier.
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Thanks for the recommendations! It's hard to know which ones are the well-established, older restaurants.
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Hiring a guide would make it much more interesting. Yongqing Fang has the Cantonese Opera Association and a Lion Dance Hall. Shamian Island was formerly the British and French concession, home to many consulates, and the site of significant historical events. They're all definitely worth seeing.
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Excuse me, where is the Lion Dance Hall located? Thanks!
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Sacred Heart Cathedral doesn't allow non-Christians inside the main church.
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Oh, I was able to go in when I visited. Maybe the rules change depending on the time or day!
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I love Shamian Island! The ancient trees are beautiful, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll, and it has such a unique, somewhat foreign charm. How could anyone find it disappointing?
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No, no, if visitors think it's a letdown, let them! It means fewer crowds and more peace for us locals. No need to advertise how great Guangzhou is; it's already far too crowded.
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People with that kind of attitude should probably just stay home. I travel to about ten cities every year, and this is my third visit to Guangzhou. I'm on day three here, and I've had a fantastic time everywhere I've gone, feeling a real sense of happiness.
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I was wondering, if it rains during a trip to Guangzhou, would it really spoil the experience at places like the Zoo, Shamian Island, or Yongqing Fang? Also, is it better to visit before or after the Qingming Festival?
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It's better to go before the Qingming Festival.