Guangzhou Getaway? Wanna Hear It From a Local? 4

Guangzhou Getaway? Wanna Hear It From a Local? 3

Guangzhou Getaway? Wanna Hear It From a Local? 2

Guangzhou Getaway? Wanna Hear It From a Local? 1

Hi everyone, my friends who are visiting Guangzhou! Recently, I have seen a lot of posts complaining about Guangzhou's tourism. As an old-timer "Old Guang" who grew up in Xiuguan (a representative old town district), I'm happy to offer you some genuine tips.

Regarding food and drink ("Food in Guangzhou" is not just for show!)
- There are plenty of good eats here - rarely will they disappoint you (I won't be overly optimistic in case I'll get slapped, hahaha!).
- I sincerely advise against spending several hours waiting in line at popular Instagram spots like ***-Sheng, ***-Deng, ***-Ju, etc. Not that they’re not good, but there are many places with comparable taste levels all over the city!
- So feel free to find a place near where you're staying, or playing around, even if you get stuck in traffic and want to get out for some breathing room.
- If you're really unsure which restaurant to choose, open the Dazhong Dianping app (similar to Yelp or Google Maps' restaurant reviews in your area) and browse nearby maps for highly rated options. Trust me, their flavors usually don't disappoint.
- For the street-lined Civility Road and Xihua Road, along with trendy small food shops that suddenly become popular, it's ok to explore them if you're passing by, otherwise, there's really no need to go out of the way to visit them especially.
About Canton Tower (also known as "Little Waist!")
- Want to capture a panoramic view of Canton Tower? Lots of spots can do the trick! No need to head to Haisisha Island (a small island in the middle of a river) or Huacheng Square (a large public square - I used to work nearby and enjoyed its beautiful night scenery every day).
- My recommended photography spots include Hutuo Bridge, Ersha Island (an environmentally friendly inner-island of river), Canton Tower Bridge, and Haini Bridge (a footbridge - reservation might be required now, check yourself).
- Attention: Around the Canton Tower, especially during holidays and evenings, you've got to bear with the massive traffic jams. Should you insist on going, it's strongly recommended that you take the subway instead. The tram is also a good alternative - great scenic views along the way too.
About Yongqing Ferry/Litchi Bay/Ening Road (places to experience the local Guangzhou flavor)
- Ah, these were places I walked around as a kid. They are indeed very true to Guangzhou’s old-time atmosphere, but precisely because they represent Guangzhou’s oldest districts, their streets are quite narrow.
- It’s simply impossible for them to accommodate a huge number of tourists.
- My best time tip: very early in the morning, when there’s barely anyone around! Then the stone pavement will show its original charm, just like how I saw it back then as a child on my way to school.
- So if you complain a place is overcrowded and cluttered, there's really nothing that can be done... once they get crowded, that’s that.
About Shamian Island and White Swan Hotel (another historical place)
- This was also a place I’d stroll after a meal in my childhood. Similar to those above mentioned Yongqing Ferry, it's another old district.
- Tip: Early mornings are best for walks! Otherwise, you’re dealing with an overwhelming crowd.
- Those wanting to “splurge” – you could stay at the White Swan Hotel (the first Sino-foreign joint venture hotel in Guangzhou, widely renowned!), or the nearby Shamian Victory Hotel (not sure about its accommodation quality however).
About Shamian Cathedral (a very magnificent church)
- This fully-stone-built Gothic church belongs in the league with Notre-Dame de Paris, Westminster Abbey in the UK, and Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Definitely worth the visit.
- Important reminder: this church is not managed as a tourist site, it’s mainly for religious activities such as Christian worshippers' services.
  - Hence its operating hours are very limited.
  - Also be prepared for big crowds.
About Baiyun Mountain (Guangzhou's "city lung")
- Baiyun Mountain and Chimelong Wildlife World are the only two AAAAA-level national tourist areas in Guangzhou (this being China's top grade in tourist areas). Baiyun Mountain may well be the least expensive one of all national AAAAA-level scenic spots!
- Fun tip:
  - Don’t crowd into the Nantai Garden entrance to take the cable car! There are other convenient entrances and hiking trails to Baiyun Mountain, where you will see way fewer people.
  - For non-accompanying elderly or children, a cable car ride is really unnecessary. Just use about an extra hour of walking instead.
About Chimelong Tourism Recreation Area (fit for kids and thrill-seeking friends)
- Undoubtedly a very worthwhile location indeed! But please...
- Holiday warning: so overwhelming that you won’t believe! Yet if you must, be wise to pay some extra money on express pass bands, so you skip lengthy lines.
- In fact, weekends are okay for attendance as far as crowd control goes. For those living within the province, it’d be better to avoid holidays when you want to see the fun.

Ms. Alberta Moen