With an increasing number of direct flights within the region to Guangzhou, it's no wonder that the third largest city in China is catching up with Beijing and Shanghai to become one of the popular city to visit by tourists.
Check out the other travel diaries in China, such as Hangzhou and Shenzhen.
We check out where you can stay, eat and visit in this shopping haven, just two hours away from Hong Kong and Macau.
Where to stay
Just across and down the river from where the new Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre is, you'll find The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou. With The Ritz-Carlton, we can definitely expect all things luxurious as well as impeccable service. This hotel is also conveniently located near Canton Fair and Canton Tower, which is adjacent to the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong National Museum. Let's not forget the panoramic views of the Pearl River from its rooms.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Guangzhou City offers 351 luxurious guest rooms and suites, located on the 20th floor and above. There's also six restaurants and lounges serving both Cantonese and Western favourites. The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre is equipped with outdoor heated pool, 24-hour gym and a yoga room as well.
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing An Road, Pearl River New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623 China, +86 20 3813 6688
Where to eat
For some authentic Cantonese dim sum within the traditional atmosphere of Guangzhou, visit Panxi Restaurant located in the Guangzhou Food Garden district, adjacent to Liwan Lake.
Panxi Restaurant gained its reputation from winning countless prizes and medals in various national and international cuisine competitions. There's a variety of banquets to suit any festivities and celebrations as well.
Panxi Restaurant, No. 151 Long Jin Xi Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China, +86 20 81815718
Where to shop
With its location very close to Hong Kong and Macau, it's to no surprise that Guangzhou is fully aware of its commercial potential. To tourists, Guangzhou is indeed a shopping paradise.
With nearly 250 shops within the 800-metre long street is Shangxiajiu-Dishipu Pedestrian Shopping Street, one of Guangzhou's three major municipal-level shopping areas. You can expect a collective of older, famous stores such as Yong'an Department Store and Guangzhou Garment Store, to some renowned restaurants and antique shops.
For a more dedicated destination for shopping, check out Grandview Mall, a relatively new (opened since 2004) mall that's right next to TeeMall, offering numerous high-end boutique shops, an indoor ice skating rink, a 3D cinema as well as many fancy restaurants. There's even a 48-storey hotel within the mall for visitors looking to stay close to a shopping destination.
Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, +86 20 8120 6216
Where to visit
While you are in Guangzhou doing all this shopping and eating, don't forget to take some time off to visit the famous Chang Long International Circus. This is the perfect way to end the day with some entertainment for the whole family, with acrobats and trapeze artists to clowns and spectacular set-piece shows.
If catching a circus is not really your cup of tea, there's always the Pearl River night cruise for a quiet night out with your loved ones. You can proceed to Tianzi Wharf (Beijing South Road, Guangzhou) to purchase your tickets.
Chang Long International Circus, Yingbin Road, Fanyu District, Guangzhou 511430, China, +86 20 8479 6600
