While the neighboring autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau enjoy a great influx of tourists, South China’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen wouldn’t want to be left behind with what both cities can offer. When one thinks of China, one would instantly associate it with Beijing (Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Olympics 2008), Shanghai (ShanghaiTower), or Xi’an (terra cotta soldiers).Nevertheless, due to South China’s close proximity to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as its accessibility to Southeast Asian countries, cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen are also perceived as appealing travel destinations for travelers such as myself.
Because of the popularity of budget airfare, I had the opportunity to visit the place that was used to be known as Canton, famous for its delectable Chinese food. Guangzhou is the capital of the province of Guangdong and the place of the Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen.
Reading through books and literature, nothing spectacular has been mentioned of Guangzhou. But one has to go to a place to really experience firsthand what it has to offer. Besides, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as they say. Arriving late at night, the ride from the airport to the center of the city to our accommodations wasn’t an easy one. Good thing I came with a friend, which helped a lot.
Riverside Youth Hostel in Guangzhou
The place where we stayed was very affordable, safe and clean. Riverside Youth Hostel found near the Pearl River at the Liwan District is a member of the Youth Hostelling Association (YHA) of China that caters to the needs of backpackers. Most of their guests at the time when we were billeted there were Caucasians. A Bank of China is located nearby and the whole Luju Road two blocks away is a shoppers’ haven with very cheap goods from bags to shoes to electronics. It is also close to the metro station (Fangcun station of Line 1). While the metro is most convenient and a stored value card comes in handy (for a ¥30 deposit, you can use it in cabs, buses, and the metro), it is most difficult getting a refund of the deposit since only one office issues refunds.
Food is neither a problem. RYH offers a menu of meals from toasts to noodles (at about ¥5), while a number of restaurants and cheap food joints are found within the area. A block away is Bar Street which is a nightspot along Changdi St. Two or three bars boast of talented Filipino bands that play in their joints. A local eatery charges ¥5 for a plate of a mound of rice and three viands of your choice.
Early in the morning, locals do tai chi exercises across the hostel while families bring their youngsters at the amenities of the park along Changdi St. that gives a great view of the river. Others do their regular exercises especially with colorful exercise facilities placed at the park. At night, neon lights fill the street while visitors watch the Guangzhou skyline at the Pearl River. At ¥168 for a double room (US$24), two people can share and just pay ¥84 ($12) per night.
It’s time to take you around Guangzhou. First stop was the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. The building was intricately designed with every detail well-planned and well-executed. Around the hall were found different trees of significance to the Chinese. A larger than life statue of the leader was located in front of the hall overlooking the gate and the vast grounds of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. For a mere ¥10 entrance fee, visitors can explore the grounds and enter the hall and exhibition area.
The hall is octagonal in shape. Famous opera singers perform in the grand hall. It also provides all the details of the people behind the construction of the hall as well as the works of Dr Sun Yat Sen.
Across the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and a few walks away is the Guangzhou Municipal Government and the People’s Park. Behind Sun Yat Sen Memorial is the Yuexiu Park. One thing I observed is that Guangzhou is a lover of parks and of the arts. Sculptures are seen in parks and other attractions.
From People’s Park, we took the Metro going to Guangzhou Zoo and Ocean World. The metro system is ongoing construction as Guangzhou prepares for the hosting of the Asian Games in 2010. Still, with its four lines, the metro is the most convenient way around Guangzhou, especially that a few people can communicate in English. We usually resort to sign and symbol languages to convey what we want to express. The bus system is affordable and can pass through all areas of Guangzhou but signs are in Chinese. Armed with an English-Chinese map, we found a way to get around Guangzhou.
The zoo offered many attractions as well. Too bad the giant panda was too shy to entertain his visitors. Inside the zoo is the Ocean World which charged at a high price (¥60) but fared poorly compared to other marine attractions in Asia like Jakarta’s Sea World, Singapore’s Sentosa and Hong Kong’s Ocean Park.
Guangzhou has many shopping centers and malls. One can find wholesale products in Haizhu and brand items in Tiyuxi. Still, we found better-priced goods at Luju Rd.
The Shishi Stone Cathedral is a sight to behold. The church beautifully stands out in the midst of the predominantly Buddhist city. Its design is almost similar to Notre Dame and other European basilicas.
Going farther away from the city, we went to Baiyun Mountain. We first roamed around Yuntai Garden. With the cascading falls that greeted us at the entrance, Yuntai Garden made us forget about Baiyun Mountain. A rose garden, scenic lake and a glasshouse of orchids and other plants filled the whole garden. It’s like a European countryside and Alice in Wonderland that popped out of a book because of giant teapots and other attractions in the garden.
After three hours of enjoying the garden, we finally climbed Baiyun Mountain through a cable car. The mountain in itself has various points and tourist spots but without any time to spare, we went back to town.
I’ve survived Guangzhou. It was difficult but it was worth the effort. I hope I’ll go back to Guangzhou someday, and by that time, communication won’t be much of a challenge. Hopefully, I can also communicate well in Chinese by then. Xiexie.
is it really a beautiful place? been to china 2 years ago- beijing, shanghai, xi’an & sozhou.