Guangzhou

Orientation

Guangzhou is a leading economic, business, finance and manufacturing base in southern China. This city has a long history as a trading hub of the region, and it was hand-picked by the Chinese Government as one of the first cities to trial the free market economy. While it is an important business centre, Guangzhou also offers visitors an exciting nightlife as well as an intriguing insight into Chinese culture.

City Facts

• Guangzhou Population: 5,700,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• China Population: 1,276,301,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: Yuan (Renminbi)
• Time Zone: GMT+8
• Language: The Official Language is Putonghua (also known as Mandarin), while Cantonese is the main dialect in the area.

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Sunshine is a main feature of Guangzhou weather, but the best times to visit are April and October when the climate is the most pleasant. Average temperatures range from 13.3°C (56°F) in January to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in July.

Travel Tips

When to Visit - Arts and Events

Many parts of Guangzhou (also known as Canton) reflect its long and rich history, including some of the colonial architecture that dates back to the 1800s, e.g. the Roman Catholic church, the Mohammedan Tomb and the Zhen Family Hall. The Guangzhou Cultural Park is another highlight, as it lights up each night after 7 o’clock with Chinese operas, acrobat and puppet shows.

Dining

Visitors, especially those from the West, should keep an open mind about the surprising menus. An exotic range of animals not generally considered food back home, such as snakes, monkeys, cats and wild birds just to name a few, are widely available. There are, however, more ordinary Chinese dishes available.

Tipping Advice

Although tipping is optional, most waiters and waitresses expect a small tip.

Transportation

Guangzhou’s transportation system is comprehensively developed, making the city easily accessible by road, rail, air as well as by sea.

Arriving by Air

The recently opened state-of-the-art New Baiyun Airport connects Guangzhou to a host of Chinese and international destinations.

Rail

The extensive rail network in China keeps Guangzhou in touch with almost every corner of the country.

Getting Around Guangzhou

The general traffic situation in Guangzhou is chaotic and walking around or traveling by private transport is not recommended. However, the underground trains and buses takes you anywhere in the city.