The ancient Chinese heritage in Guangzhou can be traced much more clearly than in other large cities of the Middle Kingdom. For example, some temples have become museums, but have retained their atmosphere, and old areas are in no hurry to rebuild. Even the not quite typical Qingping market is not closed, observing the previous order. The proximity of natural and man-made beauties is the highlight of the city's iconic places.
In the past, Guangzhou was influenced by Europeans, and still has not got rid of the evidence of that era. When planning new structures, building on tradition remains key. So during the construction of the Guangzhou-Yuan round skyscraper, it was important that it is successfully reflected in the water. Thanks to this, it turns out "8", which is fortunately in the superstitions of the Chinese.
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What to see and where to go in Guangzhou?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Guangzhou TV Tower
It has a height of 610 meters, which makes it the second largest in the world. Construction ended shortly before the 2010 Asian Games. Mark Hemel won an international competition for the right to implement his project. The design, for all its power, looks elegant. The surface is mesh and curls slightly upward. In addition to the TV studio, the building has office space and an observation deck.
Huacheng Square
The largest of the city's squares. In its current splendor, it was presented to the public in 2010 on the eve of the Asian Games. Since 2011, it has hosted the annual festival of light. The spacious pedestrian area is illuminated at night as it is during the day. Various attractions are located in the surrounding area, including the opera house and the new library. There are many tunnels and passages connecting metro stations and shopping centers.
Shamian Island
For a long time he was under the influence of the colonialists. It was conditionally divided between England and France. Europeans built villas, cobbled streets, shops, restaurants and hotels. At the same time, the areas are buried in greenery. Currently, the island, separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, is a collection of architectural and cultural monuments. Throughout its territory there is a hiking trail.
Beijing Pedestrian Street
It has existed for over 700 years in various forms. It is currently important for the economy and tourism. Some buildings have European features due to their history. Here in the past lived immigrants from England and France, who worked in factories. While visiting the architecture, it is difficult for tourists to resist buying something in one of several hundreds of shops. Trade is brisk; Beijing Street is always crowded.
Guangzhou-Yuan
The tallest round building in the world, built in 2013. It looks like a wheel. Height - 138 meters, and in the center is emptiness. Reflecting in water, the building acquires a "continuation" and becomes similar to the number 8, which in Chinese superstitions is a symbol of happiness. Architect - Giuseppe di Pasquali. Although the literal translation of the name is "Guangzhou Circle", the people call it "golden donut".
Guangzhou Opera House
One of the city's modern and futuristic buildings was inaugurated in 2010. The project was created by Zaha Hadid. The place was not chosen by chance: the architect was inspired by its nature, she especially liked the Pearl delta. The type of construction is inscribed in the landscape: as if rocks washed by the waters of a river. Inside there are 2 halls: the first is made of steel, the second is made of glass. They go one into the other.
Guangzhou Library
Located in the Tianhe region. Near the museum and the opera house. Opened doors to visitors in 2013. The area is 100 thousand square meters. More than 4 million books are collected here. The library has become not just a repository of printed materials, but also a public and educational institution. The reading rooms have 4,000 seats. Installed about 500 computers to search for information and work.
Guangdong Provincial Museum
It opened in the 50s of the last century. Its task is to collect materials and iconic objects that tell about the culture, history and traditions of the province. The funds, numbering 160 thousand exhibits, have grown too much, and the old building is not enough for the museum. The Chinese box became the prototype for the design of the new one. The museum moved here in 2010. About half of the 40 thousand square meters is devoted to exhibitions.
Cheng Clan Academy
It has existed since the 19th century. As conceived by the designers, 6 courtyards united 19 rooms. The temple was called Academy because numerous members of the Cheng family were trained here. The temple complex has now been converted into a museum, displaying examples of local folk art and crafts, and mentioning the Cheng family tree. In 1988, the objects were given the status of a cultural monument of a national scale.
Tomb Museum of the Kings of the Nanyue Principality
The mausoleum is over 2000 years old. It was discovered by accident underground during construction work in 1983. The tomb was dug up and restored. It resembles a Chinese palace. After the completion of the work, a museum was opened here. His collection is unique artifacts from different centuries. Especially valuable are the jade collection and the first gold seal of emperors dating back to the Han dynasty.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Built in traditional Chinese style in 1931 on an area of 7 hectares. The building was modernized in 1998. There is a museum inside. Dedicated to the early life, work and achievements of the revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, who became the first head of communist China. His statue stands in front of the entrance, a guard is on duty near it. The memorial hall also has conference rooms that can accommodate about a thousand people.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
The largest Christian temple in China. Built in the Gothic style with granite slabs. The cathedral was founded in 1861. Due to the need to bring materials and parts from other cities and countries, construction took a quarter of a century. For example, stained glass windows were delivered directly from France. The towers rise more than 50 meters. The western one is decorated with a clock, and the eastern one has bells.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Built in 537, the temple complex acquired its current name 500 years later, when a poem of the same name appeared in his honor. A banyan tree grew nearby, creating a curious landscape. The current trees are smaller. On the territory there was a place for pavilions, gazebos, a grotto and statues. The Pagoda of Flowers is part of the composition. It is one of the highest in the Celestial Empire, as it rises to 57 meters.
Guangxiao Temple
The first religious buildings appeared on this site in the 4th century. However, they were often rebuilt, and the present temple differs from the type. It dates from the 19th century. The main hall is decorated with a statue of a ten-meter high Buddha. A special place is given to the image of the goddess of compassion Guanyin. The temple has a good reputation and is known in China primarily as the alma mater of the 6th patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Huineng.
Huaisheng Mosque
One of the oldest Muslim buildings in the world. The mosque was erected about 1300 years ago, as merchants from the East came to the city, and they tried to create comfortable conditions for them. Of all the structures of the complex, only the minaret has a classic look, the rest are in the Chinese style. The architectural ensemble includes: Imam Hall, gallery, Vanyue attic, Tower of Light, manuscript repository and stone stele pavilion.
Qingping Market
Perhaps the most controversial and talked about attraction in the city. This market was the first where peasants were allowed to trade freely. Economically, Xiaoping's initiative turned out to be profitable.However, now the order on the market looks almost wild. The fact is that here you can buy an animal, kill it without leaving the counter, and give it to the cook to cook dinner. Dried insects and animal skins are sold nearby.
Yuexiu Park
The largest park in the city has an area of approximately 200 hectares. Famous for 3 lakes and 7 hills. One of the main attractions is the sculptural composition depicting goats. It was opened in 1959. The statue is associated with the legend of saving the area from hunger. In addition, in the park, you should pay attention to the fragments of a dozen cannons and the Zhenhai Tower. Or visit local restaurants and walk along graceful bridges.
Baomo Park
Location - a suburb of Guangzhou. Not very large in size, but it can be attributed to the masterpieces of Chinese gardening art. The local lakes and ponds are interconnected in a variety of man-made ways. Among the natural beauty of the park, it is also worth highlighting the wall painting "Monkeys devastate the heavenly palace" and the large sculpture "Blossom of charm".
South China Botanical Garden
Located 8 km from the city. The largest and oldest tropical botanical garden in South Asia. It was created in 1929 in connection with the need to study the evolution of plants and ecology. At the moment, about 2400 plant species have been collected on an area of 741 hectares. The territory is divided into three zones: research, reserved and exposition. The latter has a special segment for children.
Lotus mountains
The name refers to the appearance of one of the hills, which looks like a lotus flower. The old name "Stone Lion's Head" was given for the same reason. Although the beauties are natural here, it has not been without human influence. In the past, for several centuries, stone was mined here for construction. For this reason, a quarry was formed. There is no forest on its slopes for a long time, but this does not spoil the overall picture.
Guanyin golden Buddha statue
One of the newest and most popular attractions in the Lotus Mountains. It is fashionable to find the remains of the city and the pagoda nearby. The statue was installed in the 90s of the XX century. Its weight is over 100 tons and its height is about 40 meters. From the top of the mountain Buddha looks towards the sea. In the light, the statue shimmers in a special way. The reason lies in 10 kg of gold, which is covered with a bronze base.
Baiyunshan
A popular resort located in the Baiyun Mountains. Their peaks are shrouded in fog, which is why the name appeared, translated as "white clouds". Among the attractions are the botanical garden and the Tslulun spring. The mountains attract extreme lovers: dozens of attractions have been created for them. Tourists are taken to the main peak by electric car or funicular. Vivid impressions are left by the Butterfly Park and the Pigeon Park.
Safari Park Chimelong
Spread over 130 hectares since 1997. The total number of animals is about 10 thousand. They represent 300 species. For each population, special conditions have been created, as close as possible to the habitat. The most popular destinations are watching elephants and tigers. There are also pets that are unique to southern latitudes. For example, a polar bear. The cooling system does not give him a reason to think that he is far from his native lands.
Chimelong Paradise Amusement Park
The largest amusement park in China. Built in 2006. On the territory of more than a million square meters, there are about a hundred attractions. Some are able to tickle the nerves of even avid extreme lovers. The local water park is second to none in Asia. The safari park has thousands of animals representing several hundred species. There is also a crocodile nursery, a circus, a golf course and numerous restaurants.
Pearl river
In China, it ranks 3rd in length and 2nd in deep water. There is no exact data on the reasons for the name. Perhaps it is associated with a valuable pearl lost here by merchants or with a rock that has become like pearls due to hundreds of years of grinding with water. Thanks to the river, Guangzhou has a picturesque cityscape and additional tourist opportunities, such as boat trips.
