Guangzhou Essential Tour

After getting off the plane, a driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel for a rest. In the evening, you can explore the area around the hotel on your own to get a preliminary understanding of Guangzhou.

In the morning, visit Yuexiu Park, one of the largest comprehensive parks in Guangzhou. Here, you can visit the Five-Goat Stone Statue and the ruins of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and learn about the legend behind Guangzhou’s nickname "Yangcheng" (the City of Rams). Next, head to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, where you can closely view the exquisite artistic works such as wood carvings, brick carvings and pottery sculptures on the hall’s buildings, and appreciate the unique Lingnan architectural style.

Five-Goat Stone Statue

Visiting the Exquisite Grey Carvings of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

In the afternoon, tour Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. It is a commercial center of Guangzhou and also an ancient street with a long history. Around it are historical buildings such as the ruins of the Nanyue Royal Palace and the Dafo Temple. You can explore local cuisines, go shopping and learn about Guangzhou’s history and culture here. Later, wander around Yongqingfang: you can visit historical structures including the cluster of qilou (arcade buildings) and Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home, or experience intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts such as Cantonese enamel and Cantonese embroidery.

Exploring Cantonese Cuisine in Beijing Road

Dafo Temple in Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Visiting Bruce Lee's Ancestral Home in Yongqingfang

Your Journey’s Rewards:

Visit attractions including Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street and Yongqingfang to experience Guangzhou’s urban characteristics and history, and taste the city’s distinctive cuisines.

Educational Focus:

What is the legend about the Five-Goat Stone Carving in Yuexiu Park?

Takeaway:

Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, Guangzhou was a barren land and the people lived in hardship. One day, five immortals descended on rams with ears of grain in their mouths. They gave the grain to the people, blessed the land with eternal freedom from famine, then left, and the rams turned into stone. This legend has given Guangzhou the nicknames "Yangcheng" (City of Rams) and "Suicheng" (City of Grain Ears), and also made the Five-Goat Stone Statue a carrier of the city’s cultural foundation.

Thought Challenge:

During the tourism development of Yongqingfang, how can we prevent excessive commercialization from eroding its original culture?

In the morning, set off to explore Shamian Island, which well preserves the style and features of the British and French concessions in the 19th century. Here, you can see historical buildings such as the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the former Soviet Consulate, and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.

Shamian Island Architecture

After that, head to Canton Tower, a landmark building of Guangzhou. With a height of 600 meters, the tower is equipped with scenic observation decks, a Ferris wheel, the "Extreme Sky" (a high-speed drop ride) and other amusement facilities. Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Guangzhou and admire the city scenery. Finally, return to the airport, and the itinerary comes to an end.

Canton Tower

Your Journey’s Rewards:

Visit Shamian Island to appreciate historical buildings and feel the historical atmosphere; climb Canton Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Educational Focus:

What types of architecture can be found on Shamian Island?

Takeaway:

Shamian Island has more than 150 existing historical buildings, which incorporate elements of different styles. These buildings can be roughly classified into four major types: neoclassicism, eclecticism, colonial veranda style, and Gothic revival style.

Thought Challenge:

While carrying out commercial development on Shamian Island, how can we prevent excessive commercialization from undermining its historical value or landmark status?