Guangzhou Wilderness Hiking:The ultimate choice

If you are a hiking enthusiast, here are the translations of the recommended hiking trails and notes for you visiting Guangzhou:

Recommended Hiking Trails in Guangzhou

1. Baiyun Mountain Hiking Trail

  • Features: Baiyun Mountain is a landmark scenic spot in Guangzhou, boasting stunning natural scenery and rich historical culture. There are various hiking trails suitable for different levels of hikers.
  • Recommended Route: West Gate of Baiyun Mountain – Ox Ridge Lawn – Moxing Ridge – Halfway Pavilion – West Gate of Baiyun Mountain. This route covers the main attractions of Baiyun Mountain, allowing visitors to enjoy magnificent natural views.

2. Huolushan Hiking Trail

  • Features: Huolushan, named for its resemblance to a gourd, is covered with fine broad-leaved trees and boasts fresh air, making it an excellent destination for hiking.
  • Recommended Route: South Gate of Huolushan Forest Park – White Shelf Top – Pig Head Rock – Observation Deck – North Gate. Along this route, visitors can admire beautiful natural scenery and unique mountain landscapes.

3. Fenghuangshan Hiking Trail

  • Features: Fenghuangshan, with its relatively high altitude, offers challenging hiking trails but also stunning scenery.
  • Recommended Route: Fenghuangshan Hiking Path – Fenghuangshan Peak – Descent Trail via Wild Path – Tianluhu Forest Park Scenic Area Hiking Trail. This route combines the thrill of hiking and traversing wild paths, perfect for those who enjoy a challenge.

4. Niutoushan Hiking Trail

  • Features: Niutoushan offers spectacular sunrises and sea of clouds, making it a fantastic spot for hiking enthusiasts to appreciate natural beauty.
  • Recommended Route: Huangpu Subway Station Area – Niutoushan Peak – Descent via Wild Path – Huangpu River Greenway. This route not only showcases beautiful sunrises and clouds but also offers the enjoyment of hiking downhill.

5. Longfengtianniu Trail

  • Features: This is a high-intensity, moderately difficult hiking trail that offers a rich variety of experiences and scenery.
  • Trail Introduction: It encompasses the Wild Path Crossing of Long Trail + Fenghuangshan Hiking Trail + Tianluhu Uphill Wild Path Crossing + Niutoushan Downhill Wild Path Crossing. The entire trail covers a long distance and requires good physical strength and endurance, but visitors can enjoy spectacular views of odd-shaped rocks, red leaves, bauhinia blossoms, and the historical site of Japanese aggression in Taihezhang.

Notes

  • When choosing a hiking trail, please consider your physical strength and experience to ensure safety.
  • Before hiking, make sure to be well-prepared with suitable hiking shoes, enough water and food, and knowledge of the weather and trail conditions.
  • Comply with park regulations, do not litter, and protect the natural environment.
  • Stay safe and avoid going to unfamiliar or dangerous areas alone. It is best to hike in groups.

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CONGHUA Hot Spring Travel Tips

CONGHUA Hot Springs, also known as LIUXI River Hot Springs, is located in CONGHUA Hot Springs Town, northeast of GUANGZHOU, about 75 kilometers away from GUANGZHOU, and is a well-known scenic spot and healing resort. It is not only rich in natural scenery, but also has many quality hot spring resorts and cuisines, making it an excellent choice for leisure vacations and healing and resting. Here is a detailed travel guide of CONGHUA Hot Spring to help you fully experience this beautiful country.

I. Major Attractions

1. South Calm Cultivation Town of CONGHUA

Hidden among bamboo forests and fruit trees, the South Calm Cultivation Town is supported by Fenghuang Mountain and embraced by Fenghuang River, with a forest coverage rate of 97%. It combines mountains, springs, forests, streams and rocks into a natural ecological landscape, which is a good place to relax. Walking along the Fengxi Trail, listening to the sound of tinkling spring water and feeling the cool air is very pleasant. Landscape nodes such as Phoenix Spreading Wings, Twin Bridges Hui and Cultural Square in the town incorporate elements of Nanping culture, and meet the diverse needs of visitors with leisure facilities such as ancient pavilions and coffee houses.

2. Shimen National Forest Park

Shimen National Forest Park is the most popular photo spot in Guangdong, known as “GUANGZHOU Xiangshan”. The park has 96.76% forest coverage, and December is the best time to see the red leaves of Shimen, which cover more than 3,000 acres, mainly maple trees, mountain sebifer trees and maple trees, which sway in the wind under the sunlight, making it picturesque and beautiful. In addition, the park also has natural landscapes such as the highest peak in GUANGZHOU, Paradise Peak, which is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

3. Hot Spring Waterfall

Located on the rocky cliff of Toujia Mountain, the Hot Spring Waterfall is divided into five levels, which are majestic and known as Baizhang Waterfall, Flying Rainbow Waterfall and Fragrant Powder Waterfall. The waterfall is filled with water mist, and when the sunlight shines, it forms a colorful rainbow, which is breathtaking. Around the waterfall, there are also Cuicui Pavilion, Spring Pavilion, Qingyin Pavilion and other humanistic landscapes, suitable for tourists to stop to watch and rest.

Second, the hot spring resort recommended

1. Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel

Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel is a Chinese garden style hot spring resort, by the mountain and water, pleasant environment. It has received party and state leaders such as Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai, as well as foreign heads of state. The hotel has 500 beds, with baking soda hot spring water supplied directly to the guest rooms 24 hours a day, equipped with open-air hot spring, health garden, art gallery, tennis, table tennis, indoor hot spring swimming pool and other health, entertainment and recreation facilities.

2. Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort

Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort is a luxury resort located on the bank of LIUXI River in CONGHUA LIUXI Hot Spring Tourist Resort. The resort is equipped with large open-air hot springs, swimming pools, soccer fields and other facilities where visitors can enjoy the hot springs and leisure time. The resort’s service staff is warm and attentive, making it a good place to relax.

3. St. Tory Spa Manor

St. Tory Spa Manor is unique in the Greek Aegean Sea, with more than 50 hot spring pools of different sizes and a large outdoor swimming pool with an area of more than 1,000 square meters. The hot spring water in the Manor is rich in more than twenty kinds of minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to the human body, with health care and health effects. The unique architectural style of the mansion brings exotic tastes for visitors to enjoy.

4. Henleston Spa Hotel

Located at the entrance of CONGHUA Hot Spring Tourist Resort, Henleston Hot Spring Hotel is a hot spring health hotel. The hotel is equipped with special lobby bar, health spa pool, garden swimming pool, recreational spa, catering, conference and movie facilities to meet the needs of different tourists. Some of the rooms are equipped with private hot spring soaking pools, making the concept of comfortable living more profound.

C. Culinary Recommendations

1. Hot Spring Raw Egg

Hot Spring Raw Egg is one of the specialties of CONGHUA Hot Spring. Boiled in just the right amount of hot spring water, the egg is smooth, tender and melts in your mouth. It is delicious when served with black truffle mushrooms and vegetable salad.

2. Hot Spring Chicken

Pepper Hot Spring Chicken is made from Lai Yuen’s free-range chickens with firm and tender meat. After being cooked in hot spring water at 67.5°, the skin of the chicken is tender and crispy, and the meat is tender and full of flavor, making it unforgettable.

Why do foreigners like Guangzhou so much?

Guangzhou is the third most popular city among foreigners in China. The reasons for this are varied and profound, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Unique geographical advantages

Proximity to Hong Kong: Guangzhou as the closest big city to Hong Kong, the two in the language, culture, economy and other aspects of the high degree of compatibility, looking back at history, the rise of Hong Kong as the financial center of Asia, when the mainland has not yet opened up, Guangzhou and Hong Kong and Macao to cooperate, drive foreign trade, because of the development of cooperation on the formation of the “Hong Kong and Macao Province,” the title, Hong Kong and Macao is Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Macao are Hong Kong and Macao. Many people refer to Guangzhou as the “provincial city”, where the word “province” refers to Guangzhou rather than Guangdong province. This geographical proximity allows foreigners living in Guangzhou to quickly adapt to the environment and feel similar to that of Hong Kong.

2. Language Advantages

International influence of Cantonese: Cantonese is widely spoken not only in Guangdong and Hong Kong, but also in Southeast Asia and North America. This linguistic commonality has attracted a large number of Cantonese-speaking expatriates to Guangzhou, as well as promoting cultural exchange and integration.

Inclusiveness of the linguistic environment: As an international metropolis, Guangzhou provides a good environment for people with different language backgrounds to communicate, as foreign languages such as English are widely spoken in addition to Cantonese. Many overseas Chinese communities use Cantonese as their common language.On the streets of Guangzhou, you can also find foreigners negotiating with vendors in Cantonese. As soon as a foreigner speaks Cantonese, he or she immediately enters the Guangzhou City Life Channel.

3. Advantages of trade, transport and logistics

Deep history of foreign trade: Guangzhou has been an important port for China’s foreign trade since ancient times. Modern Guangzhou is the window and forefront of China’s foreign trade, with a perfect business system and logistics network. As one of the starting points of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou as early as in the Tang Dynasty, in the area of today’s Gwangtar Road set up a community for foreigners (mainly Arabs and Persians) to live in the overseas – “Fanfang”, the river sails, merchant ships not far from thousands of miles across the sea and come; beads, silk and other products. The wholesale market was bustling with merchants and emissaries from all over the world, piling up mountains of pearls, silk, ceramics, tea and spices.

Influence of the Canton Fair: As the largest comprehensive international trade event in China, the Canton Fair not only attracts merchants and buyers from all over the world, but also enhances Guangzhou’s reputation and influence in the international arena.

4. Rich cultural heritage

Historical and cultural city: Guangzhou is a national historical and cultural city with a rich historical and cultural heritage and a profound cultural heritage. This cultural accumulation not only adds a unique charm to Guangzhou, but also provides a window for expatriates to understand and experience Chinese culture.

Open and tolerant cultural atmosphere: Guangzhou has been a place where Chinese and foreign cultures have mixed since ancient times, forming a unique Guangfu culture. This open and tolerant cultural atmosphere has enabled Guangzhou to attract foreigners from different cultural backgrounds to settle and develop.

5. Culinary advantages

The reputation of “Guangzhou Food”: Guangzhou is famous for its unique flavors and rich variety of food, which attracts countless diners to come and taste. This gastronomic advantage not only brings economic benefits to Guangzhou, but also enhances its international popularity and attractiveness.

Prosperous development of the catering industry: Guangzhou’s catering industry has been developing strongly, with a growing number of newly registered businesses, providing a wealth of dining options for expatriates. At the same time, the prosperity of the catering industry has also led to the overall development of the accommodation and catering industry.

To sum up, Guangzhou has become the third city in China that foreigners are keen on because of its unique geographic advantages, language advantages, advantages in commerce, transportation and logistics, rich cultural heritage as well as culinary advantages and other factors. These factors are intertwined and mutually reinforcing, and together they constitute Guangzhou’s unique urban charm and attractiveness.

about liuhuamall

Liuhua Fashion Wholesale Market was established in October 1996 and is one of the most advanced clothing wholesale market in Guangzhou providing the most comprehensive services. We also have one of the most extensive supply distribution center which brings together thousands of manufacturers from all around China with the latest style and the most competitive price.

GuangZhou Liuhua fashion wholesale market is located at the south tower of Liuhua Hotel, the extremely convenient logistic location adjacents to Guangzhou Railway Station, Provincial Bus Terminal and right next to main highways, railways and air cargo shipments stations. After 20 years of operation, the business area of Liuhua fashion wholesale market has reached 25000m2 with more than 2,000 manufacturers and brands, the market has become an important hub for clothing wholesale worldwide and one of the country’s major clothing distribution centers.

“China Travel” is hot|144 hours visa-free transit policies

Recently, “China Travel” has exploded on the global social media, with related videos being played more than 1 billion times. As the latest “traffic code”, network bloggers with a real record of foreign tourists to China travel experience vlog, will be China’s ancient countryside and modern cities, classic landscape and personalized roaming, multi-cultural and three-dimensional play all presented, so that more foreigners China Travel.

On July 5, the National Immigration Administration released data that in the first half of 2024, there were 14.635 million entries at various ports across the country, up 152.7% year-on-year. Among them, 8.542 million people entered the country through visa-free entry, accounting for 52%, up 190.1% year-on-year. The visa-free transit policy is regarded as China’s new “top business card” and is making China Travel more attractive.

Latest: 72/144 hours visa-free transit list

All China’s ports of entry are open to the outside world for people from all over the world to implement the 24-hour visa-free transit policy. Currently, 41 ports open to the outside world located in 19 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) implement the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for people from 54 countries.

The list of specific countries and ports of entry is shown in a chart – (copy by gov)

 

China expands visa-free transit policy to more ports

BEIJING, July 15 — China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, taking the number of ports covered by the policy to 37.

The three new ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in central China’s Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan, the administration said in a statement.

Starting from Monday, eligible foreign nationals can enter China through Zhengzhou aviation port visa-free, with the stay limited within Henan Province. Also, people entering Yunnan visa-free are allowed to stay in more areas of the province. Previously, they could only stay in Kunming whereas now, they can visit nine city or prefecture-level areas including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali and Xishuangbanna, according to the NIA.

The two provinces both boast rich tourist resources.

Henan, where many ancient dynasties had established their capitals, is home to sites of great historical interest including the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes.

Yunnan boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Old Town of Lijiang and the Hani rice terraces. It is also home to over 20 ethnic groups.

At present, foreign nationals from 54 countries such as the United States, Canada, and Britain are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free policy for purpose of short-term activities such as travel and business visits.

The NIA statement said the expansion of the visa-free policy is expected to provide more choices for foreign nationals traveling and doing business in China.

It said the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has played an important role in the country’s high-level opening-up, facilitating the exchange of people between China and other countries, and promoting exchanges and cooperation. It pledged to continue to improve and optimize the policy and welcome foreign visitors with a more open mind.

The NIA said earlier this month that China had recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year. Among them, 8.54 million entered China visa-free, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent.

In addition to the expanded visa-free policies, China has also launched a series of other measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals and their stay in China, including relaxed visa application requirements and simplified procedures, exemption of border checks for certain transit passengers and more convenient mobile payment for foreigners.

The NIA expects the number of foreigners visiting China to continue to rise in the second half of this year.

As measures are making visits to China increasingly easier, the country has become a popular destination for overseas tourists. With more people posting their travel experiences in China on social media, “China Travel” has become a top trending search term on multiple global social media platforms.

China will continue to embrace the world with open arms, inject new dynamism into the world through its development and create more energy and enthusiasm for people-to-people exchanges, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said last week.

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China’s cultural charm, ease of travel attract global tourists

BEIJING, July 17 — Earlier in July, a British family of five concluded their three-month tour of China. Describing the journey as “epic,” they shared their treasured moments through videos with people around the world, garnering numerous “likes” on social media.

In the videos, the parents and their three young girls were seen devouring local cuisines and visiting world cultural heritage sites like the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Forbidden City.

Lately, foreign tourists are more easily spotted across China, whether in metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou or in less renowned regions like Hunan and Jiangxi.

The Hutchinsons were among the over 14.6 million foreigners who visited the country in the first half of this year. Official data showed a 152.7 percent increase in that number compared to the same period in 2023.

Over 60 percent of respondents consider experiencing Chinese culture as the main goal of their travel to China, according to a survey on inbound tourist satisfaction by the China Tourism Academy.

In the family’s final vlog from China, Tamira Hutchinson, the mother, expressed her admiration for the country’s diverse culture and her joy that her children could gain a deeper understanding of both China and the world through their travels.

Having lived in China for 20 years, Brian Linden from the United States calls himself a fan of Chinese culture and has dedicated his career to fostering cultural exchanges between China and the world.

He runs a hotel in southwest China’s Yunnan Province that collaborates with several American schools for study tours. He believes that tourism serves as a key channel for people from different countries to interact and understand each other.

“What we gain are not just photos but friends,” said Enrico Radrizzani, head of the Italian travel agency La Compagnia del Relax, who has been involved in the tourism industry for over 40 years. He said that Italian tourists enjoy spending time visiting ancient sites and museums and experiencing Chinese folk customs.

With easier entry policies, including a 144-hour visa-free transit policy that expanded to 37 entry ports as of Monday and pilot visa-free policies for some countries, “on-a-whim travel” to China is becoming a reality.

In the meantime, measures have been introduced to simplify offline and online payment and ticket booking at tourist sites for international visitors to ensure a pleasant travel experience.

German tourist Ken Abroad said that he noticed a significant improvement during his recent trip to Guangdong Province compared to last year. He found it much easier to link his bank card to a mobile payment app, allowing for quick booking of train tickets and easy access to subways.

To facilitate access, most scenic spots now provide offline ticketing services for foreign tourists. Wu Kefeng, a senior official at China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said that measures such as English interfaces for online bookings and recognition of foreign passports as valid identification are being implemented across Chinese tourist sites.

However, there is still room for improvement in delivering high-quality tourism experiences to foreign visitors.

During his visit to Gansu Province’s Dunhuang City in early July, Javier Garcia from Spain was captivated by the millennium-old cave art in the Mogao Grottoes and the exquisite relics at the Dunhuang Museum. However, he expressed disappointment with the lack of adequate signage and guide services in foreign languages.

“Enhancing foreign language services would definitely help people from around the world better appreciate and understand Dunhuang’s culture and history,” Garcia said.

changcheng

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New trend of Chinese tourism to international travelers

china travel

CHANGSHA/SHANGHAI, July 16 — Jin Yeong-deg, a 72-year-old man from the Republic of Korea, opened his Korean payment app Kakao Pay and showed the QR code to the cashier. Within seconds, the scan was complete, and he successfully purchased his items.

This would be a very ordinary transaction in the Korean cities of Seoul or Busan, but it actually took place in Zhangjiajie, a tourist city in central China’s Hunan Province.

“Traveling in Zhangjiajie is very convenient,” said Jin. “I didn’t expect to be able to use mobile payments here just like a local.”

This was Jin’s second visit to the breathtaking landscape of Zhangjiajie — home to the real prototype of the floating mountains in the Avatar — and he saw significant changes since his first trip in 2004.

According to the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 of the World Economic Forum, China ranks eighth among the top 10 countries for travel and tourism.

TRAVEL MADE EASY

According to a recent survey conducted by Beijing Foreign Studies University, among 714 foreign tourists from 103 countries, 86 percent of those who have visited China believe the payment experience has become more convenient. The vast majority of these tourists used mobile payment methods.

By the end of 2023, China’s mobile payment penetration rate had reached 86 percent, the highest in the world. Foreigners can now easily bind their overseas bank cards with Alipay or Tenpay, China’s two major payment apps, thanks to simplified mobile payments.

In the first half of this year, foreign card transactions using mobile payment platforms surged 6.65 times from the previous year to nearly 37.4 million, according to data from Chinese online payment clearing house NetsUnion Clearing Corporation.

The apps also enable convenient transportation for foreign tourists.

Spanish couple Miguel and Irena Rodriguez Jimenez used Alipay to take the subway in Shanghai and book ride-hailing services.

“Some warm-hearted locals helped us download the app and register,” said the wife. “It was a bit complicated at first, but now we can use it adeptly.”

GATE OPENING WIDER

China is welcoming more tourists with new visa policies.

On Monday, China expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 entry ports. Foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada and Britain, are eligible for the policy for short-term travel and business visits.

The country is also piloting visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders from more than a dozen countries, including France, Spain, Australia and Poland, allowing them to enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

Data from the National Immigration Administration showed that the number of foreigners visiting China in the first half of this year exceeded 14.6 million, an increase of 152.7 percent compared with the same period last year. Of these, more than 8.5 million, or 52 percent, entered visa-free, a 190 percent increase year on year.

Eva Gajewska is the manager of a travel agency in Warsaw, Poland. Since the visa-free policy started, she has received lots of phone calls asking about tours to China.

“In the past, a visitor usually spent about 100 U.S. dollars for the visa to China, and had to wait for seven days,” she said, hailing the new policy a “long-awaited” move. The company is now designing new routes to offer its clients more choices for their China trips.

Edward Iglesias, a 61-year-old Australian tourist, embarked on a 17-day tour of China, starting from Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Having applied for his visa before the policy change, he felt the new policy would definitely make things easier for travelers.

With simplified entry procedures, Iglesias plans to recommend China as a tourist destination to his friends, praising its “nice people and beautiful scenery.” He expressed a desire to return when the weather is cooler, “maybe in autumn or spring.”

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Many visitors have changed their perspective on China after their visits to the country.

Colombian tourist German Raigosa was visiting China with his family for the first time. “It’s surprising to see the public transportation, and how clean the cities are compared to other cities like New York,” said the 71-year-old father.

“I didn’t know that Chinese people are so nice,” added his 29-year-old daughter, Susana Raigosa. “I was surprised at how little I knew about these cities.”

Arnr Herrmann from New Zealand returned to Shanghai 28 years after his first visit. “Back then, I only remember seeing the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower as the landmark,” said the leader of a 60-student group. This time, he marveled at China’s development and the juxtaposition of both historical and modern buildings in the metropolis.

“We are impressed by the cleanliness of all the places,” said Samuel Juara from Mexico via WeChat, which he downloaded for his trip to China. “The respect from all the people and their willingness to help, the amount of electric cars and beautiful buildings, the electronic advances and communicating measures … are very impressive.”

New measures are being implemented across China to better serve international travelers in tourism cities. For instance, the Bank of China’s Zhangjiajie branch has upgraded the airport’s self-service currency exchange machines. These machines now accept over 20 currencies, including Australian dollars, up from six previously.

Chinese customs authorities have made declarations easier for foreign passengers by using mobile phone apps. “Foreign tourists can now complete their arrival process and pass through customs in just 30 minutes,” said Liu Jinbo, director of Zhangjiajie Customs. He added that the average clearance time for inbound passengers is expected to drop further to under 10 minutes by the end of September.

“You will know how beautiful China is only after you visit the country,” said Shin Young-yun, a team leader with Korean travel agency Modetour.

“China is a very safe and lovely country, which I have recommended to my compatriots. I know many of them who have visited once would like to go there again,” he added. “Hopefully in the future more Koreans, more foreigners, can visit and see the real China.”

144-hour visa-free policy

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The history of Guangzhou’s millennium commercial capital

Guangzhou, a city with a long history, has been famous for its prosperous business since ancient times. This city is not only an economic center in southern China, but also a shining pearl in the history of world trade. Let us travel through the long river of time and explore the story of this thousand-year-old commercial capital.

Ancient prosperity
Guangzhou’s history can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty, when it was already the county seat of Nanhai County. With the rise of the Maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou gradually became an important port for trade between the East and the West. In the Tang Dynasty, Guangzhou had become the main window for China’s foreign trade, with merchants gathering and abundant goods, and was known as the “Pearl of the South China Sea”.

The Golden Age of Trade
In the Song Dynasty, Guangzhou’s trade reached a new peak. It is not only a hub for trade between China and Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and even Africa, but also a bridge for cultural exchanges. Guangzhou in the Song Dynasty, with its open attitude, attracted countless foreign businessmen, making the city full of multicultural vitality.

Cultural Fusion
Guangzhou is not only a commercial center, but also a melting pot of culture. Various religions, arts and academics meet here to form a unique Lingnan culture. Historical sites such as Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Guangxiao Temple are not only witnesses of Guangzhou’s history, but also treasures of Lingnan culture.

Modern changes
In modern times, Guangzhou has played an important role in China’s changes. As one of China’s earliest open trading ports, Guangzhou became the forefront of China’s opening up after the Opium War. It has witnessed many important events in China’s modern history and has become the birthplace of China’s modern industry and revolutionary ideas.

Contemporary brilliance
Today’s Guangzhou still maintains its commercial vitality. As China’s third largest city, Guangzhou is not only the economic center of southern China, but also an important platform for international trade. Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe Business District, Liuhua (Railway Station) Business District and other places show the modern face of the city with their modern architecture and prosperous business.

Future prospects
Looking to the future, Guangzhou will continue to meet new challenges and opportunities with its open attitude. The city will continue to play its leading role in the regional economy, while constantly promoting cultural innovation and scientific and technological progress to maintain its position as a world trade center.

Guangzhou, a thousand-year-old commercial capital, not only carries a rich historical and cultural heritage, but also writes its own legend with its enterprising spirit. Whether in the past, present or future, Guangzhou will continue to attract people from all over the world with its unique charm.

Guangzhou Tower

Top Ten Most Popular Cities in China: Exploring the Convergence of Economy and Culture

China, a country with a rich history and modern vitality, attracts global attention with its diverse culture and rapid economic development. From the Great Wall to the Bund, from the Forbidden City to the Pearl River, every corner of China is filled with unique charm. Here are the top ten most popular cities in China, which are must-visit destinations whether you are traveling or planning to live in China.

1. Beijing

As the capital of China, Beijing is not only the political center but also a treasure trove of culture and history. Iconic attractions such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall allow every visitor to feel the profound historical heritage of China. At the same time, the modern vibe of the 798 Art Zone and Sanlitun shows Beijing’s fashion and vitality.

beijing_gugong

2. Shanghai

Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai is China’s economic hub and an international metropolis. The Bund’s night view, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Tower, along with traditional attractions like Yu Garden and the City God Temple, showcase the unique urban landscape of Shanghai. Shopping and cuisine in Shanghai are also highlights, with Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and the French Concession being must-visit places for tourists.

shanghai

3. Guangzhou

Guangzhou, a dazzling pearl in southern China, not only embodies the profound historical depth and economic vitality of Guangdong and even the entire South China region, but also stands as a window showcasing the diversity of Chinese culture with its open and inclusive attitude.It with its unique geographical location and relentless spirit of innovation, leads the vigorous development of the regional economy while preserving a wealth of cultural heritage.Guangzhou Tower, the iconic landmark of the city.Guangzhou’s delicious foods culture is equally renowned, particularly its unique dim sum culture, which has become a dazzling calling card of the city. Every visitor can find their own share of touching moments and delightful surprises(history, finance, culture and food of Guangdong). 

4. Shenzhen

As the window of China’s reform and opening up, Shenzhen is one of China’s youngest cities. It boasts modern cityscapes like the Shenzhen Civic Center and Kingkey 100 Building, as well as beautiful natural scenery such as Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches. Shenzhen’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial atmosphere have attracted many young people to develop their careers.

5. Hangzhou

Known as a paradise on earth, Hangzhou is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Attractions like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Songcheng’s ancient-style architecture allow people to feel the charm of the Jiangnan water towns. Hangzhou’s e-commerce industry is also very developed, with companies like Alibaba thriving here.

6. Chengdu

Chengdu, the “Land of Abundance,” attracts visitors with its leisurely pace of life and rich culinary culture. Attractions such as Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, and Jinli Ancient Street showcase Chengdu’s history and culture. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is also a must-visit, offering the opportunity to get up close with these national treasures.

7. Xi’an

As an ancient capital, Xi’an is an important birthplace of Chinese history and culture. Historical relics such as the Terracotta Army, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the city walls make visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time. The Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang in Xi’an are also paradises for food lovers, with local snacks like Roujiamo (meat stuffed in bread), Liangpi (cold skin noodles), and Yangroupaomo (mutton stew with bread pieces) offering endless flavors.

8. Chongqing

Chongqing, a mountain city, is known for its unique topography and beautiful night views. Attractions such as Hongya Cave, the Yangtze River Cableway, and the Liberation Monument showcase Chongqing’s modern and historical aspects. Chongqing’s hotpot and spicy chicken dishes are also irresistible.

9. Suzhou

Suzhou, a typical Jiangnan water town, is famous for its exquisite gardens and ancient towns. Attractions such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, and Zhouzhuang Ancient Town allow people to experience the gentle and elegant charm of Jiangnan. Suzhou’s silk and Suzhou embroidery are also distinctive, showcasing the exquisite skills of traditional Chinese crafts.

10. Xiamen

Xiamen, a coastal city, attracts visitors with its beautiful coastline and pleasant climate. Attractions such as Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, and Huandao Road showcase Xiamen’s natural scenery and cultural heritage. Xiamen’s seafood and Southern Fujian snacks are also highlights, offering a culinary feast.

These cities are not only the economic and cultural centers of China but also ideal places for tourism and residence. Whether exploring historical sites or enjoying the conveniences of a modern metropolis, these cities can meet your needs. Pack your bags and embark on a journey that you can take at a moment’s notice!