Check out our guide to life in Guangzhou
Guangzhou has been a powerful commercial centre for thousands of years. It was a major terminus of the maritime Silk Road and is an important port and transportation hub to this day. Forbes ranked Guangzhou as the best commercial city in mainland China for three years running (2013 – 2015). It’s one of China’s three largest cities and the primary manufacturing centre of the Pearl River Delta. Guangzhou is best known for hosting the oldest and largest trade fair in China, the annual Canton Fair. The region is also known for delicious Cantonese cuisine and locally brewed Zhujiang Beer.
Guangzhou Fast Facts
Prefecture-level and Sub-provincial city
Settled – 1,100 BCE
Population – 14,904,400
Guangzhou Weather
Hottest Month July (30 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (14 °C avg)
Wettest Month June (223.5 mm avg)
Windiest Month January (8 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 1061.6 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Guangzhou
The Canton Tower
This 604-metre-tall multi-purpose observation tower offers a great way to see the sights.
Chimelong Paradise
Here’s one for the thrill-seekers. It’s China’s largest amusement park with 70 rides.
Baiyun Mountain
Take a cable car ride to gorgeous mountaintop views, food, activities and entertainment.
Chimelong Safari Park
See 2,000 acres of safari animals from glass bottomed cable cars, plus dining and souvenirs.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Walk through historic halls with beautiful art, architecture, pottery carvings and engravings.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Experience an ancient Buddhist temple complex featuring relics and a flowerlike pagoda.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
This pedestrian shopping street has over 300 shops and well-known restaurants to enjoy.
Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Take a fascinating look at the tomb and funerary relics of Han Dynasty king, Zhao Mei.
Guangdong Museum
See a great collection of Chinese paintings, ceramics, bronzes & archaeological artefacts.
Chimelong Water Park
Have a fun day out on the water slides and tube rides and seeing music and dance shows.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 65 | 7.42 | 13.58 | 135.71 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 16 | 1.83 | 3.34 | 33.41 |
| Beer in a shop | 6 | 0.69 | 1.25 | 12.53 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.26 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 25 | 2.85 | 5.22 | 52.20 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 40 | 4.57 | 8.35 | 83.51 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 98 | 11.19 | 20.47 | 204.61 |
| Gym per month | 340 | 38.82 | 71.01 | 709.87 |
| City bus | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.35 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 340 | 38.82 | 71.01 | 709.87 |
| Loaf of bread | 13 | 1.48 | 2.72 | 27.14 |
