What comes to your mind when you think of traveling to Guangzhou? Perhaps it’s what you’ll see them eat, mainly that includes everything that moves. Perhaps it’s the traffic and pollution that you’ll get congested in. Or perhaps it’s the booming materialism that makes the city flourish. Whatever it is, many wonder what is there worth seeing when traveling to or visiting Guangzhou. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy beautiful architecture or scenery, Guangzhou will not be the first place on your travel list. But, surprisingly there are some very nice spots to see.
For somewhere relaxing and aesthetically appealing travel to ShaMian. Get ready to be greeted by lush greenery and colonial style architecture. It doesn’t “feel” like Guangzhou at all. A step onto Shamian takes away the bustling commercial activity and puts an instant stop to the anxious pace of Guangzhou. It feels like a different world. ShaMian is referred to as an island, but it is really a small sand patch surrounded by a river. It is connected to the mainland by a series of small English style bridges. In the past Shamian was the only area that foreign traders were allowed to set up their factories and warehouses. The English and French style architecture still stand on this island. Presently there are some hotels (home to the luxurious White Swan Hotel), hostels, coffee shops and restaurants in this area, as well as a few private residences. It also houses a few embassies and consulates. This pleasant corner of Guangzhou can be reached by taking the metro to “Huangsha” stop. Exit at Exit D and walk across the pedestrian bridges that go through the highway and you will end up at a bridge that will take you to Shamian.
On the other end of the spectrum, for the real bustling heart-pounding Guangzhou, visit “ShangXiaJiu Lu” literally “Upper Lower Ninth Street.” This is also an old part of town, though its tempo has been brought up to speed. This old street is lined with shops that sell a good assortment of the usual things. Be it clothes, jewelry, shoes, handbags, Starbucks style coffee shop, Chinese music or camping gear, ShangXiaJiu Lu has it. There is a performance area that either stage live performances or beats that pound out of the stereo system to keep the atmosphere at its high-strung level. A one hundred year old restaurant named “PuTaoJu” is located along this street. Though it has been renovated and restored, history stands in that building. If it’s American food that you’re craving, there is a excellent food at Papa John’s Pizza. Standing at the center of “ShangXiaJiu Lu” near the big gate, Papa John’s sign can been seen from the outside of the mall. For those who can take it, ShangXiaJiu Lu is an experience worth trying! Take the metro to “ChangShouLu” and exit at any of the exits, then walk south and you will meet the old “walking street” shopping area.
Guangzhou is an interesting place! For those who make it a stopover in their trip to China, it’s an experience they won’t forget. If the noise and congestion is really too much, then relax in ShaMian. It’s a great place to get away from it all!
Larissa Cherry - Larissa is a freelance writer presently based in China. Born and raised in Toronto her family moved to Asia 9 years ago. After spending 6 ...
