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Guangzhou is a large city located at the mouth of the Pearl River. The city was formerly called Canton and was founded over 2,000 years ago with a good location that made it a vibrant trading city early on. Historically, Guangzhou was the only Chinese port city open to foreign trade from 1757 to 1842. Guangzhou was also the place where Sun Yat-sen worked and where the national Kuomintang party had its headquarters.
Today, the city is very modern and hectic, and it gives a good impression of the explosive development that China has undergone since the end of the 20th century. There are many both historical and new attractions in Guangzhou, such as the city’s Catholic Cathedral, which was built in 1888, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, which is best known for its pagoda. The pagoda is called the Flower Pagoda or Hua Ta and was built in 1097 with a total of 17 interior floors, which it is possible to climb with an interesting view from the top as a reward.
Close to the city’s train station is the Yuexiu Gongyuan Park. The park is beautifully landscaped with several lakes and hills, and in the center is the Zhenhailou Tower, which houses the city museum, which exhibits artifacts from the history of Guangzhou. The tower is a memorial to the navigator Zheng He, who made several trips to Africa, among other places, in the early 15th century. South of the Yuexio Gongyuan Park is the city’s large monument to Sun Yat-sen on a hilltop. From here there is a beautiful view of the city, which can also be obtained from the Canton Tower, a 600-meter-high observation tower from 2010.
Canton Tower is an observation tower in Guangzhou, formally known as the Guangzhou TV Astronomical and Sightseeing Tower. It is also an iconic building that is one of Guangzhou’s modern landmarks. The tower was completed in 2010 and was the world’s tallest tower at the time until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2011. At 602 meters, Canton Tower is still one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. Built to mark Guangzhou as a modern and forward-looking city, the tower played a central role during the 2010 Asian Games.
Architecture-wise, Canton Tower is a masterpiece of structural expressionism, designed by architects Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit. The tower is visually characterized by its unique design with a slender waist, also known as Xiao Man Yao, which was inspired by the elegant shape of a woman’s silhouette. The shape is complemented by beautiful and dynamic lighting that changes colors and patterns, making the Canton Tower a spectacular sight both day and night.
If you take a tour of the Canton Tower, you can enjoy a number of attractions. There are several observation decks where you can get a breathtaking view of Guangzhou and the Pearl River. One of the most popular attractions is the Bubble Tram, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, which offers a unique experience of the city from the air. The wheel is located almost at the top of the tower, where there are also restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a fantastic view. The Canton Tower also offers an outdoor skywalk at a height of 488 meters for the adventurous.
The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a famous octagonal building that is one of the landmarks of Guangzhou. The building was built between 1929 and 1931 after a design by Lu Yanzhi. This was made possible by donations from both locals and Chinese in other countries who wanted to build the memorial hall as a monument to Sun Yat-sen, who played a major role in the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 during the Xinhai Revolution. He was also the first president of the Republic of China and a co-founder of the Kuomintang.
The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a memorial hall with a height of 49 meters and a span of 71 meters in the hall. Inside, the building was built to accommodate over 3,000 spectators for the stage, which is also in the building. The hall was built on the site of the Guangzhou Presidential Palace.
The palace was used during the period of the so-called Constitutional Protection Movement/護法運動. It was a time of a movement led by Sun Yat-sen against the then Beiyang government in Beijing. The movements took place from 1917 to 1922 and led to Sun Yat-sen establishing a second government in Guangzhou. The movements later led to the North China Campaign of 1926-1928, in which the National Revolutionary Army captured Beijing and paved the way for the reunification of China in 1928.
A bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen can be seen in front of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. It is 5 meters high and was erected in 1956. The statue stands on a marble foundation, and the entire complex is located immediately south of Yuexiu Park/越秀公园, where you can take a nice walk after visiting the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
Yuexiu Park in Guangzhou is the largest park in the city center, covering an area of 860,000 square meters. The park consists of three artificial lakes and seven hills, making it a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. One of the park’s most famous attractions is the Five Rams Monument or Wu Yang Diaoxiang/五羊雕像, which has become a symbol of Guangzhou. According to legend, five immortals on five rams came to the city and brought rice to the starving residents, making the city rich and livable.
You can also see the Zhenhai Tower/鎭海樓, also known as the Five Story Pagoda, in Yuexio Park. It is a 28-meter-high pagoda-style tower that was originally built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty as a lookout tower on the city walls. Since then, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today, the tower houses the Guangzhou Museum, which exhibits artifacts and documents that show the city’s over 2,000 years of history. The tower’s green glazed tiles and red walls create a striking contrast, making it an elegant and impressive sight with its classic Chinese style.
The park also features three artificial lakes, Dongxiu, Nanxiu and Beixiu, which together cover an area of over 50,000 square meters. The lakes are surrounded by trees and are connected by arched bridges and Lingnan-style pavilions. Beixiu Lake is popular for boating and fishing, while the ambiance and atmosphere of Dongxiu and Nanxiu attract artists to paint and sketch the beautiful scenery. Yuexiu Park is therefore also a lovely place for nature lovers who want to enjoy a quiet stroll in green surroundings in the middle of the big city.
Shamiandao is a former sandbank in the Pearl River, which today lies as a built-up island in the center of Guangzhou. The island was and is located as a separate area in the Chinese metropolis, and its history and architecture make it one of Guangzhou’s most interesting neighborhoods, contrasting with the modern metropolis that you otherwise experience.
During the Qing dynasty, England and France were granted concessions on Shamiandao Island. It was located in an area that had already been the center of the city’s and the region’s foreign trade since the Song and Qing dynasties. Foreigners had already lived along the Pearl River before the concessions, and with the English and French concessions, trade was strengthened.
In 1859, England and France excavated a canal that made Shamiandao an actual island, and the canal is still located north of the small neighborhood that forms the historic European core. Two bridges were built between the island and the mainland, and these were closed every evening at 10 p.m. for safety reasons. The district developed on the island, including trading companies from a number of Western countries.
Today, Shamiandao is a neighborhood that houses adapted European architecture from the time of the European concessions. The English, French and others laid out streets and built houses according to European models. However, the buildings in this part of Guangzhou were adapted to local conditions, where not least the climate was significantly different from Europe. As a result, today you can walk around a small part of Europe when visiting the island.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in China. The church in Guangzhou was officially inaugurated on June 18, 1863, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, after a construction period that took 25 years and was financed by Napoleon III and French Catholics. The cathedral was built on the site of the former residence of the Qing Dynasty viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The residence was destroyed during the Second Opium War, and the site was given to the Catholic mission to build the cathedral.
Architecturally, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic style and is one of the few cathedrals in the world built entirely of granite. The cathedral was designed by French architects and built by Chinese craftsmen, creating a unique blend of Western architecture and local craftsmanship. The building has two tall spires that reach a height of 58.5 meters, and an impressive rose window with a diameter of 6 meters. The colorful stained glass mosaics were imported from France and create a devout atmosphere inside the church.
Inside the Sacred Heart Cathedral, you can admire the beautiful stained glass mosaics and impressive stonework. The cathedral also has several noteworthy chapels and a large altar decorated with detailed religious motifs. The church is active, and masses are held regularly, where you can experience the church in use. From the outside, you can also notice the architectural details, and today the old church stands as a contrast in the streetscape to Guangzhou’s many modern skyscrapers.
Guangzhou Circle is a modern landmark in Guangzhou. It is a round office building with a hole in the middle, and the design is not accidental. Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale was inspired by the history of the area, traditional Chinese culture and Chinese symbolism. Among the inspirations were symbols from historical dynasties, and with a reflection in the Pearl River, it forms a figure eight, which stands for eternity.
The impressive structure reached its height of 138 meters in 2013. The round tower was built as the headquarters of the Hongda Xingye Group, and there are 33 floors behind the windows of the interesting design. If you get close to Guangzhou, you can clearly see the details of the buildings and thus also see how the visually round shape is built up using squares.
The Guangzhou Opera House is one of the largest cultural venues in southern China, and with its exciting architecture, the house has also become one of Guangzhou’s modern landmarks. The opera house was built after an architectural competition was held in 2002, where several prominent architects submitted proposals for the building.
After the competition, the design of Iraqi Zaha Hadid was chosen, and construction began in 2005. The inauguration took place in 2010, and it was one of the largest stages in China, along with the largest theaters in Beijing and Shanghai. The inspiration for the design came, among other things, from the stones of the Pearl River, which runs through Guangzhou.
The Dafo Temple in Guangzhou, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is a Buddhist shrine located in the Yuexiu District of the Chinese metropolis. The temple’s history dates back to the Southern Han Dynasty, which ruled from 917 to 971. The temple was originally built here during the reign of Emperor Liu Yan, who was a devout Buddhist. With a history of over a thousand years, the temple has seen much of the city’s history, being destroyed and rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties, among others.
You can visit the temple and see its large Buddha statues, which stand in the majestic Mahavira Hall. The statues are each 6 meters tall and weigh around 10 tons. They are among the largest Buddha statues in the region and are known for their detailed craftsmanship. The statues represent Buddha in various poses and symbolize peace, wisdom and compassion.
The current temple complex is the result of a reconstruction and expansion during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor in 1663. In 1981, the temple was restored as a Buddhist site in accordance with the policy of religious freedom. The large facade building of the Dafo Temple, called Shanmen/山门, is an impressive entrance to the complex with traditional Chinese architectural elements, welcoming visitors to the temple’s peaceful surroundings.
The Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is one of the largest museums in China. It is known for its extensive collection of art, history, culture, and natural history. The museum, which opened in 2010, is housed in an intriguing building designed like a jewel box. The design is meant to reflect the museum’s rich collections, which consist of over 166,000 objects. The collections and exhibits include calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, wood carvings, gemstones, and more.
One of the interesting exhibits in the Guangdong Museum is the Guangdong History and Culture Exhibition. This exhibition covers an area of 4,000 square meters and displays countless objects ranging from relics and pictures to oil paintings and sculptures. The exhibition is divided into several sections that follow a timeline and presents the history of the province. There are several rare objects that are the highlights of the exhibition.
A special feature of the museum is the impressive collection of gilded woodcarvings from Chaozhou, known for their intricate patterns and exquisite designs. This exhibition contains more than 200 items, including altars, incense burners and wooden screens. There is also an educational exhibition on the natural resources of Guangdong Province, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the area’s geological formations, minerals, gemstones, herbal medicines and wildlife on land and in the water.
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as Liurong Temple, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. Originally built in 537 AD, the temple has a history of nearly 1,500 years. The site is famous for its beautiful Flower Pagoda, an octagonal pagoda measuring 57.6 meters high and one of the oldest landmarks in Guangzhou. The name Temple of the Six Banyan Trees was given by the great Chinese poet Su Dongpo in the Song Dynasty after he was impressed by the six old and strong banyan trees on the site.
The most famous and characteristic of the temple’s buildings is the Six Banyan Tree Pagoda, also known as the Flower Pagoda. It is a pagoda known for its upward-curving roofs resembling dark red flower petals and its spire resembling stamens. The pagoda is not only beautiful, but also offers visitors a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the temple is also the Daxiong Baodian building, which is the main hall of the temple. Here you can see three large copper statues of Buddha, which are among the largest and oldest Buddhist statues in Guangdong.
Hong Kong is an interesting and beautifully located metropolis to visit. It has been fascinating millions of travelers over the years with its many interesting sights, monuments, nature and a lot of interesting activities to enjoy when in the South China city.
Hong Kong is at the same time Chinese as inspired by the approximately 150-year-old British period that ended in 1997. Small buildings in historic colonial architecture stand between modern skyscrapers, and they are a vivid evidence of that part of the city’s history. The sights of British times are especially seen on Hong Kong Island and in southern Kowloon.
In 1557, Portugal founded the city and colony of Macau. The city belonged to the Portuguese for 442 years until 1999, when it passed to Chinese rule. Throughout the period, Portugal, not least through culture and architecture, left its very charming mark on Macau, which today has a unique atmosphere as a mixture of Asia and Southern Europe.
Throughout the city, it is a delightful experience to stroll through the streets, including the large Senate Square/Largo do Senado, where the Portuguese pearl Leal Senado from 1784 is located. The building’s beautiful facade was completed in 1876.
Of the large São Paolo Cathedral from the 16th century, only the impressive facade remains today. The large staircase that leads up to the facade helps to make the place perhaps the biggest impression from Macau, and the facade from the old cathedral is also the city’s landmark.
At São Paolo is the Monte Fort fortress from the 1620s. In addition to the solid fortress walls, the Macau Museum is located here, and it depicts the city’s exciting history. Macau is of course also a modern Chinese city, and it is also home to many noteworthy buildings and fine experiences from recent decades.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in China. The church in Guangzhou was officially inaugurated on June 18, 1863, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, after a construction period that took 25 years and was financed by Napoleon III and French Catholics. The cathedral was built on the site of the former residence of the Qing Dynasty viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The residence was destroyed during the Second Opium War, and the site was given to the Catholic mission to build the cathedral.
Architecturally, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic style and is one of the few cathedrals in the world built entirely of granite. The cathedral was designed by French architects and built by Chinese craftsmen, creating a unique blend of Western architecture and local craftsmanship. The building has two tall spires that reach a height of 58.5 meters, and an impressive rose window with a diameter of 6 meters. The colorful stained glass mosaics were imported from France and create a devout atmosphere inside the church.
Inside the Sacred Heart Cathedral, you can admire the beautiful stained glass mosaics and impressive stonework. The cathedral also has several noteworthy chapels and a large altar decorated with detailed religious motifs. The church is active, and masses are held regularly, where you can experience the church in use. From the outside, you can also notice the architectural details, and today the old church stands as a contrast in the streetscape to Guangzhou’s many modern skyscrapers.
Guangzhou Circle is a modern landmark in Guangzhou. It is a round office building with a hole in the middle, and the design is not accidental. Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale was inspired by the history of the area, traditional Chinese culture and Chinese symbolism. Among the inspirations were symbols from historical dynasties, and with a reflection in the Pearl River, it forms a figure eight, which stands for eternity.
The impressive structure reached its height of 138 meters in 2013. The round tower was built as the headquarters of the Hongda Xingye Group, and there are 33 floors behind the windows of the interesting design. If you get close to Guangzhou, you can clearly see the details of the buildings and thus also see how the visually round shape is built up using squares.
The Guangzhou Opera House is one of the largest cultural venues in southern China, and with its exciting architecture, the house has also become one of Guangzhou’s modern landmarks. The opera house was built after an architectural competition was held in 2002, where several prominent architects submitted proposals for the building.
After the competition, the design of Iraqi Zaha Hadid was chosen, and construction began in 2005. The inauguration took place in 2010, and it was one of the largest stages in China, along with the largest theaters in Beijing and Shanghai. The inspiration for the design came, among other things, from the stones of the Pearl River, which runs through Guangzhou.
The Dafo Temple in Guangzhou, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is a Buddhist shrine located in the Yuexiu District of the Chinese metropolis. The temple’s history dates back to the Southern Han Dynasty, which ruled from 917 to 971. The temple was originally built here during the reign of Emperor Liu Yan, who was a devout Buddhist. With a history of over a thousand years, the temple has seen much of the city’s history, being destroyed and rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties, among others.
You can visit the temple and see its large Buddha statues, which stand in the majestic Mahavira Hall. The statues are each 6 meters tall and weigh around 10 tons. They are among the largest Buddha statues in the region and are known for their detailed craftsmanship. The statues represent Buddha in various poses and symbolize peace, wisdom and compassion.
The current temple complex is the result of a reconstruction and expansion during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor in 1663. In 1981, the temple was restored as a Buddhist site in accordance with the policy of religious freedom. The large facade building of the Dafo Temple, called Shanmen/山门, is an impressive entrance to the complex with traditional Chinese architectural elements, welcoming visitors to the temple’s peaceful surroundings.
The Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is one of the largest museums in China. It is known for its extensive collection of art, history, culture, and natural history. The museum, which opened in 2010, is housed in an intriguing building designed like a jewel box. The design is meant to reflect the museum’s rich collections, which consist of over 166,000 objects. The collections and exhibits include calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, wood carvings, gemstones, and more.
One of the interesting exhibits in the Guangdong Museum is the Guangdong History and Culture Exhibition. This exhibition covers an area of 4,000 square meters and displays countless objects ranging from relics and pictures to oil paintings and sculptures. The exhibition is divided into several sections that follow a timeline and presents the history of the province. There are several rare objects that are the highlights of the exhibition.
A special feature of the museum is the impressive collection of gilded woodcarvings from Chaozhou, known for their intricate patterns and exquisite designs. This exhibition contains more than 200 items, including altars, incense burners and wooden screens. There is also an educational exhibition on the natural resources of Guangdong Province, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the area’s geological formations, minerals, gemstones, herbal medicines and wildlife on land and in the water.
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as Liurong Temple, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. Originally built in 537 AD, the temple has a history of nearly 1,500 years. The site is famous for its beautiful Flower Pagoda, an octagonal pagoda measuring 57.6 meters high and one of the oldest landmarks in Guangzhou. The name Temple of the Six Banyan Trees was given by the great Chinese poet Su Dongpo in the Song Dynasty after he was impressed by the six old and strong banyan trees on the site.
The most famous and characteristic of the temple’s buildings is the Six Banyan Tree Pagoda, also known as the Flower Pagoda. It is a pagoda known for its upward-curving roofs resembling dark red flower petals and its spire resembling stamens. The pagoda is not only beautiful, but also offers visitors a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the temple is also the Daxiong Baodian building, which is the main hall of the temple. Here you can see three large copper statues of Buddha, which are among the largest and oldest Buddhist statues in Guangdong.
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