36 Hours In Guangzhao
However, China have relaxed their immigration law allowing tourists enjoy their major cities for up to six days on a fee free ‘transit’ visa. Couple this with an unbelievable return Sydney flight £475, I would be mad not to take it right!
After five days in Australia I boarded my 5th flight in as many days, onwards to Guangzhou, the third largest city in China and most commonly know as the manufacturing capital of the world.
I arrived at 5pm, breezed through immigration, jumped in a car and started the 50-minute peak hour traffic drive to the Shangri-La Guangzhou hotel. A beautifully appointed hotel which had a resort feeling while being in the middle of the city.
By this point I am tired having been travelling for what feels like forever. However with my limited time I know I must make the most of every minute which made me venture out.
I took a short walk along Zhujiang River to ‘Party Pier’, a purpose-built space with clubs, restaurants, roof top bars and shopping overlooking the impressive skyline of Guangzhou. It was here I enjoyed a few drinks, live music and thought if I was with friends I could see myself having a great night in this lively area. I decide on an early night and catch a very cheap taxi back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.
Breakfast and a coffee is served in Shangri-La's Horizon Club overlooking the river, whilst the city comes to life with the millions of people coming and going. First on my adventure is check out Shamian Island and it didn't disappoint, it was truly beautiful, a little island within the heart of the city dotted with colonial style buildings, green space and Thai Chi. With it being Halloween week, lanterns decorated the green space and gave it a real charming feeling.
Next stop on my whirlwind trip around Guangzhao was the pedestrianised streets of Beijing Road. These were absolutely buzzing with people. Food markets, electronics stores, clothing shops and hawkers trying to sell fake watches and jewellery lined the streets. The food markets were an absolute delight filled with fruits, deserts, meats on sticks, insects, turtles and many things I couldn’t identify! One of the coolest things along these streets were the ruins dating back to the 1368-1644 A.D and a model of what Guangzhou looked like back then was really impressive. If only we could arrange time travel!
After my day of exploring, I decided to head back to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon in the sun and a swim in the pool, that was until I discovered that swimming in the hotel pool required a mandatory swimming cap to be worn at all times... something I don't own or probably would ever pack for a trip to China.
As the day came to an end, I ventured to a more local area and further from the city centre, where there was an abundance of restaurants serving amazing Chinese soups, Dim Sum and many varieties of meat. I sat down and enjoyed some Chinese Tea and Dim Sum before walking around, taking in all the sights, smells and sounds of these amazing food halls.
My very brief time in Guangzhou was very enjoyable. Flying China Southern, something I’d put off in the past, was actually great. Their entertainment system was better than some of the more popular airlines I have flown was probably the biggest and pleasant surprise. I will absolutely be returning to China with China Southern again. Next time I will take some extra time to venture further afield into the Countryside and include a day in Macau, all easily done from Guangzhou.