Best Places to Visit in Guangdong | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Guangdong Travel Guide
Quick overview of Guangdong with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
Welcome to Guangdong, China! Located in the southern part of the country, Guangdong is a vibrant and diverse province that offers a plethora of unique experiences for travelers. With its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling cities, Guangdong has something to offer for every type of traveler. Explore the ancient city of Guangzhou, known for its iconic Canton Tower and delicious Cantonese cuisine. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of the Danxia Mountain Range, with its vibrant red cliffs and serene hiking trails. Don't forget to visit the charming water towns of Zhuhai and Shantou, where you can experience traditional Chinese culture and architecture. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Guangdong is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Best Places To Visit in Guangdong
1. Guangzhou: Known as the "City of Flowers," Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong and a bustling metropolis with a rich history. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and traditional markets, as well as enjoy the modern shopping and dining scene. The Canton Tower offers stunning views of the city, while the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall showcases traditional architecture and art.
2. Shenzhen: Located on the border with Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a rapidly growing city known for its high-tech industry and modern architecture. Visitors can explore the theme parks and shopping malls, as well as enjoy the beaches and parks. The Window of the World offers a unique experience of seeing replicas of famous landmarks from around the world.
3. Zhuhai: Situated on the coast of the South China Sea, Zhuhai is a scenic city with a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and parks, as well as explore the historic sites and cultural attractions. The Fisher Girl Statue is a popular landmark, while the New Yuan Ming Palace offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
4. Foshan: Known for its traditional arts and crafts, Foshan is a city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and museums, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Ancestral Temple showcases traditional architecture and art, while the Nanfeng Kiln offers a glimpse into the city's pottery-making history.
5. Dongguan: Located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, Dongguan is a city with a thriving manufacturing industry. Visitors can explore the local markets and shopping malls, as well as enjoy the parks and cultural attractions. The Opium War Museum offers a fascinating look into China's history with the West, while the Keyuan Garden showcases traditional Chinese landscaping.
6. Zhongshan: Named after Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, Zhongshan is a city with a strong patriotic spirit. Visitors can explore the historic sites and museums, as well as enjoy the parks and shopping. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a popular landmark, while the Xiaolan Town offers a glimpse into the city's traditional way of life.
7. Jiangmen: Located on the banks of the Xijiang River, Jiangmen is a city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and museums, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Yutai Temple showcases traditional architecture and art, while the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages offer a unique experience of seeing the fortified towers and traditional houses.
8. Huizhou: Situated on the coast of the South China Sea, Huizhou is a city with a scenic landscape and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and parks, as well as explore the ancient temples and museums. The West Lake is a popular attraction, while the Luofu Mountain offers a challenging hike with stunning views.
9. Chaozhou: Known for its distinctive cuisine and traditional crafts, Chaozhou is a city with a unique cultural identity. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and museums, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Kaiyuan Temple showcases traditional architecture and art, while the Guangji Bridge offers a glimpse into the city's engineering prowess.
10. Shantou: Located on the coast of the South China Sea, Shantou is a city with a rich maritime history and cultural diversity. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and museums, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Chaoshan Cultural Park offers a unique experience of seeing the traditional crafts and performances, while the Nan'ao Island offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful beaches.
Hotels Map Of Guangdong
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Tours And Activities In Guangdong
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Food & Drinks To Try In Guangdong
1. Dim Sum: Guangdong is famous for its delicious dim sum, which are bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets. Some popular dim sum dishes to try include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
2. Cantonese Roast Goose: Another must-try dish in Guangdong is the Cantonese roast goose. The goose is marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and then roasted until the skin becomes crispy and the meat tender. It is often served with a side of plum sauce for added flavor.
3. Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun: This unique dessert is a must-try in Guangdong. The bun is filled with a creamy and sweet salted egg yolk custard that oozes out when you take a bite. The combination of the soft bun and the rich custard filling is simply irresistible.
4. Wonton Noodles: Wonton noodles are a popular street food in Guangdong. The dish consists of thin egg noodles served in a flavorful broth with wontons filled with minced pork and shrimp. It is often garnished with green onions and served with a side of chili sauce for added spice.
5. Congee: Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a staple breakfast dish in Guangdong. It is made by slow-cooking rice in a large amount of water until it becomes thick and creamy. Congee can be enjoyed plain or topped with various ingredients such as shredded chicken, preserved eggs, or fried dough sticks.
6. Yum Cha: Yum Cha, which translates to "drink tea" in Cantonese, is a traditional Cantonese style of brunch or afternoon tea. It involves enjoying a variety of dim sum dishes along with a pot of Chinese tea. Yum Cha is not only about the food but also about the social aspect of gathering with friends and family.
7. Pearl Milk Tea: Pearl milk tea, also known as bubble tea, originated in Taiwan but has become extremely popular in Guangdong. It is a sweet and refreshing drink made with black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. There are various flavors and toppings to choose from, making it a fun and customizable beverage.
8. Roasted Pork: Roasted pork, also known as siu yuk, is a popular dish in Guangdong. The pork is marinated in a mixture of spices and then roasted until the skin becomes crispy and the meat tender. It is often served with a side of hoisin sauce for added flavor.
9. Stir-Fried Clams: Guangdong is known for its fresh seafood, and one dish that stands out is stir-fried clams. The clams are cooked with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, resulting in a flavorful and slightly spicy dish. It is often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice.
10. Double-Skin Milk: Double-skin milk, also known as double-skin pudding, is a popular dessert in Guangdong. It is made by slowly simmering milk until it forms a delicate skin on top. The milk is then mixed with sugar and served chilled. The smooth and creamy texture of the pudding is a delight to the taste buds.
Best Time To Visit Guangdong
The best time to visit Guangdong, China is during the autumn months of September to November. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with lower humidity compared to the summer months. The main attractions in Guangdong, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guangdong Provincial Museum, are also less crowded during this season. Additionally, autumn is the harvest season, so visitors can enjoy fresh local produce and participate in festivals celebrating the harvest.
Flight Calendar For Guangdong
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Transportation To Guangdong
There are several transportation options to Guangdong, China. You can fly to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is the main international airport in the province. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to your final destination within Guangdong.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Guangdong. There are high-speed trains that connect Guangdong with major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The train journey can be a scenic and convenient way to travel to Guangdong.
If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can also consider taking a ferry to Guangdong. There are ferry services that connect Guangdong with neighboring regions, such as Hong Kong and Macau. This can be a unique and enjoyable way to reach Guangdong, especially if you want to explore the coastal areas.
Once you are in Guangdong, there are various transportation options available within the province, including buses, taxis, and subway systems in major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.