China’s third largest city and busiest trading centre, Guangzhou has long been an important trading port and economic powerhouse. Once known by the colonial name Canton, today it is a fascinating mix of traditional and ultra-modern, both easily explorable on its surprisingly sedate streets.   

Old and New
Dotted around this sprawling city you’ll find little pockets of colonial-era buildings, old qilou shophouses and traditional Lingnan (Cantonese) architecture. The Liwan district is must-see; the old heart of the city, this is the place where you can get a taste of old Canton on narrow, leafy streets lined with old, even ancient, buildings, bustling temples and mosques and busy markets.

For a more contemporary experience of Guangzhou, wander along the Beijing Road with its buzzy atmosphere and plentiful hawker stalls or head to one of the huge and shiny shopping malls for international brands. In Zhujiang New Town, set on the banks of the Pearl River, you’ll find awe-inspiring landmarks like Canton Tower and the avant-garde Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid.

Exceptional Eating
One thing that you cannot miss when exploring Guangzhou is its cuisine. Considered the spiritual home of Cantonese food and, as a centuries-old port, a place that isn’t afraid to mix international flavours into its local dishes, this is a city that takes dim sum exceptionally seriously and boasts an astounding array of eateries that range from high-end restaurants to a diverse and dynamic local food scene. For seafood lovers, the huge Huangsha fish market even has a restaurant that will cook up the fresh fish you’ve picked out downstairs!