5 Places to Visit in Guangzhou, China

As the South Gate of China and the third most populous city in China, Guangzhou has a lot of historical and cultural attractions. Here are five of the top spots to hit to get the most out of your visit to Guangzhou.

1. The Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Si): This is one of the most influential temples in China, with a history of more than 1,700 years. Originally built as a private residence during the Western Han Dynasty (207 BC - 24 AD), it became a Zen Buddhist temple during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The temple has several stately halls, as well as the East and West Iron Towers-the oldest iron towers in China. Admission is 5 CNY.

2. Yuexiu Park: As the largest park in Guangzhou, this park contains three artificial lakes as well as the seven hills of the Yuexiu Mountain. Besides the beautiful scenic views, there are several cultural relics: The Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the Ming Dynasty City Wall site, and the Square Cannon site. The Five-Ram Sculpture is an iconic work of art, taking its theme from an ancient legend about the city. The Zhenhai Tower is a landmark of the city, which has been destroyed five times and rebuilt five times over the past 600 years. The park also contains an amusement park, swimming pool, restaurants, and museums. Admission is 5 CNY.

3. The Pearl River: The third-longest river in China, the Pearl River is flanked by modern, high-rise buildings and shopping malls. The river is beautiful by night, with the colorful blaze of Guangzhou nightlife reflected in the waters. During the day, visitors can enjoy the "Scenery Corridor" along the river, a 23 kilometer (14 mile) walkway.

4. White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan): As the most beautiful natural landmark of Guangzhou, White Cloud Mountain consists of 30 peaks located about 17 kilometers north of the city. It's an ideal place to get away from the urban bustle and enjoy the six parks on and around the mountain. The Yuntai Garden, in Santailing Park, has all kinds of flowers and trees.

5. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: The most important relic in Guangzhou, this memorial hall was built for Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1929 following his death. Constructed in the octagonal Chinese architecture style, it spans 71 meters without a single pillar. It has a display gallery containing pictures and letters of Sun Yat-sen.