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Around Guangzhou

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-15 09:55

ATTRACTIONS

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall 中山纪念堂

This key historical relic, protected by Guangdong province, is a memorial building built with the funds raised by the Guangzhou people and overseas Chinese in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner. The hall is a gorgeous octagonal structure, with solemn and magnificent looks, and strong national features.

Hours: 8 am-6 pm

Address: 259 Dongfeng Zhong Lu

Transportation: Take bus or Metro Line 2 and stop at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall station.

Hualin Temple 华林寺

Built during the Southern Dynasty (AD 420-589), this temple was renovated and renamed in 1654. The main attraction is the 500 Arhat Hall. As its name suggests, this hall contains the golden-painted statues of 500 different monks, each with its own unique characteristics and poses. The main hall of this temple is adorned with six columns with exquisitely carved dragon motifs and houses three grand Buddha statues. It is polite to purchase incense and to pay your respects if you know what you are doing, but otherwise it is better to respectfully observe. Entry is free.

Address: Hualinsi Qian Jie, Changshou Xi Lu, Liwan district

Nansha Tianhou Palace 南沙天后宫

Nansha Tianhou, having been rebuilt just 15 years ago, is by far the youngest of all holy sites in Guangzhou. Although it is a bit remote from the city center, it is definitely worth visiting as it offers an unrivalled, beautiful view of the Pearl River besides being a lovely place itself. To reach the upper temples from sea level and experience the great view, you will have to climb a few stairs, though on ground level there are plenty of things to explore as well, including a goddess of the seas statue standing 14-meter tall. Entry is free.

Hours: 8 am-5:30 pm

Address: Dajiao Hill, Nansha district

Dafu Mountain 大夫山

Located in the outer reaches of Panyu, Dafu Mountain is part of Dafu Mountain Forest Park, the largest green area within Guangzhou covering 3,643 hectares. The park is mostly covered in evergreens and cut through with streams and lakes. Dafu Mountain is the highest of all hills in the park. Among its many man-made features is an ancient tomb.

Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Shiqiao stop, Exit C. Walk five minutes to Baiyue Square bus stop and take No 16 bus. Get off at Dafu Mountain Forest Park bus terminal.

Guangzhou Ocean World 广州海洋世界

New to Guangzhou Zoo is an exhibition hall with a special theme - Guangzhou Ocean World, which reflects the mysterious, changeable and splendid undersea world. It has attracted visitors from home and abroad since its inception. A large-scale and multi-functional scientific and technological exhibition hall that combines entertainment with scientific research and education, Guangzhou Ocean World covers an area of about 13,000 square meters and cost about $50 million. It has been named Guangdong Educational Base for Popular Marine Science by the Science and Technology Association of Guangdong province. Guangzhou Ocean World is divided into several areas to reveal the submarine world in all directions, including Ocean Square, Relief Square, Touch Pool, Hall of Popular Marine Science, Ocean Theater and Sealion Amusement Park.

Address: 120 Xianlie Zhong Lu

Tel: (020) 87611250

RESTAURANTS

Zhangji Lamb Restaurant 张记清补羊肉成

This restaurant is right by the Haizhu Bridge and up close to the water. Though its bamboo fence doesn't allow a truly fine view, its second-story balcony section is a refreshing and peaceful place to eat when the weather allows. It is most known for its hotpot, but carries a full array of Cantonese cuisine along with a variety of fruit-flavored flat breads, which you will find being cooked outside the front door. Dishes range between 20 and 70 yuan.

Address: 270 Binjiang Xi Lu, Haizhu district

Tel: (020) 84446202

Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Haizhu Square, take Exit A and cross Haizhu Bridge. Turn right and the restaurant is immediately on your left.

Songfeng Xuan 松风轩

Songfeng Xuan is one of a few places where you can literally combine eating and sightseeing and get good results at both. Located about a 40-minute walk from White Cloud Mountain's west gate, its second-floor patio section is surrounded by dense trees and a view of the mountain's rippling hills. Even if you dine indoors, you'll find plenty of greenery, along with a colorful carp pond. The cuisine here is thoroughly Cantonese, with chicken, pig's feet and bean curd among the most popular items. Dim sum and tea are a morning specialty. Most items here go for about 20 to 90 yuan.

Address: White Cloud Mountain Mingzhulou Tour Area, 1128 Baiyun Dadao, Baiyun district

Tel: (020) 36209288

Tai Lai 太来养生馆

Out in the Haizhu district you'll find Tai Lai, a small vegetarian eatery and teahouse. It doesn't do much in the way of meat substitutes, but prefers to serve foods that are naturally tasty such as vegetables, seaweed and mushrooms, light on oil and salt. They recommend their Five Grains Cook Rice, Ganoderma Lucidum Soup, Vegetarian Hot Pot and Thai Source Bean Curd.

Address: 1 Yale Lu, near Shangdu Lu, Haizhu district

Tel: (020) 34253411

Fo Shi Jie 佛世界素食社

This Buddhist restaurant has more than 20 years of history, and is a quiet place for Buddhists and non-Buddhists to get together to eat and share experiences. It has traditional vegetable dishes and meat substitutes, and attracts a fair number of customers for non-alcoholic beer from Korea. Like most Buddhist restaurants, it refrains from garlic and onion. One of its standout dishes is the luo han zhai, comprising black fungus, mushrooms, bamboo, asparagus, corncob, bean curd and nuts. Their meatless meats, such as the crispy chicken, duck and fish, are made from gluten, flour, taro, mushroom and dried bean curd.

Address: 2-8 Er Sheng Gong, Tongfu Zhong Lu, Haizhu district

Tel: (020) 84407261

Qin Fang Yuan Dessert Restaurant 沁芳园甜品店

Ginger milk pudding, known asjiangzhuangnai, has long been a traditional snack in the Pearl River Delta. It mixes ginger juice and milk. Once solidified, the dish tastes fragrant, pure, crisp and sweet, but a little peppery. The dessert originated in Guangzhou's Shawan town of Panyu district, an area flowing with milk and honey. The main ingredients are ginger, milk and sugar.

Address: 85 Daxiangchong Lu, Nancun, Shawan town, Panyu district, opposite the Culture Center

Tel: (020) 84732479

SHOPPING

Ming Jiang Japanese Food and Bookstore 名将书店 日本食品店

One part for Japanese books and one part for Japanese food, Ming Jiang offers an assortment of cooking sauces and candies as well as fine cake and tea. It is quite proud of its array of chocolates and also offers popular snacks and sweets in traditional decorative packages.

Hours: 10 am-9:30 pm

Address: Booth 244, 2/F, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe district

Tel: (020) 38770677

Transportation: Take Metro Line 3B, and get off at Linhe Xi Lu metro station leaving by the D exit. You'll find you are already at CITIC Plaza. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor.

Corner's Deli Grocery 每一角落

Corner's Deli has three locations in Guangzhou and the central one in CITIC Plaza is the largest by far, carrying items not sold at the others. Its imported food selection is heavily European, with pasta from Italy and olive oil from Italy, Greece and Spain. It also carries several items from the United States, Japan and Korea.

Hours: 9 am-9:30 pm

Address: Booth 6, SC-01, basement CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe district

Oliver Supermarket 奥利华进口食品超市

Oliver Supermarket has three locations in the city, one of them downtown. Considering their variety, prices and central main store, this small market may be the most convenient shop in Guangzhou for imported foods. It also offers city-wide free delivery if you spend more than 500 yuan. This is a rarity among import stores. Oliver's prices include many budget items along with the more expensive wines and liquors.

Hours: 10 am-9 pm

Address: A2.1/F Clifford Mansion, Mingyue Yi Lu, Yuexiu district

Tel: (020) 87359202

Transportation: Take Metro Line 5. Get off at Wuyangcun metro station B exit and walk toward the riverside for about five minutes. Turn right at the first corner and walk along the road about 50 meters and the shop will be on your right.

WHAT'S ON

Lingnan style art on display at Canton Tower 广州塔岭南艺术展

Souvenirs, dining and a fantastic bird's- eye view of the city are now available to visitors to the Canton Tower, where an exhibition for premium Guangzhou traditional arts and crafts has been on display. Altogether the show includes 36 pieces made by national-level master craftsmen.

When: until March 22

Address: 31/F of Canton Tower

Ticket: 50 yuan

Art Exhibition by Mentally Disabled for Asian Para Games 智障人士艺术作品展

This exhibition titled Sunshine in Winter displays more than 200 potteries and oil paintings produced by amateur artists suffering from mental disabilities. Hosted by the Guangzhou Huiling Service for the Mentally Disabled, the exhibition celebrates the holding of the Guangzhou Asian Para Games. The graphic quality and surprising insight of the artists have been appreciated by many art lovers.

Hours: 9 am-5:30 pm, until Dec 23

Address: 867 Jiefang Bei Lu

Tel: (020) 36182920/36182865

NIGHTLIFE

Party World 钱柜

Party World karaoke bar has many branches around China. As one of the favorite types of entertainment, visitors can come to sing their lungs out. Those interested in getting an early start can get a discount before 6 pm.

Address:1-4/F, Huihua Trade Building, 80 Xianlie Zhong Lu, Yuexiu district

Tel: (020) 37619333

(China Daily 12/15/2010)