Guangdong, the most populous province and economic epicenter in China, is situated along the South China Sea coastline, featuring mild winters and balmy, humid summers due to subtropical climate. Mingling centuries-old traditions with trailblazing innovation, this bustling region is anchored by megacities including Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
The local population maintains a distinctive Cantonese culture, with its unique dialect, universally acclaimed cuisine, and deep-seated trading history. Balancing their entrepreneurial drive with a receptiveness to new ideas, the people of Guangdong foster a vibrant atmosphere where ancient temples neighbor revolutionary skyscrapers.
What truly distinguishes Guangdong is its culinary brilliance. Here, the globally cherished style of Chinese cuisine known as dim sum, served in small portions within bamboo steamer baskets, was born. Don't miss out on relishing char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), wonton noodles, and the famous yum cha morning tea ritual, a time-honored tradition of locals gathering for dim sum and tea.
Nature lovers will find refuge in the Dinghu Mountain Biosphere Reserve, while history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in exploring the UNESCO-recognized Kaiping Diaolou watchtowers. Catch a panoramic city view from the top of the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, or witness the thriving contemporary Chinese creativity at Shenzhen's OCT Loft arts district.
Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen offer expansive, modern metro systems with signs in English. For convenient commuting, consider getting a Yang Cheng Tong card in Guangzhou or a Shenzhen Tong card in Shenzhen. Trains are operational from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM, and the fares start at „2.
You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or from major telecom stores. A VPN will be required to access Google, Facebook, and other blocked websites.
No, it is suggested to stick to bottled or boiled water. Most hotels provide free bottled water daily.
Visit between October to December for a comfortable climate and fewer rain showers. Avoid the months of July-September during the typhoon season, and February-March during the rainy season.
While basic English is understood in major cities and tourist-dense regions, it's a good idea to download translation apps and save essential phrases in Chinese.
Budget travelers can get by on „300-400/day, while mid-range tourists can manage on „600-800/day. These budgets are inclusive of accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Get to Know Guangdong
Travel Tips for Guangdong