Here are our top five things to do:

 

Shamian Island features many European-styled buildings and offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ru Baile / For China Daily

1. Shamian Island

Located in the southern part of Guangzhou, this lovely place is probably one of the most European-styled districts in China. In the 19th century the island was divided into two concession areas split between the United Kingdom and France and now serves as a reminder of the colonial period. The tempo of life on Shamian Island is rather slow and locals spend their afternoons sitting at exquisitely designed tables, chatting and drinking tea.

 

The Five Ram statue tells the legend of how Guangzhou was saved from starvation. Liu Bin / For China Daily

2. Five-Ram Statue

Guangzhou has the nickname of "City of Rams" because of a legend about five rams, which helped save the people from starvation and poverty many years ago.

The 11-meter tall statue was built in 1960, and is considered a symbol of the city's happiness and prosperity. The statue is located in Guangzhou's largest public green space, Yuexiu Park, which has three artificial lakes where one can fish or go boating. There are playgrounds for children and ample space for a relaxing stroll.

3. Temple of Six Banyan Trees

This Buddhist temple was originally built in 537AD during a period when Buddhism was extremely popular in China. It has a rich collection of cultural relics and is renowned both home and abroad. The temple got its name from the six banyan trees once planted in its yard.

One piece of its eye-catching architecture is the Six Banyan Pagoda. Its roof curves upwards resembling scarlet flower petals and therefore is also referred to as the Flower Pagoda.

4. Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is one of Guangzhou's satellite towns and is located 110 kilometers northwest of the city. When Europeans arrived to Guangdong in the 16th century, Zhaoqing was an important administrative center but now it is famous for its tourist culture.

The Star Lake area of Zhaoqing is one of the most famous scenic spots in South China. Tourists compare the Star Lake with the beauty of Hangzhou's West Lake and Guilin's Yangshuo. The name comes from the scattering of rocks in the lake, like stars in the sky. A moonlight boat ride on these tranquil waters is a wonderful experience.

5. Morning at a teahouse

Fans of Chinese food who particularly enjoy yum cha-style eating have the residents of Guangzhou to thank. The locals are famous for enjoying morning tea and eating the delicious local dim sum.

A teahouse can offer at least 50 kinds of dim sum and waitresses push a cart around the tables. Shrimp dumplings are a must.

Locals spend a whole morning in the teahouse, eating, drinking and chatting with friends.