Where to Go for a Self-Driving Tour in Guangzhou: Guangzhou Self-Driving Tour Travel Guide

Guangzhou is an ancient southern city with a long history. It retains all the genes of ancient city defenses and is also an important economic metropolis for the development and exchange between the south and other countries. The history of over two thousand years has left behind many legends and sites. You will experience a different kind of charm and stories. Below is a travel guide for a self-driving tour in Guangzhou.

Some say that they fell in love with a city because of one person; others say that they fell in love with a person because of a city.

In fact, most cities in the world are similar. What makes them different are the people who live in them. It can be said that it is the existence of these people that makes a city different.

I have been in Guangzhou for almost three months. Besides a vague impression of this city from my childhood, this is my second time in Guangzhou as an adult, and it’s also the place I’ve stayed the longest.

As the third largest city in China, I was really confused about directions when I first arrived. I was always a little dizzy from its 11 districts. Later, when I went out, I would carefully consider which district I was in, otherwise, the distance between two districts could be longer than the distance between two other cities. Especially for me, a heavy user of my phone, I would never dare to wander around a strange place without my phone. But later I found that Guangzhou has clearer road signs than other cities I have been to. Many places can be found directly by taking the subway. I remember last year I came here at the end of April, but unfortunately, I didn’t stay for a few days before going to Shenzhen, and I didn’t even have time to get familiar with the city. This year is a kind of make up for the shortcomings of last year. I have been working and living here for a while, gradually integrating into this city, and I also like the feeling this city gives me more and more.

Over the years, from Yanci to Liancheng and now Yangcheng, although I have been to many cities, I have only spent a few days to experience different cultures and customs. Only these three cities are the places I have stayed the longest. One is my hometown, one is where I went to university, and the other I plan to use as my future development city. In this way, these three seemingly unconnected cities have entered my life, making up the bits and pieces of these years.

Guangzhou, to me, feels very inclusive. Of the four first-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, only Guangzhou and Shenzhen are almost never exclusionary. Here, there is no sense of superiority of local people that is common in northern cities, nor is there a lack of cultural heritage. You can even hear the familiar Cantonese spoken by the old Guangzhounese when you walk into some small shops or just walk on the street… More importantly, as a foodie, Guangzhou is a gathering place for delicacies from all over the country. There is no need to go north to experience them, you can just come to Guangzhou.

1. If you are a newcomer to Guangzhou, many people will choose to go to Guangzhou Tower, or the Little Waist. As the second tallest tower in Asia, it is definitely worth seeing.

Little Waist

Then, along Metro Line 3, we can go to Zhujiang New Town. There is Guangzhou Library, Guangzhou Museum, the Asian Games venue, Pearl River, Huacheng Hui, etc.

This area of Zhujiang New Town was an undeveloped area 10 years ago. Who would have thought that 10 years later, this piece of land would be worth its weight in gold in Guangzhou.

Zhujiang New Town

Asian Games Venue

As the longest subway line in Guangzhou, Line 3 is also one of the longest subway lines in Asia and the world. It successfully connects three districts: Panyu, Haizhu and Tianhe. Following Line 3, get off at Tiyuxi. You will encounter a large area of CBD, Guanggou Center, Tianhe Youyicheng, etc. In short, this place is suitable for shopping and shopping.

Guanggou Center captured a group of children who love to read.

However, be very careful of the crowds at Tiyuxi. It is really terrifying. It is recommended that you do not get on or off the train during peak hours. This is a lesson learned from blood.

2. Next, let’s introduce one of the central urban districts, Yuexiu District, Liwan District and Haizhu District. You can say that if you want to understand the history and culture of Guangzhou, then Yuexiu and Liwan are enough. There is the bustling commercial center: Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu, and there are quiet places, such as: Chen Clan Academy, Stone Chamber Holy Heart Cathedral, Shamian Island, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Zhongda University, etc. These are all worth visiting places.

Chen Clan Academy

Enning Road

Zhongda University South Campus

Stone Chamber Holy Heart Cathedral

Speaking of must-see places for literary and artistic youths, we have to mention Shamian Island. This was once a British and French concession, with over 100 independent buildings, which is quite unique. I seem to have seen a similar place in Tianjin before.

When you visit Beijing Road, you can also take a look at the museum and admire the history.

Then take the subway and visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. See the place where the great man lived and take a look at the former Presidential Palace. It is said that there is one in Nanjing too. I will go and see it if I have time.

Presidential Palace

3. Speaking of Panyu, I am sure many people feel sorry for it, just like me. It is a classic example of a city being demoted to a district and has always been one of the most criticized districts. Compared to the four districts of Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe and Haizhu which are closer to the main urban area, Panyu is indeed a bit remote. Many people laugh at it as a combination of city and countryside. However, it is precisely this combination of city and countryside that boasts one of the largest high-speed rail stations in South China – Guangzhou South Station, as well as the largest university town in Guangzhou and even the whole country, covering major universities in Guangzhou. In addition, its GDP has always been among the top few, but Panyu has always been a low-key existence. There is a saying, “Food is in Guangzhou, and flavor is in Panyu.” In addition to food, there are also many interesting places. For example, Shawan Ancient Town, Dafushan Forest Park, Baomo Garden…

Shawan Ancient Town is indeed a place worth visiting. When you have finished a busy week of work and need to find a quiet environment to settle down, this is definitely a good choice.

If you have time, you can invite a few friends to go cycling to the University Town. Visit each university along the way, and enjoy the delicious food, which is also a great pleasure in life.

As for food, I don’t want to complain about the light taste of Cantonese food anymore. Instead, I prefer the local dim sum and other delicacies. Cantonese food is still quite good to eat occasionally, but now I especially hate white-cut chicken and boiled green vegetables. Of course, in Guangzhou, there is no need to worry about food at all. Street food stalls are filled with specialties from all over the country, both north and south, which is much better than many other cities.