Guangzhou (Canton), third
largest metropolitan city in China after Beijing and Shanghai, is situated at
the Pearl River Delta (Hong Kong is located at the bottom of same Delta). The
city serves as the economical and political hub of the area after being the
first among the Chinese cities to open up since 1978’s reform and opening up
policy. It is famous for vibrant sight-seeing attractions, vigorous shopping and
fine dining.
Being the neighbor of the city for a long time (living in Hong Kong for over a
decade now), my first ever visit to this ‘cultureless’ place (thanks to be
different from the rest of ‘typical China’) was last weekend. At the outset of
my excursion I found it no different than any other rapidly industrialized city
with horizontally line up skyscrapers and crowded shopping malls but as the
exploration began, it turned out to have a lot of allurements of a modern city
life as well as well kept and gracefully retained architects of ancient glory.
Guangzhou got something to be busy with for all kind of travelers whether you
are a natural scenery lover, ancient art appreciator or a club-goer. However,
those in transit or going to stay in Guangzhou for a couple of days are strongly
recommended to stick with Line 1 of Guangzhou Metro as it has five major
stations Huangsha, Changshuo Lu, Chen Clan's Academy (Temple), Ximenkou,
Gongyuanqian cover up to 80% tourist sites. Some of the famous tourist sites of
Line 1 are;
Huaisheng Mosque (怀圣寺 huái-shèng-sì) 56 Guangta Road (光塔路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou
Exit C). That Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, being located at No. 56, Guangta
Road, is one of the oldest mosques in China is not surprising, given that
Guangzhou was where Islam was introduced to China in the 7th Century. It is
established for remembering the prophet of Islam, Mohammed. So its name,
Huaisheng, means 'remember the sage'. It is one of the four most well-known
mosques in China, the other three being Yangzhou Crane Mosque, Quanzhou Kylin
Mosque and Hangzhou Phoenix Mosque. Thus it is an excellent place to visit if
you want to learn about Islamic culture in China.
Built in 627, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it covers an area of more than
2,966 square meters (3,547 square yards) and features six important buildings,
the Imam Hall, the Wangyue Attic, the Covered Corridor, the Storehouse of
Islamic Scripture, the Stone Steles Pavilion and the Light Tower.
It is also named Light Tower Mosque. The Light Tower is a minaret, which used to
serve as a beacon for boats on the Zhujiang River. In addition, sailors often
climb up to the minaret to observe the weather conditions. Although the mosque
presents a typical architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, the Light Tower
seems to develop a new school of its own, which is deeply influenced by Arabic
architectural flavor, an attractive feature of the mosque.
Admission: only open to the Muslim people and tour groups
Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour
Bus Route: Take Guangzhou Subway Line 1 to Ximenkou Station. Get out from Exit B
and then walk about 500 meters to reach it.
Take bus 56, 58 at Guangta Road Bus Station.
Shamian Island (沙面岛) (Metro 1 Huangsha Exit D) The buildings and streets of the
former British and French concession have been beautifully renovated, creating
an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise bustling and hectic metropolis. One of
the old structures is Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, located at 14 Shamian Street.
The architecture reflects the colonial era of 19th Century, and it has a unique
atmosphere.
Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠 chén-jiā-cí) Zhongshan 7th Road (中山七路) (Metro 1 Chan Clan
Academy - Exit D). This is very well preserved architecture from the 19th
century. It used to belong to a wealthy family by the name of Chen and now
houses many articles including ivory sculptures and artistic statues. (Admission
¥10)
Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Temple) (光孝寺 guāng-xiào-sì) 109 Guangxiao
Road (光孝路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C) – As the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism,
Hui Neng, trained at this temple in the 7th Century, it is a popular pilgrimage
site for Zen Buddhists. The temple has been destroyed several times by fire, and
the current buildings date back to the mid-19th century. Admission is ¥10; free
if you eat at the temple's vegetarian restaurant (菩提甘露坊). You can also apply
your admission toward your meal.
Liurong Temple (六榕寺 liù-róng-sì) 87 Liurong Road (六榕路) (Metro 1 Gongyuanqian
Exit I)– The Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which includes the 17 story,
eight-sided Hua Ta, or Flowering Pagoda, is one of the most popular attractions
in Guangzhou. The temple dates back to the 6th century, while the pagoda
predates it by about 300 years. Admission is ¥5; Flower Pagoda ¥10.