Guangzhou

Good to know

1. 1Guangzhou is the home of Cantonese cooking, and many of the dishes people elsewhere call Chinese food trace back to this region. Dim sum, roast meats, congee and slow-cooked soups are part of daily life here.
2. 2Going for morning tea, called yum cha, is a long-standing local habit. Families and friends gather over tea and small steamed dishes, often for a couple of hours, especially on weekends.
3. 3The main language is Mandarin in official settings, but most locals speak Cantonese at home and on the street. Cantonese sounds quite different from Mandarin, and the two are not mutually understandable.
4. 4The Pearl River runs through the middle of the city, and the city has been a trading port for many centuries. That long contact with foreign merchants helped shape its outward-looking character.
5. 5Shamian Island, a small sandbar by the river, has tree-lined streets and old European-style buildings from the period when foreign traders were based there. It is a quiet place for a slow walk.
6. 6The Canton Tower, a tall slim tower on the south bank of the river, is the city's best-known landmark and is lit up in the evenings.

Tips for a first visit

• Use the metro for most trips across the city, as it is fast, clear and has signs in English as well as Chinese. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are handy for the last stretch.
• Mobile payment is used almost everywhere in China, so it is worth setting up a payment app that accepts foreign cards before you go. Carry some cash and a card as a backup, as some places may not accept them.
• Try dim sum at a busy local restaurant in the morning, and order a few dishes at a time rather than everything at once. Pour tea for others before yourself, and tap two fingers on the table to say thanks when someone pours yours.
• Download a translation app and save your hotel address in Chinese characters. English is not widely spoken outside hotels and major sights.
• Be ready for the heat and damp for much of the year, and carry a small umbrella since sudden rain is common. Light, breathable clothing works best.
• Do not expect to find the same food you know from Chinese restaurants at home. Be open to unfamiliar textures and ingredients, and ask for suggestions if the menu is hard to read.

When to go

Autumn, from roughly October to December, is usually the most comfortable time, with warm, drier and clearer days. Spring is mild but often damp and foggy, while summer is hot, very humid and prone to heavy rain and typhoons. Winters are short and mild, though it can feel chilly indoors because buildings are rarely heated.

From the airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport lies north of the city centre. The metro connects the airport to the centre and takes roughly an hour, depending on where you are going. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are also available and are usually quicker, but travel time depends on traffic, which can be heavy at rush hour.