City of Guangzhou- The City Of Flowers

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Guangzhou (Canton) is a vigorous and prosperous metropolis in China. It is the third largest city of the country and the economic, political, cultural and educational hub of southern China. The city built on the north of the Pearl River Delta, in the south-central Guangdong Province offers an exceptional port with swift accessibility to Macau and

Hong Kong. Due to the profusion of flowers blooming along the city’s main roads, often Guangzhou is referred as the City of Flowers (Huacheng).
Guangzhou is amongst the first promoted cities by the China’s Reform and Opening Up policy of 1978, and today, it has pioneered the economic development of China with numerous small, mid-sized and large organizations.

For tourists, the main attraction of the city lies in the Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park, White Cloud Mountain and Pearl River.

History:

Even though the true origins of Guangzhou have been lost in the mists of time, yet historians date back its genesis approximately 2,500 years ago. The city was then known as Panyu and was erected in 214BC.

The most significant legend reveals the travelling of five celestial beings riding on five rams and carrying sheaves of rice in the region. These divine beings blessed the land and offered the sheaves to the people as a symbol representation of abundance and prosperity. After the heavenly beings bid adieu, the rams turned into stone, and the city swiftly matured into an influential city. Subsequently, Guangzhou ahs earned popular designates like City of Rams (Yangcheng), City of Five Rams (Wuyangcheng) and Sheaves of Rice City (Suicheng).

Being a major sea port, the history of Guangzhou is filled with interesting stories. The city was plundered by the Persians in 786. In 1711, British East India Company constructed a trading post. A few year later in1757, the government declared Guangzhou as the sole port allowed for business transactions with foreign territories. The declaration continued until 1842, when the Treaty of Nanjing was signed, and four new ports were added. The loss of exclusive privilege facilitated Guangzhou to turn into a heavily industrialized city, afterwards.

The city of Guangzhou also shared the “Maritime Silk Road” which connected southern China with India, Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East. Subsequently in 627 a mosque was established in the city, and a tiny Muslim community continues to live in the city, even today.
Furthermore, the sixth founder of Zen Buddhism was born in Guangzhou and taught the Platform Sutra here.

Robert Morrison, the foremost Protestant missionary on the Chinese soil arrived in 1807 via Guangzhou port. Soon Christianity spread like forest fire in China.

Tourist Attractions:

Guangzhou is amongst the top 24 cities popular for their cultural and historical background. Nonetheless, it has only a handful of cultural attractions to entice travellers into seeing them.

Guangxiao Si (Bright Filial Piety Temple) is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in the region of Lingnan. Situated at Guangxiao Lu, the temple plays a significant role in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Many popular Buddhist monks preached the religious doctrines, here, thus bringing fame to this brilliant temple.
Yuexiu Park is the largest park in the city of Guangzhou. It derives its name from Yuexiu Mountain, located within the park. Famous for its exotic scenery and landscapes, it also houses several historical relics like the Five-Ram Sculpture, Square Cannon Site, Zhenhai Tower and the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall. Hop onto the bus route numbers 2, 5, 6, 10, 58, or 101 to reach this breath-taking destination.

Baiyun Shan or the White Cloud Mountain is fairly simple to reach. Hop onto the public bus numbers 199, 233, 24, 36, 285, or 540. Upon reaching the destination take the cable car to reach the top of the mountain.

A romantic boat ride on the Pearl River flowing through the City of Flowers leaves you mesmerised. The shimmering evening and night view are simply splendid.

When to visit?

The climate of Guangzhou is sub-tropical with the humidity levels reaching their pinnacle during the summers. Typhoon season begins in June and exists until October. Hence, the best period to visit the City of Rams is between October and November. Then again, April and May are good months too.

Reaching Guangzhou:

You arrive at the New Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, a major centre in Southern China. You can move in and around Guangzhou via the well-connected railways. The three chief stations connect the city’s route with main cities of China.

Bus coaches are available to ferry passengers to and fro Hong Kong International Airport and different locations in Guangzhou.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry ride or hovercraft service from Macau, Hong Kong and Haikou.