Attractions
Shamian Island 沙面岛
Located on the north bank of the Pearl River's White Goose Pool, Shamian is an oval islet, covering a tiny area of 0.3 sq meters. Thanks to the many buildings of classic Western design on the island, it has recently been designated as a protected relic of the state, and is called the "Ninth Sight of Guangzhou". The island boasts many trees and a pleasant environment as well as sports and entertainment facilities. Attractions on Shamian, and nearby, include: Renmin Bridge, Jiefang Bridge, Nanfang Mansion, "Night Moon over the Goose Pool"(one of the Eight Sights of Guangzhou), the Swan Club, Qingpin Market, Huangsha Metro Station and the Pearl River Tunnel.
Address: Shamian Island, Liwan district
White Cloud Mountain 白云山
People like to use "pearl sea and white cloud" to describe Guangzhou's landscape. About 7.5 kilometers north of Guangzhou's city proper, White Cloud Mountain range consists of more than 30 peaks and covers an area of 28 sq km. The main peak, Moxingling, also called "No 1 peak in the South", is located in the middle of the mountain range, with a height of 382m. White Cloud Mountain is an historically famous attraction of Guangzhou. At the top of the mountain you can look down on the whole city. Famous poets of different dynasties, such as Su Shi, Yang Wanli and Wang Shizhen, came to visit the place and wrote poems about the mountain. The mountain is of a rectangular shape, with a south-to-north length of 7 km and an east-to-west length of 4 km.
Address: Baiyun district
Tel: (020)87714736
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, or Shangxiajiu, is a commercial street in Liwan district, Guangzhou. It was the first business street in Guangzhou and opened in September 1995. Located in the old area of Xiguan, it stretches from Shangjiu Road and Xiajiu Road in the east to Dishifu Road in the west, and traverses Baohua Road and Wenchang Road. It is about 1,200m long and boasts more than 300 shops. It features the unique and ancient architecture of Tong Lau and teahouses, featuring both European and Chinese styles. It has a collection of famous stores, such as the Guangzhou Garment Store, the Herring Shoes and Hats Store, and the Dalu Clock and Watch Store. It also has some well-known restaurants, including the Guangzhou Restaurant, the Taotaoju Restaurant, Wenchang Chicken and Taotao Ginger and Onion Chicken.
Address: Shangxiajiu Street,
Liwan district
Beijing Road Shopping Street 北京路步行街
Beijing Road is the focus and stem of the city's main shopping area. Beijing Road is Guangzhou's neon-draped answer to Beijing's Wangfujing Street or Shanghai's Nanjing Street. Open from about 10 am until 10 pm, this is where youngsters buy sensible, mid-range Hong Kong clothes and also increasingly garish local brands. Noisy and fun, the road is lined with cheap food stalls, cafs, and ubiquitous fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald's. It is home to more than 10 large and medium-sized shopping centers, such as Xindaxin, Grandbuy, several theme bookstores, which sell anything from dictionaries to educational, culturally old, music, fine arts and children's books.
Address: Beijing Road, Yuexiu district
Western-style restaurants
Latin Grillhouse 拉丁餐厅
The Latin Grillhouse is the largest DIY South American-style barbecue chain in China. Here, you can enjoy the most complete and unique Brazilian dining experience. The frescos, with toucans decorated on the walls and every corner, enhance the Latin experience, while the traditional barbecue method reflects the ancient vibrancy of the South American prairie as a Brazilian band delivers the lofty rhythms of samba. Here, you can feast on more than 30 classic grills prepared by Brazilian chefs, including steaks and ribs. Also there are fresh and abundant fruits, a wide selection of salads, savory snacks, all kinds of Chinese and Western dishes as well as rare Brazilian punches, including guarana, caipirinha and also passionfruit juice.
Guangzhou Wingkin Branch
Address: 3/F, Wing Kin Square 29-31, Jiansheliu Road
Tel: (020)83319118
Grandview Mall Branch
Address: 3/F, Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Road
Tel: (020)38330052
Jiangnanxi Branch
Address: 2/F, Runhui Building, 66 Jiangnan West Road
Tel: (020)84258677
La Seine 塞纳河法国西餐厅
La Seine is on Ersa Island and is one of the best French restaurants in Guangzhou. The prime location, French music, soft lighting and happy music make for a romantic dining experience. Stepping out of the restaurant, you can also feel the cool breeze from the river. The restaurant is divided into smoking and non-smoking areas.
There are plenty of fantastic dishes and varieties of wine at low prices. The buffet at the weekend is great value for money.
Address: First floor of Xing Hai Theater, 33 Qingbo Road, Ersa Island
Tel: (020)87352531/80980221
Oscar Italian Restaurant 奥斯卡意大利西餐厅
Oscar Italian Restaurant features its famous juicy charcoal-grilled steak, the finest seafood, a great salad bar and fresh bakery. You may enjoy its Western chef's cooking skills in the open kitchen, and wonderful live entertainment in the lounge. Oscar provides a relaxing environment to unwind after a busy day. The wine selection is also excellent: some have the aroma of cherry and smoke; some have excellent tannin structure and compaction, and some highlight mellow years with a berries, wood and grass flavor.
Address: 3/F, Holiday Inn, Overseas Chinese Village, 28 Guangming Road, by Huanshi Dong Road
Tel: (020)87766999-3315
La Dolce Vita 伊特丽西餐厅
This Italian restaurant features fabulous authentic pizza, pasta and many other dishes using only the finest imported products. You should not miss one of its many fresh and healthy salads and grilled or sauted dishes.
At La Dolce Vita there is something for everyone - a business lunch, romantic interlude, family feast or a spectacular party. It also does medium to large catering at a reasonable price.
Address: 21 Jianshe Road, Tianlun Garden, Yuexiu district
Tel: (020)83561410/83561440