China - Guangdong - Guangzhou (Canton)

Colorful markets and temples

(photos of April 2009)

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The city on the Pearl River

Guangzhou (also known as Canton, map), is the capital of Guangdong Province and the powerhouse of the "factory of the world", as the Pearl River Delta is often called. Guangzhou, the most populous city in Southern China and the third in China, straddles the Pearl River, which flows past Hong Kong into the South China Sea. It is described at Wikipedia.

The scrollable panorama shows the point where the Pearl River splits into two major branches, as seen from Shamian Island, the old British and French concession.

Markets

Gaungzhou has fascinating markets. The jade market (map) spreads out over a whole neighborhood. Spotlights enhance the beauty of its jewels.

The Qing Ping market (map) offers an incredible range of conventional and unconventional herbs and food, including large and small scorpions, and a variety of turtles.

After working up a healthy hunger at Qing Ping or other markets, one can sample first-rate dim sum (the traditional tea cake dumplings of Cantonese cuisine) at elegant Beiyuan Restaurant (at the east end of Yuexiu Park).

Temples and more

Guangzhou has many lively temples, such as Liurong Temple (Temple of Six Banyan Trees, map), which also includes a 57-meter-high pagoda.

The next views show the temple of the Chen clan (map), which served both to worship ancestors and as a school for the family. It sports elaborate and jovial roof details.

Of great interest is also the nearby Huaisheng Mosque (map), shown next.

Finally, a view of the remarkable Museum of the Nan Yue King's Tomb (map): here a 2000-year-old tomb complex was unearthed and can be visited, together with a collection of precious items found in the tomb.