Buzz
Guangzhou is often synonymous with fashion and shopping, but many overlook its potential as a captivating travel destination. For those with a passion for exploration and adventure, Guangzhou offers unique experiences. If you have some spare time, securing a visa and booking budget-friendly flights can open the door to an unforgettable journey filled with remarkable discoveries.
Guangzhou is more than just a shopping paradise
Guangzhou, a sprawling metropolis in southern China, serves as the capital of Guangdong Province. In recent years, the city has experienced astonishingly rapid growth. This development has earned Guangzhou the reputation of being a global shopping paradise. Despite its swift progress, the city maintains a clean, modern, and peaceful atmosphere, free from the chaos often associated with fast-growing urban centers.
Visa Application
The first essential step is obtaining a visa. You will need a valid passport and a visa to gain entry permission from the Chinese embassy or consulate.
The process of obtaining a visa for China is straightforward. You only need a passport, 4-6 photos, and to fill out the required information to submit to the embassy for stamping (it usually takes about 4 days). By handling the visa application yourself, you can save approximately $6-8 in service fees.
Transportation Options to Guangzhou
Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, you can choose from various transportation methods to reach Guangzhou, including air travel, road trips, or train journeys.
+ Airplane:
There is no shortage of airlines offering affordable flights to Guangzhou
With the advancement and modernization of air travel, numerous airlines now operate flights to Guangzhou. For instance, when booking a flight to Guangzhou from Hanoi, you have dozens of options, including Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Direct flight tickets can cost as low as $124.
Guangzhou Airport is approximately 18km from the city center, and you can take a taxi into the city for around 100 yuan. If you plan to fly, it’s advisable to book your tickets early to avoid sold-out flights or steep price increases as the departure date approaches.
+ Traveling by Road: Opting for road travel offers a unique and exciting experience. You’ll need to arrive at the Mong Cai or Huu Nghi border gate to complete exit procedures. Keep in mind that China is one hour ahead of Vietnam, so plan your schedule carefully to avoid missing your ride.
Transportation within the city is diverse, including ferries, trams, buses, subways, and taxis. Tourists often prefer taxis for their convenience. Although taxis are more expensive than the subway, they are reasonably priced with fixed rates, eliminating concerns about overcharging. For trips from the suburbs to the city center, the subway costs around 3 yuan, while a taxi ride typically ranges from 30 to 35 yuan.
Language and Communication in Guangzhou
Communicating in Guangzhou is not difficult at all
The locals in Guangzhou speak Cantonese, which shares similarities with Vietnamese due to the influence of Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary. Therefore, feel free to express yourself as best as you can. For example, if you want to eat wonton noodles, simply saying 'wonton noodles' will likely be understood. The frequent interaction between Vietnamese visitors and locals has also made communication relatively smooth.
Discover the Beautiful Scenic Spots in Guangzhou
You might need several days to fully explore the beauty of this city. Guangzhou’s scenery is peaceful and carries a traditional charm. From its streets and docks to its rivers, the city exudes a romantic atmosphere. Some must-visit destinations include the Pearl River, Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Baomo Garden.
Baiyun Mountain, known as the 'Number One Scenic Spot of Yangcheng,' is a breathtaking natural masterpiece. It combines majestic mountain ranges, lush forests, ancient trees, fragrant flowers, and flowing streams, creating a captivating landscape.
Guangzhou boasts many modern scenic attractions
Yuexiu Park, the largest park in the city, is renowned for its stunning landscapes. It offers a delightful experience and the chance to explore ancient historical relics.
Lianhua Mountain is a famous tourist destination in Guangzhou that you shouldn’t miss. Located on a giant lion-shaped landform at the Pearl River estuary, about 30 km from Guangzhou, Lianhua Mountain is a scenic area that harmoniously blends ancient natural ruggedness with modern human-made sophistication.
Shopping in Guangzhou
If you visit Guangzhou without thinking about shopping, you’re missing out on half the trip. It’s safe to say that nowhere makes shopping as effortless as Guangzhou—step outside, and you’ll find bustling shops, stores, and supermarkets everywhere. Many Vietnamese visitors head to Baima Market for affordable knockoff goods, but for authentic items, it’s best to explore supermarkets and shopping malls.
What to Eat in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is also renowned as a culinary paradise. While Beijing is famous for its roast duck, Guangzhou’s version is a must-try delicacy. Imagine whole ducks roasted to perfection—crispy golden skin glazed with rich sauce, tender meat inside, and a natural sweetness that delights the palate.
Kungpao chicken, with its spicy kick, is an excellent choice for chicken lovers. The dish combines a hint of sweetness, a touch of heat, and the nutty aroma of peanuts, creating a flavor so addictive that you’ll keep coming back for more.
Guangzhou’s specialties leave a lasting impression
Chive cakes are a specialty of Guangzhou. The preparation is quite intricate—the cakes are first steamed and then pan-fried. The result is a delightful combination of crispiness on the outside, softness in the dough, and the aromatic fragrance of chives inside.
Don’t let preconceived notions limit your perspective of any place. Every destination has its unique charm and beauty. Travel, explore, and you’ll grow to love and understand the land even more. Mytour wishes you exciting and memorable journeys.
Friday, 29/07/2022 14:12
