Guide for foreigners to arrange their first trip to Guangzhou

I. Preparation before traveling

1.  Visa and invitation letter

a. Visa: Foreign tourists need a valid visa to visit China. Please apply for a tourist visa in advance at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country and check the validity of the visa and the number of entries. Make sure the visa information is consistent with the travel plan.

b. Invitation letter: If visiting Guangzhou through a specific organization or event, an invitation letter may be required. For example, if you are attending an event such as the 2024 China International Cultural, Commercial and Tourism Branding Conference, you should obtain an official invitation or confirmation letter in advance.

2.  Airline tickets

a. Book air tickets in advance for better price and seat selection. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a major international airport with several international flights.

b. Use online platforms such as Ctrip to find and book air tickets, and keep an eye out for special offers and discounts.

3.  Hotels

a. Book hotels in advance, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. Guangzhou has a wide selection of hotels, ranging from budget to high-end luxury.

b. Consider transportation accessibility and choose a hotel near a metro station or major attraction. For example, hotels near Huangsha subway station are convenient for visiting Yongqingfang and Shamian.

4.  Other Preparations

a. Documents and papers: Make sure your passport is valid for a long enough period of time and prepare the necessary travel documents.

b. Communication: Purchase a local SIM card or set up an international roaming service, download maps, translations and payment applications.

c. Health and Safety: Check if vaccinations are required, carry common medications, and purchase travel insurance.

d. Currency and Payment: Although mobile payment is common, it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash in case of emergency.

II. Recommended Experiences in Traveling

1.  Recommended Attractions in Guangzhou

a. Baiyun Mountain: beautiful natural scenery, suitable for hiking and sightseeing.

b. Pearl River Night Cruise: Take a cruise at night and enjoy the sparkling night view of both sides of the Pearl River.

c. Walking Street of Upper and Lower Jiu and Walking Street of Beijing Road: experience the bustling commercial atmosphere and traditional culture of Guangzhou.

d. Guangzhou Tower (Little Barbarian Waist): Climb up and look down on the whole city.

e. Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shihlu and Chen Family Ancestral Hall: Experience the religious and architectural culture of Guangzhou.

2.  Recommended Guangzhou Cuisine

a. Famous dishes: Cantonese style roasted suckling pig, eight treasures winter melon stew, Sham Tseng roasted goose, white cut chicken.

b. Snacks: Dry Fried Beef River, Boat Congee, Shrimp Dumplings, Barbecued Pork Buns.

c. Morning Tea Culture: In Guangzhou, you may want to try morning tea in the morning and enjoy a variety of snacks and refreshments.

III. Things to know when traveling in Guangzhou

1.  Weather in Guangzhou

Guangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot and rainy summers and mild and dry winters. Prepare appropriate clothing according to the travel time. Wear light and breathable clothing in summer and bring a jacket in winter.

2.  Transportation in Guangzhou

a. Subway: Guangzhou has a well-developed subway network, which is one of the main ways to travel.

b. Public transportation: there are many bus lines covering the whole city.

c. Taxi and internet taxi: convenient and fast, but be aware of possible congestion during peak hours.

d. Walking and cycling: Many attractions and commercial areas in Guangzhou are suitable for walking and cycling tours.

3.  Precautions

a. Accommodation Registration: Temporary accommodation registration is required within 24 hours of entry to avoid penalties.

b. Compliance: Overstaying is not permitted. If you need to extend your stay, you need to apply in advance.

c. Health and quarantine: Bringing animals, plants, currency and other items is subject to health and quarantine.

d. Safety: Pay attention to the safety of personal belongings and follow traffic rules.

e. Cultural Respect: Understand and respect local culture and customs to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

With the above detailed preparations and precautions, foreign travelers can ensure that their first trip to Guangzhou is both safe and enjoyable.