Guangzhou: a city with a European past. What to see in the capital of Guangdong?

Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton) was under British and, to some extent, French influence for a long time. It was the main port city through which all trade passed.
British influence is felt a bit more strongly here, since Guangzhou borders Hong Kong, which was also under British rule for more than a century and a half — a proximity that left its mark on the city's architecture. The same can't be said for the language, though: unlike in Hong Kong, English is spoken very poorly in Guangzhou.
Over the course of its history, Guangzhou has been through a lot — the Mongol conquest, the First Opium War, the Xinhai Revolution. Today it's the country's main industrial hub, with a population of more than 18 million people.

To see the city's colonial past, head to Shamian Island. This is where the British and French concessions used to be located, so many old mansions and cozy cafés have survived here. Shamian is a completely different Guangzhou — no skyscrapers, no wide avenues. It's a popular spot for locals to take photos, especially wedding shoots.

I'd recommend starting your acquaintance with the city right here.

The most recognizable building in Guangzhou, one of the tallest TV towers in the world, and the tallest in China: it stands over 600 meters high and can be spotted from many points around the city. What catches the eye about Canton Tower is primarily its structure — essentially just a mesh framework of steel tubes. Not a new technique, but the sheer scale makes it impressive.
The upper floors house observation decks and a horizontal Ferris wheel for thrill-seekers — the highest of its kind in the world.
In the evening the tower lights up with colorful illumination — you can watch the show from Huacheng Square.

Huacheng is the very center of the city and Guangzhou's business district. It's home to the IFC skyscraper, a library, the Guangdong Museum, and much more. The square itself stretches over 1.5 km, so there's plenty to walk and plenty to see. It's especially beautiful in the evening, when the building and pavement lights come on and locals head out for a jog.

Don't miss the library building — it looks incredibly futuristic!

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful shopping malls in Guangzhou. Inside you'll find not just boutiques but an art space with contemporary art installations.

It's also worth visiting for its two floors of restaurants, where you can find everything from Cantonese cuisine to Thai food.

Across from the opera house is the Guangdong Museum — also quite an unusual building, shaped like a cube with a puzzle pattern. Inside, the museum showcases local art and various historical artifacts. Admission is free, as is the case with most regional museums in China.

Cantonese cuisine is one of the least spicy in China, with an emphasis on seafood and various types of dim sum. You can get acquainted with Cantonese cuisine in Guangzhou at the Diandude and Taotaoju restaurant chains.

Guangzhou unfairly remains in the shadow of Beijing and Shanghai among tourists, but I highly recommend visiting this city, where colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and beautiful nature blend so unusually. If you're planning a trip here, you could combine it with a visit to Shenzhen — the contrast will be striking.