The capital as well as the sub provincial city of the province of Guangdong in the southern China - Guangzhou is a historic, civilized, energetic city located to the north of the Pearl River Delta, and bordering the South China Sea, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Covering an area of roughly 8000 square kilometers, Guangzhou is not only a prominent trading center but also a busy port for foreign commerce. As the capital of the Guangdong, Guangzhou serves as the center of the economic, educational, political, cultural, and scientific center of the province. It is also the South China's socio-economic region.

The city is popularly known as China's South Gate, due to its strategic location at the meeting points of the three prominent rivers such as the Xijiang, the Dongjiang, and the Beijiang. During ancient times, Guangzhou served as the capital of the three important dynasties such as the Nan Yue, the Nan Yue, and the Nan Han. Hence, Guangzhou has been listed among the 24 much famed historical cultural cities, and hence is one of the world's most prominent tourist attractions.

Additionally, with its evergreen vegetation, breathtaking scenery, rare as well as colorful species of flowers, and excellent tropical climate, the city is alternatively known by different names such as Huacheng or the Flower City, Suicheng or the Rice-ear City, and Yangcheng or the Goat City.

Guangzhou is most popularly known as Canton in English speaking areas. Al though it is a city with a history dating back to more than 2000 years ago, it now boasts of all modern comforts, but at the same time retaining its traditional charm. Discussed further in this article are some of the top attractions in Guangzhou.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall - This is perhaps the most popular among of all the attractions in the city. Erected with the funds raised by the people of the Guangzhou people as well as the overseas Chinese, this memorial hall was built to commemorate Dr Sun Yat-sen, who is regarded as the father of the modern China. It is located at the original site of the presidential office of Dr Sun Yat-sen. Covering an area of about 12000 square meters, the hall was designed by the legendary architect, Lu Yanzhi, and in fact, is noted for its breathtaking exterior and magnificent interiors. One of the highlights of this memorial hall is a five-meter high bronze statue of Dr Sun Yat Sen. Now this hall is a venue for large scale meetings as well as performances.

Chen Family Temple - A visit to the city would not be complete without taking a tour to this 100-year-old temple. The temple was constructed with funds raised by the Chen families in more than 70 counties of the province. With a rectangular shape, the temple contains a main building, apart from more than 15 other buildings. Sprawling over an area of about 15000 square meters, the temple is noted for its exquisite architecture, which is a blend of stupendous carvings, beautiful stone and ash sculpture, and incredible carvings. In 1986, it was declared as a prominent cultural relic under the State's protection. This beautiful temple now stands as the symbol of the traditional architecture of the regions such as Guangdong and Guangxi.

Yuexiu Park - Built in 1952, this park is a must-see tourist spot. It is home to a number of beautiful lakes, pavilions, and pagodas. One of the prime attractions of this park is the Sculpture of Five Rams.

Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum - Situated on the road to Jiefang Bei, this museum is one of the world's most famous 80 museums. The museum is spread across an area of about 15,000 square meters, and consists of about 10 exhibition halls.

Liurong Temple - Also known as the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, it is one of the city's most popular Buddhist sites. This was first erected in 537 A.D.

Places of interest in Guangzhou also include Bright Filial Piety Temple, dating back to more than 1500 years ago; Zhenhai Tower, also known as the Five-Story Tower; and above all, a host of natural as well as man made attractions. Guangzhou also hosts festivals and fairs such as Spring Festival, International Labor Day and National Day, Spring Festival, and Canton Fair, which is the largest international trade fair in the country.

To sum it up, Guangzhou has everything to enthrall people touring the place. When comes to the accommodation, the place provides a number of options in the form of resorts, hotels, and boutique choices. Many of the top-end hotels in the region are complete with a host of amenities and comforts.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts http://www.shangri-la.com/ currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.