Guangzhou, China is known as the South Gate of China. It is a prosperous, metropolitan city, and the capital of Guangdong. Located in the middle of the Guangdong Province, it is located north of the Pearl River Delta. One of the first "open" cities in China, its population has grown enormously. Along with its population, Guangzhou's economy has grown as well.

Rich in history, Guangzhou has been the capital city for three Chinese dynasties. Tourism is an important industry in the region today, and there are many important historic and cultural sites that attract visitors from around the world.

The main tourist areas and metropolitan areas are in the northern part of the city. Some popular pilgrimage sites, churches, mosques and temples include:

Guangxiao Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Zen Buddhists. There is also one of the oldest Muslim mosques in China located within the city of Guangzhou. Built in 627, the Huaisheng Mosque is not open to the public. Another historic church, the Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of the oldest church structures in Guangzhou.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Flowering Pagoda at Liurong Temple which dates back to the 6th century. Serene and beautiful, this well-preserved, seventeen-story pagoda is justifiably famous.

An interesting part of Guangzhou's history is found on Shamian Island. This small island was, for several hundred years, the only place in China that allowed European settlements. Its architecture is very unique to the area.

The Chinese Medicine Market is an unusual spot located across from Shamian. The front looks like any other modern market, but it is built on a network of ancient, narrow alleys. Shops selling traditional Chinese herbs are located behind the modern exterior.

Another historic site to see is the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial, dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China and the Huangpu Military which was founded him. Sun Yat-Sen was a local hero, and this memorial is a popular destination.

Museums and galleries are found throughout Guangzhou. The Guangzhou City Art Museum is home to a collection of over 10,000 pieces of art, much of it traditional Chinese paintings and sculpture. For more contemporary art, be sure to visit the Guangdong Museum of Art. Its collection includes an impressive collection of contemporary Chinese art.

Political history is a major theme in many Guangzhou museums and historic sites. Among the more interesting are the Guangzhou Uprising Museum which commemorates the site of the first Communist government building in the city and the Peasant Movement Institute, which was founded by Mao Tse-tung as a Communist training center.

Fairs and festivals are an important year-round part of Chinese culture, and Guangzhou presents several seasonal celebrations. One of the largest and most important is the Chinese New Year Spring Festival is a fifteen-day celebration of the first lunar month. Colorful and fun, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place in May or June. It commemorates a poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself as a protest against the government. Dragon boats race on the Pearl River during this festival. In the fall, Cantonese Moon Cakes are the highlight of the Mid-autumn Festival. Paper lanterns and ferry rides complete the celebration. Even the coming of winter has a celebration - the Winter Solstice features large feasts of duck, sausage and flour dumpling soup.

There is much to see and do in the fascinating city of Guangzhou. It is a vital city, and a worthwhile destination for any visitor to China.

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