To short on time and money to travel, and looking for something to brighten up your life in Guangzhou?

Here are five hot spots for you visit in Guangzhou, to brighten up your commute, to give you a hit of adrenaline, to bring China’s past to life, and to let you unwind after a long week at work working the 9-9-6 grind!

China’s most beautiful metro station

Last April, Nansha Passenger Port station and the Guangdong Times Museum ‘Art on Track’ project were selected as 'the most beautiful metro station in China'. Guangzhou also features a stunning riverside tram route, have you taken it yet?

The following two locations should be on everyone's must-visit list.

Nansha Passenger Port station (South extension of Line 4)

The ocean, ships, seagulls.... the whole station is decorated on a maritime theme, symbolising Guangzhou’s role as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Nansha Passenger Port station. [Photo: Nanfang Daily]

Guangzhou Tram

The current tram route is regarded as the most beautiful public transport route in Guangzhou. Out of the tram window, you have a fantastic view of Huacheng Square, Liede Bridge and as well as city icons, such as the Canton tower, Pazhou Pagoda, Guangzhou Exhibition Park, Zhujiang and the Party Pier Beer Culture & Art Zone.

Guangzhou Tram. [Photo: Nanfang Daily]

Baiyun Zip Line

The zip line connects the Moxing Peak of Baiyun Mountain with the Huangpodong Reservoir. The longest zip line in China, it takes one hour to walk the whole route through the mountains, however, only two minutes by zip line. Hurtling on the zip line you will reach a maximum speed of more than 120 kilometers per hour, with a drop more than 200 meters. Definitely one for adrenaline junkies!

Baiyun Zip Line. [Photo: Nanfang Daily]

The ‘Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival’ digital art exhibition

A digitalised version of the iconic Chinese painting ‘Up and down the river at Qingming Festival’ is on display in Guangzhou between November 20th, 2019 and February 10th, 2020.

The exhibition is a great destination for people of all ages. Children will especially enjoy the Song Dynasty Dreamworld, an interactive zone teaching visitors about ancient Song Dynasty culture through a fun, hands-on experience, hand fan drawing, new year painting, lantern riddles, all forms of traditional culture.

[Photo provided to Newsgd.com]

Period: November 20th, 2019 - February 10th, 2020

Opening hours: 10:00-21:00 (closed on Mondays of the second and fourth weeks every month)

Entrance ticket: 98 RMB (adult), 68 RMB (student), free for children under one meter

Venue: Guangzhou International Media Harbor (广州国际媒体港)

Nearby metro station: Exit B, Canton Tower Station, Line 3

Note: Explanations are provided in both Chinese and English

Sunac Snow Park

Last year saw the opening of Guangzhou’s first indoor ski resort! When you are feeling envious of your friends enjoying the snow in the north of China on your WeChat Moments and still sweating in shirtsleeves in Guangzhou, cool off at Sunac Snow Park!

Sunac Snow Park. [Photo: Nanfang Daily]

Beautiful Conghua

The natural hot springs are the treasure of Conghua. In the daytime, you can enjoy the picturesque countryside scenery. At night, the resort lights form an enchanting twinkling carpet in the hills.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 23, 2017 at Conghua Hot Spring Town. [Photo: Nanfang Daily]

The 2019 Guangzhou Cultural Industry Fair selected the above five attractions and the following five events: Tianhe Road light show to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 2019 Guangzhou International Light Festival, the 2019 Guangzhou International Marathon, Lijiao’s renovation to become Haizhu Innovation Bay and the 2019 Shangtianhe Culture Season, as the top 10 cultural highlights of 2019.

The 57-day long Fair concluded in Guangzhou on December 31st, 2019. More than 100 exhibitions were held during the fair, attracting over one million visitors. The fair yielded a total of 2.518 billion RMB in direct or anticipated revenue, an increase of 14.5% year on year. After three years of development, the Guangzhou Culture Industry Fair has become a signature event in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Authors: Monica Liu, Hannah Zhou

Editor: Simon Haywood