ELEVEN Guangdong scenic spots were chosen as the top tourism attractions at an appraisal organized by the Southern Metropolis Daily last week.

The paper selected the sites in a bid to give people options of places to go in the upcoming holidays.

The experts in charge of the appraisal included three geology and tourism professors from Guangzhou universities, the head of the Guangdong traveling association Li Cunxiu, three representatives from Guangdong travel agencies, an experienced traveler and two staff members of the newspaper.

Kaiping Watchtowers were chosen as the most attractive architecture group in the province. They were constructed by returned overseas Chinese in the 1920s and 1930s. To protect their families and properties, they built watchtowers using blueprints created by foreign architects with whom they contracted abroad. Thus, the Kaiping Watchtowers are in various architectural styles, including Greek, Roman, Gothic, Islamic, Baroque and Rococo.

It was the only cultural relics site in Guangdong that had the chance to enter the UNESCO world heritage list, experts in charge of the appraisal said. The application work began last year.

The experts said their standard mainly focused on the cultural, history and geological characteristics of the sites. Experts also said whether the sites were kept in a primitive state, unpolluted by human activities was an important factor. Rarity was also considered vital for the selection.

The newspaper said it would organize a tour to the sites in July.

Most attractive architectures -- Kaiping Watchtowers in Jiangmen

The most attractive mountain -- Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing, well known for its deep and serene gorges.

The most beautiful canyon -- Ruyuan Canyon, the largest in the province and with a navigable length longer than  10 kilometers. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most attractive waterfalls -- Panlong canyon, Deqing which has more than 100 waterfalls. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most beautiful street -- Zhuji Lane in Nanxiong, built more than 1,100 years ago. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most attractive lake -- Lake Huguangyan in Zhanjiang, a national geopark. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most mysterious cave -- The Huaiji Limestone Cave that attracts lots of canaries every year. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most attractive cay -- Xuwen Cay that boasts a large quantity of corals in an area of more than 10 kilometers.

The most beautiful island -- Nan'ao Island in Shantou, selected for its primitiveness. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

The most beautiful town -- Jinlin Ancient Town in Deqing, which has a history of more than 1,700 years.

The most attractive geological site -- Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan, a world geopark. >>Click to search the tourism attraction in our Guangdong Travel Guide

Editor: Wing