Entertainment in Guangzhou

Guangzhou also has a fabulous nightlife. Also, if you want to visit one of China’s colorful festivals, Guangzhou is a great alternative to Hong Kong.

Pearl River dinner cruise is a costly, but unforgettable dining experience. Seeing Guangzhou city from the river while dining is quite a sight. Tickets can bought at nicer hotels in the city. Though some travelers might find this expensive, it is a once in a lifetime kind of thing that most, if not all, people will find worth it. Hiring a smaller boat is also possible and probably cheaper if you have a group of people.

Overseas Chinese Village is a pricey but interesting place to get a drink. It is near the Holiday Inn. Bars line both sides of the street. Dancers and club-goers might find The Cave a good hangout spot. They have DJs and, later in the evening, some entertainment in the form of dance performances. The nearby Gipsy King Bar is also popular with foreign expats and visitors.

Eating at local restaurants might require either some language skills or a phrase book. However, many restaurants have picture menus available. Bigger restaurants have english speaking staff. Keep in mind that Cantonese people are known for eating every part of an animal, so be careful what you order. You can tell a smaller restaurant’s quality by how many guests it has (usually). The more people, the cleaner and better the food. This is not a foolproof method, but at least gives you an idea if a restaurant is worth a closer look.

Tee Mall is a happening and modern shopping venue. It’s worth a trip just to watch the goings-on. Guangzhou is the epicenter of globalization in China.

Chinese New Year is a time to find Guangzhou in a flurry of color and activity. This holiday takes place in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. There are parades, fireworks, and festivities for several days. Mid-autumn Festival is a good time for families with children. This festival is marked by lighting paper lanterns and eating small and sweet moon cakes. Visit a park to see the lanterns and appreciate the atmosphere.

If you want to stay indoors, Guangzhou is one of the few places in China that runs a n English language TV station. The programming might leave something to be desired by those used to HBO, but some of the cultural programming is interesting.

Guangzhou is a great place for entertainment or to just “party down.” There is a also enough culture and scenic surroundings to keep tourists busy for a week, or more.