Pearl River

» Guangzhou, Guang Dong

Pearl River Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The Pearl River in Guangzhou City is the largest river in south China and is the third largest river in China with a length of 2,214 kilometers (about 1,376 miles). The name Pearl River is said to derive from a huge boulder in the river bed. This rock, with the name of "Sea Pearl," is so round and smooth that it looks like a large, shining pearl.

Spanning eight provinces, the Pearl River consists of four river systems, West River, North River, East River and Liuxi River. The four rivers meet in Guangzhou, form a large estuary between Hong Kong and Macao, and flow into the South China Sea. The river links Guangzhou to Hong Kong and the South China Sea, is one of China's most important waterways, and is one of the centers of its world trade. Pearl River Delta has a network of rivers, fertile soil, abundant natural resources and a sense population.

Enjoy the scenery along the river

Today, with the modern development of Guangzhou, ten bridges span the Pearl River. Along both banks of the river, high-rise buildings such as star-grade hotels and modern shopping malls stand in great numbers. Passing through such a prosperous city, the Pearl River, unlike other rivers displaying only natural beauty, boasts the type of scenery that only belongs to a modern urban area. The Pearl River is like a ribbon that connects the historical sites and beautiful scenery along the river and shows people both the modern culture and the historical legacy of Guangzhou City.

Night scene

When night falls, the Pearl River immediately starts to look more interesting. The bridges, decorated by colorful shining neon lights, seem like fantastic rainbows spanning the river. On both banks, the nightlife of the city awakens. It becomes gorgeous with a blaze of lights. The water in the river reflects the magnificent lights in shimmering patterns. Cruise ships full of tourists ply the waters at a leisurely pace. Visitors enjoy the gentle cool breeze and soak up the colorful night view. The night scene on the Pearl River is almost on a par with Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong.

Scenery Corridor

During the day, people can walk the "Scenery Corridor" alongside the river, enjoying the beautiful water scenes. The corridor, about 23 kilometers (14 miles) long, is actually a dike built especially for appreciating the scenery. In addition to the attractive water scenes along the Pearl River, people can also find historic and artistic buildings in Guangzhou including the Huangpu Military Academy (the first military academy in Chinese history), the Xinghai Concert Hall (which boasts an unusual elegant appearance), the Historic Site in Shamian (which includes hundreds of buildings in different architectural styles), and Tianzi Dock (which was used for greeting officials hundreds of years ago).

The Pearl River in Guangzhou City is picturesque, adorned by charming views along the river. A cruise along the Pearl River in Guangzhou City has become a must for visitors to Guangzhou. Whether you choose a daytime or an evening cruise, it will be a highlight of your trip.

Pearl River Night Cruise

One can not be considered to have visited Guangzhou if he hasn't cruised the scenic Pearl River. Views along the Pearl River in Guangzhou City are charming and gentle. Historical sites and unique architecture scattered along the Pearl River are numerous and are a goodly reflection of the Guangzhou culture. Among them are architectures in Shamian where converge a number of ancient architectures from various countries, the White Goose Pool that is one of the eight most famous scenes in Guangzhou, and ten characteristic bridges. View more scenes along the Pearl River.

Architecture in Shamian

Architecture in Shamian is a group of ancient architecture of different countries. Built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), Shamian is a small island flanked by the Pearl River with the White Goose Pool to the south. Tourists have chances to admire the various styles of architecture - including classic, baroque, Gothic. Also many churches, foreign firms, post offices, hotels and other structures are scattered on the island. Because of its unique architecture,

White Goose Pool

The White Goose Pool is regarded as one of the eight famous attractions in Guangzhou. It features in a beautiful legend and is also famous for its charming landscape. The pool is the widest place for the river in Guangzhou and the water here is deep and torrential. During some important festivals many celebrated activities are held on the White Goose Pool.

Night Cruise Introduction

Compared with the daytime cruise on the Pearl River, the night cruise is even more fascinating under the sparkling lights. The night cruise starts from the White Goose Pool and ends at the Guangzhou Bridge in the east and Baihedong (White Crane Cave) in the south. This section offers visitors vistas such as "Night Moon over the Goose Pool" and "Red Heart of the Pearl River." Every visitor will be captivated by the beauty of the Pearl River during this two-hour evening cruise.

Attractions around » Guangzhou, Guang Dong

Natural Scene

• Pearl River

Historical Site

• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Chen Family Temple

Cultural Site

• Yuexiu Park
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Diaolou and Villages of Kaiping
• Chen Family Temple

Pearl River Highlights

River & Waterfall in Great China

• Li River
• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Huangguoshu Waterfall
• Huangpu River
• Jiuquxi River
• Pearl River
• Shennong Stream
• Mengdonghe River
• Jinbian Stream
• The First Bend of the Yangtze
• Small Three Gorges
• Hukou Waterfall
• Qinhuai River
• Qiantang River
• Detian Waterfall
• Burqin River
• Yalu River Scenic Spot
• Grand Canal

Pearl River FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. How are the four seasons like in Guangzhou and when is the best time to go?

  Transportation

1. Noitce this when you take a taxi.

  Customs

1. What about the interesting festivals there?

  Other Hints

1. Here are some facts aboutCanton Fair.
2. Warning about Canton Fair
3. Dos and Don'ts to Stay Safe
4. Can I see any English channel there?
5. Beware of dangerous little girls
6. Ignore some cheap deals
7. Emergency numbers:

• How are the four seasons like in Guangzhou and when is the best time to go?

  Guangzhou is located in China's subtropical area with an all-year pleasant climate. Guangzhou's spring is humid and rainy; summer is a little hot with occasional typhoons. Temperature in autumn is very moderate, cool and windy. The good weather of autumn often lasts to November and December; the period from October to December is the best travel time. Winter is a little chilly but short. Sweaters are sufficient.

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• Noitce this when you take a taxi.

  Business names and addresses are also in Chinese. Print them out and show them to the taxi drivers. Most drivers do not speak English; many not even Cantonese.

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• What about the interesting festivals there?

  Besides traditional Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival, New Year, International Labor Day and National Day, Guangzhou celebrates some local festivals, such as the Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice) Day, on the 21st, 22nd or 23rd of the twelfth Chinese lunar month, is the important festival that Guangzhou people pay much attention to. Cantonese people consider this day as a family reunion day.

  In addition to local festivals, as a big city, Guangzhou also hosts international conferences and activities, of which the Canton Fair is the most influential

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• Here are some facts about Canton Fair.

  The Chinese Export Commodities Fair or Canton Fair originated in the spring of 1957. It is held biannually every spring and autumn in Guangzhou. This fair is the largest comprehensive international trade fair in China with the longest history, highest level, largest scale and the most merchants. It is held in Pazhou Exhibition Hall, Xingang Dong Lu, Haizhu District and Liuhua Lu Exhibition Hall, No. 117, Liuhua Lu.

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• Warning about Canton Fair

  The last two weeks of April and October (April 15-30 and October 15-30) coincide with the annual Guangzhou International Trade Fairs. Hotel room rates are unreasonably hiked up anything from 200% to 400%, including hostels! If you're not travelling to see the Trade Fair, you might want to consider another period of time.

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• Dos and Don'ts to Stay Safe

  Firearms are banned in the country except for police and military use, but the streets can still be dangerous for the unwary. Due to the enormous number of people from other mainland provinces flocking to Guangzhou in the hope of finding jobs (often unsuccessfully), the area surrounding the main train station has gained a notorious reputation for being chaotic, unsafe and rampant with petty crimes. Pickpockets are especially active here. In recent years, armed (large blades, knives, and such) robberies in the open and abductions which result in first degree murders have been on the rise in the city. Just bear in mind, when people become desperate, they will do anything to get what they want. If you are getting robbed, do not expect the crowd to help. And if they are armed, do not fight back. The best defense, as always, is common sense:

  • Do not flash your valuables in public.
  • Do not wander around by yourself late at night and remain alert at all times.
  • Use only official taxis and get advice from the government-run tourist office.

  With its vast, ever-increasing population, there will always be people (mostly from out of town) who just seem to be hanging around. Those unaccustomed to this may feel intimidated, especially Westerners who get stared at a lot. However, please remember that rural Chinese are not used to seeing a "Gwai Lo" (a Westerner), so their stares are merely out of interest, and should not be taken as something rude or offensive. In this respect, it is important to be aware that three out of 10 people in Guangzhou are migrants from other provinces.

  Traffic accident rates in Guangzhou (or China for that matter) are significantly higher than those of other countries. Use extra caution when crossing streets; use pedestrian bridges and tunnels whenever possible. Like everywhere else in China, cars do not yield to pedestrians. Instead, drivers automatically expect pedestrians to yield to them. So in most cases, they don't stop until it's too late. Due to the high number of traffic accidents and crimes involving motorcycles, they will be totally banned in Guangzhou starting in 2007. Once the most important mode of transportation in China, bicycles will be also limited to certain roads within the city.

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• Can I see any English channel there?

  Guangzhou Television (GZTV) has an English channel, offering entertainment and cultural programs. There are two English channels from Hong Kong, 'Pearl' and 'ATV World', available in most hotels, offer a great selection of prime time shows from US and UK.

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• Beware of dangerous little girls

  Beware of little girls selling flowers along the embakment of the Pearl River especially at the entrance of the Pier where you join the Pearl River Cruise. They will cling onto your legs and won't let go until a ransom is paid.

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• Ignore some cheap deals

  never be taken in by cheap offer of coach transport, only buy tickets from the window counter. don't be misled by the pictures of coaches display. you may not get what you see and pay for.

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• Emergency numbers:

  • Police: 110
    
  • Fire: 119
    
  • Medical: 120
    
  • Traffic accident: 122

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