Guangzhou is famous as a premier global trading hub, particularly for hosting the massive twice-yearly Canton Fair, and as the birthplace of world-renowned Cantonese cuisine and culture. As China's third-largest city, it serves as a major manufacturing powerhouse, economic center, and a historic, vibrant metropolis that blends deep-rooted traditions with modern skyscrapers.
Sights and landmarks, natural parks, and great shopping are just some of its many attractions. It's a great choice for history enthusiasts and art and culture lovers, and is one of the best gourmet destinations in the south of China.
Home to around 18 million residents, Guangzhou boasts a GDP per capita of approximately ¥165,000 (US$23,500) and per capita disposable income exceeding ¥71,000 in 2022, placing it among China's top five cities for resident wealth.
GUANGZHOU IS SO MODERN! | A Canadian's First Time To China
How many millionaires are in Guangzhou?
Beijing (125,600 millionaires), Shanghai (123,400), Shenzhen (50,300), Guangzhou (24,500), and Hangzhou (31,600) have all recorded significant increases in their millionaire populations over the past decade.
One should better avoid visiting Guangzhou during the Chinese New Year holiday in late January or early to middle February, or the Chinese National Day Holiday from Oct. 1st to 7th. Otherwise tourists may feel upset by the expensive accommodation charge and the crowded scenic spots.
In Guangzhou, Africans are generally engaged in commerce, visiting or residing in the city because of its wholesale trading markets supplied by nearby factories.
As a modern, tech-savvy city, Guangzhou is also a great place for buying electronics, such as latest smartphones, tablets, household appliances or gadgets. The prices here are often more affordable. Guangzhou's electronic markets are perfect for those on the hunt for tech deals.
Story time did you know that Guangzhou is called Little Africa because from the early 90's many West African merchants or traders started visiting and doing businesses here . There are about 500,000 Africans in Guangzhou. The city has a lake called Liwan and a park liwanhu that is serene .
Why is Guangzhou also known as Canton? Guangzhou has served as a doorway for foreign influence since the 3rd century CE and was the first Chinese port to be regularly visited by European traders, who called it Canton.
Shanghai stands as one of Asia's most luxurious cities, where futuristic skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and high-end shopping districts define its skyline.
The pyramid shows that: half of the world's net wealth belongs to the top 1%, top 10% of adults hold 85%, while the bottom 90% hold the remaining 15% of the world's total wealth, top 30% of adults hold 97% of the total wealth.
It really depends on what you're going to do with that $100. If you're living a western style of life with food, $100 US in the cities would be like $120 US maybe? It'll stretch out a little. But if you're eating like the locals, buying groceries and the like, this can be a small fortune.
Locals in Guangzhou tend to be polite but direct. They won't beat around the bush, but they're usually friendly once you show interest or make an effort. Volume-wise, people here speak at a medium tone—not too loud, but you might hear livelier conversations at restaurants 🍲.
For daily snacks and fast food, the cost for breakfast, lunch and dinner are CNY 5- 15, 25 – 45 and 20 – 50 per person separately. If you want to taste the special local cuisines, it will take about CNY 30 – 90 in ordinary restaurants and CNY 80 – 120 in high-end restaurants.
Clothing: From 9 am to 6 pm, wear shorts or skirts and T-shirts. T-shirts and trousers are proper for the time between 7:00pm to 8:00am in the next morning. It is recommended to take sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, sun protective clothing, sun umbrella, etc. for outdoor activities.
