DAY 1
We checked out of our hotel at about 8.30 am and started to make our way to the High-Speed Rail station at West Kowloon Station.
From the last MTR station, we returned our Octopus cards to the counter and refunded the balance.
From Kowloon station, we followed the directional signs and headed towards the High-Speed Rail station.
After 10 minutes, we arrived at the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station.
Over here, you can buy train tickets and check the schedules.
At West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station, the Hong Kong Departure Hall and China Immigration are located within the same building.
After passing through the Hong Kong Departure, follow the sign to China Immigration.
After the immigration, there are some Duty-Free shops along the way towards the train platform.
There was a big waiting area at the Departure Hall.
Remember to check the schedule board and wait near the correct gate.
When the time approaches, the signboard will display the information and an announcement will be made. By the way, for foreigners, our passports were our train tickets. We had to scan our passports at the entry counter.
The section and seat numbers were made known to us during the purchase. So we looked for the correct train section on the platform.
The seat numbers were displayed on top of the seat. You can also place luggage smaller than 24 inches on the top compartment. There are spaces at the entrance for larger luggage.
The reclining seats were comfortable and spacious enough for the journey.
We arrived at Guangzhou South Station after 1 hour.
At the Metro station, we bought Metro cards for our next few day’s journey.
Standard card: Containing ￥20 refundable deposit; recharges paid in ￥50 or its multiples; ￥500 to ￥1000 maximum load.
The station and the metro itself were clean and spacious.
At Guangzhou Railway station, we bought the train tickets for Guangzhou to Shengzhen.
Outside the Guangzhou Railway station.
Our hotel was a short 10-minute walk away.
The hotel was new and the lobby was very clean.
During our stay, we met this robot many times as it went up and down the hotel performing its tasks.
The room here is much bigger and newer than in Hong Kong.
Our opened concept wardrobe.
From the hotel, we walked to 天马国际时装城
They sell clothing and accessories inside.
We stopped by 九龙冰室 for a Tea Break.
These were what we ordered.
We continued walking inside 白马服装市场.
The thing that hit us as we were walking on the street was the amount of Electric scooters in Guangzhou. They came at you left right and center. Especially on the pedestrian walkway or at the crossing. Many of them do not adhere to the traffic regulations and sped through red lights or against the flow of traffic. They also like to ride on the walkway. As a pedestrian, we had to keep a constant lookout for them so as not to be hit by them.
As for the metro, the stations themselves were mostly clean and organized. Please be informed that all bags had to go through an airport-styled X-ray machine before you are allowed into the station proper. Therefore do not bring any flammable liquids, shard objects, pressurized cans, etc.
To head to the most popular food streets in Guangzhou, take the Metro to Chaihongqiao Station (彩虹桥) and proceed to Exit A for Xihua Lu (西华路).
Xihua Lu is renowned for its culinary scene, with numerous restaurants and street food vendors serving delicious Cantonese cuisine and other regional specialties. From savory dim sum to aromatic barbecue skewers, there’s something to satisfy every palate along this vibrant street.
In addition to its shopping and dining options, Xihua Lu is home to several cultural landmarks and attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s history by exploring historic temples, museums, and architecture, or soak in the bustling atmosphere and vibrant street life.
Our pick tonight was this Yong He Restaurant (雍和酒家).
This restaurant is very popular with the locals for its good taste and reasonable price.
The portion here was very huge, we couldn’t finish just these two dishes.
DAY 2
Our first destination for day 2 was Yuexiu Park. (越秀公园).
Spanning approximately 860,000 square meters, it is renowned for its picturesque natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy strolling through gardens, admiring lakes, and taking in mountain views while exploring historic landmarks such as the Five Rams Sculpture and the remnants of the ancient city wall on Yuexiu Mountain. Additionally, the park serves as a popular recreational hub for locals, offering opportunities for activities like morning exercises and square dancing.
The Five Rams Sculpture (五羊石雕).
The next stop for our journey today was the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (六榕寺).
Originally built in 537 during the Liang Dynasty, the temple has a rich history spanning over a thousand years.
One of the most striking features of the temple is its Flower Pagoda (花塔), a magnificent structure that stands 57 meters tall. Constructed in 1097 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the pagoda is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, making it a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.
Within the temple complex, visitors can explore various halls and pavilions, each housing precious Buddhist relics, statues, and artifacts. The temple is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the famous Six Banyan Trees after which it is named.
10 minutes’ walk away was our lunch venue.
Hot water and Tea were always the first things being served as we sat down.
These were what we ordered.
With a bursting belly, we walked around the neighborhood.
We continued our journey to Wanguo Outlet (万国奥特莱斯).
Many of the popular brands can be found here.
We had been using the Metro till now, so we decided to try their bus service.
The cleanliness of the bus was acceptable.
And we arrived at Haizhu River. (海珠).
Spanning approximately 23 kilometers, the Haizhu River meanders through the urban landscape of Guangzhou, dividing the city into its eastern and western sections. Along its banks, you’ll find a mix of modern skyscrapers, residential areas, parks, and cultural landmarks, reflecting the dynamic nature of Guangzhou’s development.
Cruises along the Pearl River offer visitors a unique perspective of Guangzhou’s skyline, showcasing the city’s blend of ancient culture and modern development. Illuminated by colorful lights at night, the river transforms into a dazzling spectacle, earning it the nickname “the Pearl of the Orient.”
The Haizhu River has undergone extensive revitalization efforts in recent years, with the creation of waterfront promenades, parks, and recreational areas. These developments have transformed the riverfront into a vibrant public space where locals and visitors can relax, exercise, and enjoy leisure activities.
Those interested in riding on the cruise can purchase their tickets from this building’s Self-Serving Ticket Machine.
From the river bank, we took a short walk towards TeeMall (天河城).
As we were walking, we saw this restaurant.
We decided to try their Coconut Chicken Hotpot. It was something different from other hotpots we had eaten. The stock was made with pure coconut water. The soup tasted sweet but less flavourful. And the free-range chicken they used was too tough for my liking.
Their coconut pudding dessert was delicious.
After dinner, we took the metro back to the hotel and called it a day.
