Located at the heart of the flourishing Pearl River Delta area, Guangzhou is a major city of Southern China. As the capital of Guangdong province, the city is also one of the most important trading hubs in Mainland China with a population of around 10 million. Sprawling out over 7,400 square kilometers, Guangzhou has a 1,443 square kilometers downtown area which is home to four historic districts: Yuexiu, Liwan, Dongshan and Haizhu. The city also includes 10 new districts: namely Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Baiyun, Huangpu, Fangcun, Nansha, Luogang, Panyu and Huadu, and two county cities, Conghua and Zengchen.
A legend say there were five celestial beings riding goats with ears of grain in their mouths to come to Guangzhou. The riders gave the grain to the residents as a gift, wishing that the land would be free from famine forever. The celestial beings then flew away along the wind and transformed the five goats into stone statues when they left. Guangzhou is often known as Sui city ("the Rice-Ear City"), and "the Goat City" because of this legend. The fact that the Tropic of Cancer crosses through the north of the city means that Guangzhou is also frequently called "the Flower City" because of its temperate climate.
Guangzhou has been a prosperous commercial centre and an important trade and transportation hub since the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). Historically, it is also renowned as being the starting point of the sea silk road. As a major driver of China's recent economic revolution, the city has achieved a series of brilliant developmental successes. Guangdong Businessmen have been actively engaging in business activities throughout the country. Over the years, they have played a vital role in the steady advancement of the country's the economic infrastructure. Their major achievements include the setting up and running of the internationally renowned China Export Commodities Fair.
Guangzhou is famous for its centuries-old history and culture. Through visiting Guangzhou, you will find it is an energetic travel place where you can discover enchanting flavors and brilliant historical and cultural artifacts. No wonder the region's unique metropolitan ambience attracts visitors all over the world.
TIME ZONE
GMT/UTC +8 (Standard Time)
LANGUAGE
Mandarin (official)
CURRRENCY
Renminbi ('People's Money') (Yuan).
ELECTRICITY
220V 50Hz. Two-pin sockets are in use.
WEATHER
Climate: Subtropical seasonal climate, Spring is from March to mid-May and temperature and humidity rise, it is suitable to wear light coat or sweater; the average temperature is 23℃ and humidity is 82%. Summer is from May to mid-September, highest temperature is 33℃ and humidity is 90%, it is advisable to bring with umbrella. Autumn is from late September to early December, sweater and light coat is suitable at this time, average temperature and humidity are 23℃ and 72% respectively. Winter is from mid December to late February, the weather is cool and coat is necessary at times, average temperature and humidity is 17℃ and 72% respectively.A brief weather report on all major cities in China is available at http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/.
RATIO:
$1≈￥6.5
Due to the monetary restriction in China, please exchange currency at banks or hotels; but credit card is applicable in hotels, big restaurants and shops.
Phone Call for Other Service:
Time—117
Fire Alarm—119
Criminal—110
Emergency—120
Weather—121
Phone Number—114
Traffic Accident—122
Consumer Complaints—12315
For more Guangzhou details, please visit: www.gz.gov.cn