Hanging out in Guangzhou

There's a local saying here, "Guangzhou natives eat everything on land except the cars, everything on water except the ships, and everything in the air except the planes". Another goes, "Shanghai is for the new, Beijing is for the old, Guangzhou is for those who live in the now and just want to eat". The local pastime is obviously eating. I never saw a single street without at least three restaurants, snack kiosks, and drink vendors. In most restaurants, your food is alive less than 15 minutes before you eat it, and you personally order from the cage or tank. Vegetarians need not apply.

Quick Tips:

Great English language resource: Guangzhou Today (monthly) lists activities, nightlife, restaurants, and accommodations. Usually distributed free in clubs or bars. No need for discount coupons, everything is insanely cheap, but do watch out for thieves, who can be EXTREMELY aggressive. Also, always bargain before you buy; taxis, boutiques etc. will usually drop their price a little.

Best Way To Get Around:

The subway is nearly brand new, and by 2005 the entire network will be completed. The bus system is a bit unreliable, but expansive and cheap (2 yuan). The system is cheap (max fare = 5 yuan), very efficient, and surprisingly clean. Taxis are abundant and convenient, but can be excruciatingly cold (AC) and have been known to take tourists on unnecessary detours to hike up fare. Motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks are far cheaper, but also more dangerous, since drivers are shameless about flouting speed limits and stoplights. Walking is an uncomfortable option; Guangzhou is extremely hot, extremely polluted, and extremely spread out. Don't bother renting a car, the traffic is horrendous and driving under 60 mph seems to be rare.

Five-star Hotel, with indoor waterfall falling into a koi pond, level of high-end gift shops, several levels of restaurants, two swimming pools, looks out over the Pearl River, noticed many Western couples picking up adopted Chinese babies here.

Once you reach the top, there's a landing where you can see the entire city of Guangzhou. You're supposed to whisper a prayer/wish, and it's supposed to come true. It's usually very muggy, and the road can be steep at times.

About 4 blocks of sidewalk and small shops tucked into alleyways. Separated from Shamian Island by a freeway. Can find anything from deer feet and tails, to dried seahorses/scorpions/turtles, to 'daisy patties', to giant mushrooms, and a gigantic assortment of other herbs. It's a wholesale market, but you can buy individual items for about 15-45 RMB/yuan usually.