Guangzhou

Known in the west as Canton, Guangzhou has always been the capital of Guangdong Province. Together with Hong Kong in the Cantonese-speaking area, people of Guangdong find Hong Kong's life most acceptable. They have learned things quickly from Hong Kong, especially after China opened up the doors in late 1970s.

Guangdong people are famously aggressive and noisy. Many visitors to this province however, find this kind of enthusiasm refreshing and passionate as opposed to threatening. As a matter of fact, this attitude of the Cantonese people is believed to have laid out the foundations for the revolutionary belief that the city has harbored in the past. The revolutionary sights are among the more interesting aspects of Guangdong and the Communist Party Academy is a fascinating insight into the foundations of the PRC's political party.

There is also a colonial side to Guangzhou that has a relaxed and laid back feeling to it. Many of the buildings and churches on Shamian Island are well maintained and rather pretty, especially compared to the high rises and granite buildings on the other side of the river.

Perhaps the best thing about Guangzhou, however, is eating. The Chinese saying "Born in Suzhou, eat in Guangzhou and die in Liuzhou" gives a proper meaning that they have some nice there in Guangzhou (Apparently of you are born in Suzhou you have a beautiful mother, and if you die in Liuzhou you get the finest coffin!). Eating is certainly the main pleasure for the local residents and there are hundreds of good restaurants serving up authentic Cantonese cuisine. The atmosphere in many of these places is great and unlike the city itself-lively, friendly and very noisy.